Magnetism: The Causes and The Solution

Magnetism is one of the most common — and least understood — causes of watch problems. Here's what's actually going on inside your timepiece.

How magnetism affects your watch

Every watch contains small metal components that can become magnetised when exposed to a strong enough magnetic field. Quartz watches have their own small magnets, called a rotor, in them that they need to run. These aren't very powerful magnets and are easily affected when the case or band become magnetised.
Once magnetised, these parts can behave erratically, causing the watch to run fast, lose time, stop altogether or sometimes they will operate fine but use batteries faster than normal.

Magnetism can affect any watch type — Quartz, Mechanical, or Eco-Drive — and every watch responds differently.

What causes it?

The most common culprit is your smartphone. Other frequent sources include:

• Magnetic clasps on handbags or purses
• Magnetic phone cases or wallet covers
• Speakers, laptop screens, and other electronic devices

Simply keeping your watch close to these items regularly can be enough to cause issues over time.

How to fix it

The good news: de-magnetising a watch is quick and straightforward.

We use a machine that puts out an alternating magnetic field to neutralise the magnetism in your watch. We don't need to open or dismantle your watch; we simply wave it over and across the machine.

Bring your watch into our store and we'll check it and de-magnetise it for you — free of charge, while you wait.