Rolex Magnetized and Demagnatized?

[HongNinja]

I've heard stories of watches becoming magnetized and running fast/slow due to this. How does this happen?

Is there any way to demagnetize your Rolex if this does indeed happen?

Thanks fellow WIS!

[dddrees]

I don't think this is a very common occurance. By the way Rolex came out with the Parachom Hairspring which is supposed to be unaffected by magnetic fields.

This is what I found when conducting a quick google:

All kinds of odd symptoms can present in a magnetized watch, as various parts composed of various metals can be magnetized to various degrees. In extreme cases the movement can seize altogether but resume running perfectly following demagnetization. The most common symptom is for the watch to run fast (anywhere from a few seconds to minutes per hour to hours per day fast). It can be resolved cheaply, quickly, and easily with a demagnetizer.

Industrial and academic labs often will also have a 'degausser' for demagnetizing tools and such which is the same thing as a demagnetizer, so you may be able to fix it yourself in the same lab. Otto Frei also sells an economical demagnetizer that you may want to consider purchasing if you're going to be working around that sort of stuff regularly. Or consider a quartz.

In any case, the symptoms will be immediately apparent.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I don't think this is a very common occurance. By the way Rolex came out with the Parachom Hairspring which is supposed to be unaffected by magnetic fields.

This is what I found when conducting a quick google:

All kinds of odd symptoms can present in a magnetized watch, as various parts composed of various metals can be magnetized to various degrees. In extreme cases the movement can seize altogether but resume running perfectly following demagnetization. The most common symptom is for the watch to run fast (anywhere from a few seconds to minutes per hour to hours per day fast). It can be resolved cheaply, quickly, and easily with a demagnetizer.

Industrial and academic labs often will also have a 'degausser' for demagnetizing tools and such which is the same thing as a demagnetizer, so you may be able to fix it yourself in the same lab. Otto Frei also sells an economical demagnetizer that you may want to consider purchasing if you're going to be working around that sort of stuff regularly. Or consider a quartz.

In any case, the symptoms will be immediately apparent.

Even a analogue quartz can become magnetised,but saying that working in the steel industry for many many years.Working with and around very powerful magnets capable of lifting well over 20 tons myself have never had a problem with any Rolex getting magnetised.And now working and repairing quite powerful transceivers that put out quite a strong magnetic field never had a problem.So if you do not put you watch on or very close to a powerful magnet don't think many Rolex wearers will have a problem with any Rolex oyster watch.Magnetised today IMHO is sometimes used as a cop out for little more than simple regulation.And most high street watchmaker/jewellers could if it ever happens de-magnetise a watch at very little cost.

[JustABreathAway]

Originally Posted by padi56

Even a analogue quartz can become magnetised,but saying that working in the steel industry for many many years.Working with and around very powerful magnets capable of lifting well over 20 tons myself have never had a problem with any Rolex getting magnetised.And now working and repairing quite powerful transceivers that put out quite a strong magnetic field never had a problem.So if you do not put you watch on or very close to a powerful magnet don't think many Rolex wearers will have a problem with any Rolex oyster watch.Magnetised today IMHO is sometimes used as a cop out for little more than simple regulation.And most high street watchmaker/jewellers could if it ever happens de-magnetise a watch at very little cost.

How strong were those magnets?

Occasionally I have to get right up next to 7 Tesla magnet cores - no ferromagnetic metal allowed anywhere near those bad boys.

[renfield33]

I know a 1.5T magnet pulls at my G-shock pretty hard. I could see that magnet doing something to a watch. Let's just say I don't wear my GMT in there.

[Like To Watch]

You learn something new every day.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I don't think this is a very common occurance. By the way Rolex came out with the Parachom Hairspring which is supposed to be unaffected by magnetic fields.

This is what I found when conducting a quick google:

All kinds of odd symptoms can present in a magnetized watch, as various parts composed of various metals can be magnetized to various degrees. In extreme cases the movement can seize altogether but resume running perfectly following demagnetization. The most common symptom is for the watch to run fast (anywhere from a few seconds to minutes per hour to hours per day fast). It can be resolved cheaply, quickly, and easily with a demagnetizer.

Industrial and academic labs often will also have a 'degausser' for demagnetizing tools and such which is the same thing as a demagnetizer, so you may be able to fix it yourself in the same lab. Otto Frei also sells an economical demagnetizer that you may want to consider purchasing if you're going to be working around that sort of stuff regularly. Or consider a quartz.

In any case, the symptoms will be immediately apparent.

Great info as usual Dan!!!