The Influence Of Magnetic Fields On Mechanical Watches - Custom Engraved Watches

Magnetic fields of more than 60 Gauss can affect the proper functioning of a mechanical watch, this information is essential to understand the influence of magnetic fields and reduce their impact.

On this occasion we analyze an important issue for the mechanics of a watch, magnetic fields and their influence on Watch Manufacturing Industry.

What is a magnetic field and how are they measured?

A magnetic field is generated by an electric charge produced by moving electrons, this charge produces a force field surrounded by a source of magnetic energy.

The intensity of a magnetic field is measured based on the magnetic flux that occurs in a given region. There are more and less powerful magnetic fields, their strength is measured in Gauss.

A magnetic field can be more or less intense, in relation to watchmaking, less intense ones may not influence the mechanism of a watch at all, however strong magnetic fields can clearly destabilize the entire mechanism.

The influence of magnetic fields on watches

Watches are commonly affected by magnetic fields that we come across on a daily basis. We usually associate magnetic fields with magnets, however, dozens of objects that we use every day generate a magnetic force that advances or delays our clocks.

A mechanical watch remains magnetically charged once we remove it from the magnetic source. This small load causes it to be delayed or advanced, in addition, in the long term it has a harmful influence on the mechanism itself, since it generates inaccuracies and anomalies.

Exposing a watch to a magnetic force is very simple, some of the objects that we use every day and that magnetize our watches are mobile phones, speakers, bag locks, hair dryers, electric shavers, etc.

In general, any magnetic source, that is, any object that contains a magnet, will generate a very slight deviation in the movement of our clock.

The demagnetization process

Do you want to check if your watch is magnetically charged? It is very easy, you just have to bring it close to an analog compass, if the arrow of the compass moves towards the position of your watch, it means that it has a small magnetic charge, which can be removed to improve its accuracy through a degaussing process.

Normally the area that absorbs the most load is the spiral, for its demagnetization, it is enough to exert the force of an external magnetic alternating field, thus reducing the orientation of the elementary magnets and therefore eliminating the effect of magnetization on the mechanism.