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Are you someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of automatic timepieces, valuing their intricate mechanics? If so, you’ve probably encountered the ongoing debate surrounding watch winders and their potential effects on magnetization. This topic has sparked passionate discussions among watch enthusiasts, leaving many owners curious about the truth behind this intriguing phenomenon.

 

In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding watch winders and magnetization. We dive deep into the heart of the matter, separating fact from fiction and shedding light on the actual impact that watch winders can have on your cherished timepieces.

 

What is Magnetization? How does it affect a watch?

 

 

Magnetization occurs when the watch comes into contact with a magnetic field, such as that generated by household appliances, laptop computers, cellular phones, and televisions. The powerful electromagnetic force has the potential to magnetize the tiny steel parts in a watch movement.

 

Although the springs and balances of mechanical timepieces are small, they are made of fine ferrous alloys that can be magnetized. When magnetized, the metal particles inside the components subtly change their alignment to match the external magnetic field. This distortion disrupts the precise alignment of the part. As a result, magnetized parts cannot vibrate or operate at their designed speed.

 

The consequences of magnetization can be as mild as affecting the timekeeping, or as severe as causing the movement to stop altogether. In weaker cases, it only affects the speed as the magnetized parts speed up or slow down the watch. Strong magnetization, however, can interfere with delicate parts or render the watch completely inoperable until it is demagnetized. Over time, the magnetism remaining in the metal can also cause other performance degradation such as poor lubrication.

 

Magnetism in watches is not a recent phenomenon. Watchmakers and manufacturers have long been aware of this issue and have consistently introduced innovative solutions to mitigate its effects. These measures include the use of anti-magnetic alloys in hairsprings, internal magnetic shielding, and the incorporation of fully silicon-based components in modern movements.

 

Fortunately, although magnetization can cause inaccuracies or even cause a watch to stop, it rarely results in permanent damage to the timepiece. For the average wearer, the effects are generally temporary and reversible through demagnetization, rendering magnetism more of an inconvenience than a serious malfunction.

 

How did older watch designs compare to modern ones in terms of susceptibility to magnetism?

Older watch designs were significantly more susceptible to magnetism compared to modern watches. This difference arises primarily from the materials and technologies used in their construction.

 

Susceptibility of Older Watches to Magnetism

Materials Used:Vintage mechanical watches, especially those made before the 1980s, typically used ferrous metal alloys for critical components like the balance spring (hairspring), which contained iron, nickel, or cobalt. These metals are prone to becoming magnetized when exposed to magnetic fields, causing the watch to run inaccurately, often faster than normal due to the balance spring coils sticking together and shortening the effective length of the spring.

 

Lack of Anti-Magnetic Technology: Early watches generally lacked specialized anti-magnetic features. They were vulnerable even to relatively weak magnetic fields that modern watches can easily withstand. This made vintage watches more likely to become magnetized from everyday sources such as speakers, hair dryers, or refrigerator magnets.

 

Advances in Modern Watches

Use of Non-Magnetic Materials: Modern watches often use silicon for balance springs and escapement components, which is naturally resistant to magnetism. Other advanced materials include nickel-phosphorus alloys made by microfabrication techniques (LIGA), and experimental materials like Nivachron (a titanium-based alloy) and carbon composites. These materials make modern movements almost impervious to magnetic fields.

 

Improved Shielding: Some modern watches still use soft iron inner cases or shields but combine this with non-magnetic components to achieve resistance to magnetic fields far exceeding those of older watches. For example, Omega’s Master Chronometer movements resist magnetic fields over 15,000 gauss, vastly surpassing the 1,000-gauss protection of early anti-magnetic watches like the Milgauss.

 

Design Optimization: Modern watch movements are also designed to minimize exposure to magnetic fields and use special alloys that reduce susceptibility. This results in watches that maintain precision and reliability even in environments with strong magnetic interference.

 

Watch Winders And Magnetization: An Explanation

Watch winders have become increasingly popular as a convenient way to automatically wind mechanical watches. However, some concerns have been raised about whether the motors inside winders can magnetize timepieces. It’s important to understand the relationship between winders and magnetization.

 

All electric motors function through electromagnetic principles, generating magnetic fields from wound coils and magnets. On the surface, it seems logical that exposing watches regularly to this magnetic activity could magnetize their steel components over time. However, quality watch winder brands take steps to isolate watches from strong magnetic emissions.

 

Most use low-powered motors that produce minimal magnetic leakage. Shielding is also incorporated between the motor and watch storage area to contain magnetic flux. Distance provides additional protection, as the fields drop off significantly beyond 10-15cm. Well-engineered designs securely separate watches by this safe threshold.

 

Does a Watch Winder cause Magnetization of the watch?

Prolonged direct contact with an energized winder or damaged unit lacking proper shields could pose marginal risks after several years. But normal use of a quality winder should not magnetize a watch according to research and brands like Rolex that condone their use.

 

Of course, it’s best to minimize all magnetic exposures as a precaution. But overall, watch winders are generally considered safe when manufactured and used correctly. More influential would be strong nearby magnetic items like electronics, power tools, or laptops if in very close contact over long periods.

 

With responsible use and occasional professional service, watch winders provide convenience without compromising timekeeping or long-term timepiece wellness. When cared for properly, both watches and winders can coexist harmoniously.

 

Professional Advice and Research:

Two major watch brands, Rolex and Omega, have expressed their opinions on the safety of watch winders. Rolex, as discussed in various forums, does not explicitly discourage the use of watch winders. However, the brand emphasizes the importance of using high-quality winders.

