In the world of mechanical watches, precision and accuracy are paramount. However, one often overlooked factor that can significantly impact the performance of your timepiece is magnetism. In a recent episode of The Watchmaker's Workshop, Cameron Weiss, master watchmaker and founder of Weiss Watch Company, delves into the effects of magnetism on mechanical watches and offers practical advice on how to manage this issue.
The Role of a Timing Machine
To begin, Cameron introduces us to the timing machine, a crucial tool for any watchmaker. This device provides instant feedback on a watch's daily rate (how much time it gains or loses per day) and its amplitude (a measure of the balance wheel's rotation). In the video, Cameron demonstrates a watch running with a rate of +5 seconds per day and an amplitude of 280°, which is considered excellent for an automatic watch.
How Magnetism Affects Your Watch
Cameron then explains how external magnets can interfere with the delicate components inside a watch. By placing a rare earth magnet near the watch's dial, he shows how the watch's rate increases and its amplitude decreases, indicating a timing error. Fortunately, when the magnet is removed, the watch returns to its normal state, demonstrating that the parts were not permanently magnetized—just temporarily affected by the nearby magnetic field.
However, with a stronger magnet, the situation can become more severe. Cameron illustrates how prolonged exposure to a powerful magnet can actually magnetize the internal components of the watch, causing it to act as if a magnet is constantly attached. This results in significant timing deviations that won't resolve on their own.
The Solution: Demagnetization
To counteract this, Cameron uses a demagnetizer, a tool that realigns the electrons within the magnetized components, effectively removing the magnetic field. He walks through the process, explaining the different types of demagnetizers available, including pass-through models and ones where you simply place the watch on top. After a few passes with the demagnetizer, the watch's timing and amplitude return to their normal levels.
A Word on Anti-Magnetic Watches
Cameron also touches on watches advertised as anti-magnetic, which often feature components like silicon hairsprings that are less susceptible to magnetism. While these watches are more resistant, they are not entirely immune to magnetic fields, as other parts of the movement can still become magnetized. Despite this, anti-magnetic watches are generally better at maintaining accurate timekeeping even when exposed to magnetic fields.
Final Thoughts
Magnetism is a common but easily overlooked issue that can affect the performance of mechanical watches. Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or new to the world of horology, understanding how to detect and correct magnetism is crucial to maintaining the accuracy and longevity of your timepiece. Investing in a simple demagnetizer and a timing machine can save you the hassle and cost of professional repairs for something as straightforward as a magnetized watch.
For more insights and demonstrations from Cameron Weiss, be sure to follow The Watchmaker's Workshop on YouTube.
