Magnetism and watches

It is the magnets that cause the problem: the magnetic clasp on a phone case or bag, a phone with a magnet on the back (e.g. MagSafe), a laptop, a speaker, the fridge door. Magnetism is the most common reason a mechanical watch suddenly runs too fast — often by minutes a day. The balance spring is steel, and if it becomes magnetised, the coils stick together so it oscillates too quickly.

It isn't damage: a watchmaker demagnetises the watch in a minute. Some newer Swiss movements have a hairspring in a titanium alloy (e.g. Nivachron) that is barely affected. Quartz watches aren't sensitive in the same way. If your watch is running wrong, mention it when you write to us via contact — then we know where to look first.

If you have a question about a particular watch, ask Nord, our assistant, at the bottom right — or write to us.