 

For example, the Rolex Forum recommends the use of quality brands such as Wolf, Mozsly, Barrington, etc., whose motors are isolated from the rotating barrel that houses the watch, reducing the risk of magnetization. In addition, Rolex watches are designed to prevent over-winding, so watch winders can be used safely.

 

Omega, on the other hand, says that if you buy a quality watch and use the winder correctly, you won’t have any problems. The brand also emphasizes that Omega watches must be wound by the hand before they are worn for the first time or they will stop.

 

In addition, OMEGA provides a guide to the number of revolutions and direction of rotation of the watch winder setting to ensure that the power reserve meets the movement’s specifications.

 

How Watch Brands Combat Magnetization？

Watch companies have a long history of trying to protect watches from magnetic interference, and the battle still continues as manufacturers develop more movement components with anti-magnetic properties. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, and IWC have all produced watches specifically designed to withstand exposure to intense magnetic fields, a feature particularly valued by professionals who work around strong magnets or electronic equipment.

 

• Rolex: Started with the Milgauss using a soft iron cage and Parachrom hairspring; later introduced amagnetic materials like Syloxi silicon hairsprings and nickel-phosphorus escapements to enhance resistance and reduce size.
• Omega: Pioneered the use of silicon balance springs (Si14) and developed the Master Co-Axial calibers that resist magnetic fields above 15,000 gauss by using non-ferrous materials throughout the movement.
• IWC: Early adopter of soft iron cases with the Ingenieur line since the 1950s; developed extreme resistance models like the Ingenieur 500,000 A/m using niobium-zirconium hairsprings.
• Other Brands: Historical use of palladium and beryllium alloys, and modern experimentation with new oscillator technologies (e.g., Zenith Defy Lab’s oscillator) also contribute to ongoing anti-magnetic advancements.

 

Symptoms and How to Test for Magnetization

Now that you’re aware of how magnetism and everyday objects can influence the accuracy of your watch, what should you look out for that will indicate your watch is magnetized?

First off, changes might range from the watch gaining speed, running slow, or even stopping time completely; when you have no memory of it being dropped or impacted.

Not that you have to familiarize yourself with these changes. If you pay close attention to small details, you might first notice these differences on the second hand, gaining or losing momentum by several ticks.

However, simply observing your watch might not be enough. Whenever in doubt, here are three easy and common ways to tell if your mechanical watch is indeed magnetized.

 

 

First, IOS users can download an app called Lepsi. Once set up, you can immediately use it by hovering your watch above your phone screen where the detector is located. Doing this will not cause your watch to be magnetized further as it will only take a few seconds.

 

 

Secondly, if you have one with you, set a standard needle compass flat on a table. Now, hold your watch near it. If you see the needle following your watch, it is magnetized.

 

If the last two home diagnostic tests do not give you a reliable answer, consider having your watch checked by a local watchmaker or any authorized service center in your town. They will most likely have the proper equipment to check for magnetism in your watch.

 

How to Fix a Magnetized Watch？

If you opt to have your watch examined by a professional, you can request them to fix it for you and check for any other damages, which typically takes only a few minutes.

Alternatively, if you prefer a solution that you can access at any time, here’s how you can fix it conveniently at home.

1. Watch enthusiasts should consider acquiring a demagnetizer. This tool is commonly used by watchmakers, ensuring a proven solution. While it may require a small investment, it offers long-term usability, especially if you own a collection of mechanical watches.

2. Using a demagnetizer is straightforward. Place the demagnetizer on a flat surface and position your watch on top of it. Press and hold the button for 10 seconds while keeping your finger on the button. Then, without releasing the button, move your watch upwards away from the demagnetizer.

3. This technique generally eliminates the magnetism from your watch. You can verify its effectiveness by testing it again using the Lepsi app or a compass.

 

What is the role of synthetic and non-ferrous materials in combating magnetism in watches?

Synthetic and non-ferrous materials play a crucial role in combating magnetism in watches by minimizing the magnetic susceptibility of key movement components. Modern anti-magnetic watches often incorporate materials such as silicon, titanium, and ceramic, which do not react to magnetic fields, thereby preserving the watch’s accuracy and reliability.

 

Silicon: Widely used in escapements and balance springs, silicon is a non-ferrous material that is inherently resistant to magnetism. Its use prevents the hairspring and other critical regulating parts from becoming magnetized, which would otherwise disrupt timekeeping precision.

 

Titanium and Ceramic: These materials are employed in various movement parts and cases to further reduce magnetic interference. Titanium, for example, is hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and completely unaffected by magnetic fields, making it ideal for components exposed to external influences.

 

Glucydur and Other Alloys: Some watchmakers use non-magnetic metal alloys like Glucydur (a beryllium bronze alloy) for balance wheels and hairsprings. These alloys combine anti-magnetic properties with resistance to temperature fluctuations and corrosion, enhancing overall movement stability.

 

How to Choose a Safe Watch Winder?

For instance, WOLF winders have measured the maximum magnetic flux density inside their winders to be about 4 gausses at the bottom of the drum, the point nearest to the motor. This is equivalent to the same magnetism as a fluorescent lamp. There was no measurable magnetic flux at any position 10mm away from that maximum point.

 

The magnetic field generated by a watch winder is typically not strong enough to magnetize an automatic watch. while a watch will become magnetized at about 60 gausses, which is over 60-70 times that of the maximum found in WOLF watch winders. 

 

Similarly, Mozsly watch winders have an anti-magnetization design, scientifically anti-magnetic, the movement is free from magnetic interference, effectively protecting the watch.

 

However, it’s important to note that not all watch winders are created equal. Cheap watch winders may not have the necessary protective technology to prevent your watch from becoming magnetized. Therefore, it’s recommended to stick with reputable brands like WOLF or Mozsly Watch Winder.