Watches and Magnetism: Why Is It a Problem and How to Protect Yourself?

It may sound like science fiction, but magnetism is one of the biggest enemies of mechanical watches. In the modern world, it’s all around us – in mobile phones, speakers, handbags with magnetic closures, headphones, or induction cooktops. And sometimes it takes just a moment for your watch to start running slow, fast, or stop completely. In this article, I’ll explain in simple yet detailed terms what magnetism does to watches, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself from it.

What is magnetism?

Magnetism is a physical phenomenon where certain materials create a magnetic field. This can affect the metal components inside a watch. For mechanical watches, magnetism is extremely dangerous because some movement parts are made of steel or alloys sensitive to magnetic fields.

How does magnetism affect a watch?
Hairspring

The most sensitive part of a watch is the hairspring. It’s the thin spiral in the movement that regulates the timing. When it becomes magnetized, it starts attracting itself, and the spring “sticks together.” The result?

• the watch runs extremely fast (even several minutes per day)

• sometimes the watch stops completely

• or slows down instead

Magnetism doesn’t mechanically damage the watch, but it disrupts its accuracy.

How do you know if your watch is magnetized?

• the watch runs several minutes fast each day (sometimes even hours)

• or it stops for no reason

• the watch’s performance is unstable – one day it runs fine, the next day poorly

If you suspect magnetism, take your watch to a watchmaker. They have a demagnetizing device that “demagnetizes” the hairspring in just a few seconds.

Most common sources of magnetism
Mobile phones

Inside your phone are strong magnets (speakers, vibration motors). Wearing your watch directly next to your phone (like in your pocket) isn’t ideal.

Headphones and speakers

All speakers contain magnets. Don’t place your watch directly on a speaker.

Induction cooktops

Induction cooktops create a strong magnetic field. Being too close to the cooktop can magnetize your watch.

Magnetic closures on handbags

A common problem for women – handbags with magnetic closures. If your watch stays there for a few hours, it might be enough to magnetize it.

Security gates at airports

These are usually safe – the magnetic field is weak and short-lived. But industrial metal detectors can be stronger.

What to do if your watch is magnetized?
Don’t leave it like that!

If your watch starts running tens of minutes fast per day, it’s almost certainly magnetized. A watchmaker can demagnetize it in a matter of seconds.

The price for demagnetizing is usually between $4 and $20.

Can I demagnetize my watch myself?

There are home demagnetizers that cost a few dollars. However, an inexperienced person might do more harm than good – that’s why I recommend a watchmaker.

How to protect your watch from magnetism?

• don’t wear your watch directly on a mobile phone case with a magnetic stand

• don’t place your watch on speakers

• watch out for magnetic closures on bags

• if you often work in a magnetic environment (e.g., electronics industry), consider a watch with an anti-magnetic movement

Anti-magnetic watches

Some watches are resistant to magnetic fields. These watches:

• have a hairspring made of silicon (e.g., Omega Co-Axial)

• use magnetic shields around the movement

• are marked “Antimagnetic” or with values in gauss

What do the gauss values mean?

• regular watches can handle 60 – 100 gauss

• anti-magnetic watches can withstand 1,000 gauss or more

• the Omega Master Chronometer withstands 15,000 gauss

Famous anti-magnetic watches

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss

Withstands magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Silicon hairspring. Practically immune to magnetism.

Rolex Milgauss

Designed for engineers and scientists. “Milgauss” means 1,000 gauss resistance.

IWC Ingenieur

Designed for work in strong magnetic fields. Iron inner case protects the movement.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive

Many models have anti-magnetic protection thanks to the use of non-magnetic parts.

Are quartz watches affected by magnetism?

Much less so. Quartz watches don’t have mechanical components like the hairspring, so magnetism hardly affects them. They can only experience issues under extremely strong magnetic fields, which may temporarily disrupt the circuit.

Magnetism and vintage watches

Vintage watches are more sensitive. Anti-magnetic alloys were not available in the past. If you own a vintage piece, be extra cautious.

Common myths about magnetism

“My phone destroys any watch.” → Not true. You’d have to keep your watch pressed directly against strong magnets for a long time.

“Security gates at airports destroy watches.” → No. They’re too weak.

“Magnetism damages the movement.” → No. It only affects accuracy. After demagnetizing, the watch is fine.

“All watches are anti-magnetic.” → No. Most watches are not protected.

“Quartz watches don’t have to worry about magnetism.” → Usually true, but extreme fields can temporarily disrupt electronics.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my watch is magnetized?
Most often, it runs several minutes or even hours fast per day.

How much does demagnetizing a watch cost?
Usually $4–$20. A quick procedure.

Can a mobile phone destroy a watch?
Not destroy, but it can magnetize it if it’s kept close to magnets for a long time.

Are mechanical watches more affected than quartz?
Yes. Mechanical watches have magnetic parts.

What are anti-magnetic watches?
They have parts that are not affected by magnetic fields.

Can I demagnetize my watch at home?
Yes, but if you’re inexperienced, it’s better to leave it to a watchmaker.