Everything you need to know about the magnetization of watches

• What is magnetization?

Magnetization refers to the harmful influence of magnetic fields on the functioning of a watch. Magnetic fields are caused by smartphones, digital tablets, induction hobs, speakers, televisions, etc. 

• The effects of magnetization on your watch.

In our time, we are increasingly exposed to magnetic fields of all kinds, and our watches are in constant contact with them. These waves will not damage your timepiece, but rather It can damage its function and accuracy. As soon as a watch enters a magnetic field, this disturbance causes the mechanism to advance or stop completely. Depending on the strength of the magnetic field, your watch will be more or less affected. Low exposure will slightly disrupt the timekeeping of your watch, making it less accurate. Conversely, if your watch is exposed to a strong magnetic field, it can alter its movement, or even stop it in some cases.

• Magnetization opposite the Quartz or automatic movement.

Mechanical watches, whether hand-wound or automatic, are more susceptible to this magnetization problem. Indeed, watches with mechanical movements have certain metallic components, such as the balance spring or mainspring, which can attract each other magnetically and subsequently cause the mechanism to malfunction. The effects of magnetism on a mechanical watch can persist over time, and your watch may continue to gain time. quartz watches are also sensitive to waves, but they resume functioning once they are removed from the magnetic field. Thus, magnetization tends to impact a automatic watch quickly and over the long term, whereas a quartz watch goes out of adjustment more slowly and this malfunction is most often temporary.

How to demagnetize your watch?

To determine if your watch is magnetized, simply place it next to a compass. If it is magnetized, the compass needle will be completely disoriented. A watch that loses accuracy, has an irregular ticking sound, or suddenly starts running fast, slow, or stop abruptly is a magnetized watch. But what should you do in this case?

To demagnetize your watch, we invite you to bring it to our Charlie Paris store. With our demagnetizer, it only takes a few minutes to correct the magnetism. Demagnetizing a watch involves exposing it to an opposing magnetic field to neutralize its effects and restore its proper function.

Team Charlie Paris's advice: Keep your watch at least 10 cm away from objects emitting strong magnetic fields. This reduces the risk of magnetizing your watch.