I'm still learning, thanks to Watchcrunch!

Now I have Soundgarden's Spoonman in my head 😉 Glad you were able to remedy the watch with a simple solution!

No. Magnetization can cause a watch’s escapement to run fast due to the influence of magnetic fields on the metallic components of the escapement, particularly the balance wheel and hairspring. Here’s a detailed explanation of this phenomenon:

I need to explain the composition of the escapement: The escapement of a watch, which includes the balance wheel and hairspring, is crucial for regulating the timekeeping of the watch. These components are often made from ferrous (iron-containing) materials which can be susceptible to magnetization.

Next, is the effect of magnetization on the hairspring: When the hairspring becomes magnetized, its coils can stick together. The hairspring is designed to expand and contract in a very precise manner to regulate the balance wheel’s oscillations. If the coils stick, the effective length of the hairspring is reduced.

Thirdly: you will experience an altered oscillation frequency- meaning, a shorter hairspring due to magnetization causes the balance wheel to oscillate more rapidly. This is because the balance wheel completes its back-and-forth cycles (or oscillations) more quickly when the hairspring is effectively shorter.

So, the impact on timekeeping because the increased oscillation frequency of the balance wheel leads to the watch running faster than normal. A watch’s timekeeping is directly related to the oscillation rate of the balance wheel – faster oscillations mean that the watch will advance more quickly, resulting in it displaying a time ahead of the actual time.

Demagnify is the solution. As the OP stated- to rectify this issue, the watch typically needs to be demagnetized. This process involves using a demagnetizing machine that neutralizes the magnetic field affecting the watch’s components, allowing the hairspring to return to its normal state and the balance wheel to oscillate at its correct frequency.

In summary, magnetization affects a watch’s escapement by causing the hairspring to effectively shorten due to sticking coils, leading to faster oscillations of the balance wheel and, consequently, the watch running fast. Demagnetizing the watch is the standard solution to this problem.

That’s amazing and I’m not sure if I would’ve had your patience, but I can learn too. Well done.

Thanks for taking the time to really explain this, it's really interesting.

I'd also like to know how things get magnetized, as I stated in the original post I've never really had the problem before, well technically I still haven't because the watch came to me this way.

Why does this happen and what can be done to avoid it in the future?

Magnetization of a watch movement can occur more easily than one might expect, given the prevalence of magnetic fields in our daily environment. Understanding how this happens and how to prevent it is key to maintaining the accuracy and longevity of certain mechanical watches. Let’s discuss how it happens-

How Magnetization Happens:

Exposure to Magnetic Fields: Everyday items such as smartphones, laptops, speakers, magnetic clasps on bags or clothing, and even certain types of medical equipment (MRI’s) can emit magnetic fields strong enough to affect a watch’s movement.

Materials Susceptible to Magnetism: The components most susceptible to magnetization in a watch are the steel parts, particularly the balance spring. The presence of iron in steel makes it vulnerable to magnetic fields. The way to overcome this is by using silicon balance/hair spring.

Accumulation Over Time: Often, magnetization is not the result of a single exposure to a strong magnetic field but rather the cumulative effect of regular, small exposures over time. I’m not saying this happened to your Weiss, but it could have. And it’s also possible that the watch became magnetized during postal transfer, although it’s not a common occurrence. The risk mainly comes from exposure to strong magnetic fields that might be present in the transportation process like magnetic sanners and equipment. Postal and shipping services often use various forms of electronic equipment and scanners, some of which may generate magnetic fields. While these fields are generally not strong enough to cause immediate magnetization, repeated or prolonged exposure could potentially affect a watch.

So how do you preventing magnetization?

Easiest thing to do is avoid magnetic sources! The simplest way to prevent magnetization is to keep the watch away from magnetic sources. Be mindful of where you store your watch; avoid placing it near electronics or other items that could generate a magnetic field.

Choose a watch that use anti-magnetic materials. Some modern watches are designed with anti-magnetic properties. Materials such as silicon for the balance spring or other non-ferrous materials for the movement components are less susceptible to magnetism. Purchasing a watch with these features can offer greater resistance against magnetization. Certain watches such as the IWC Ingeniour and Rolex Milgauss were created using magnetic shielding. These watches come with internal or external magnetic shields. These shields are typically made from materials like soft iron and are designed to redirect magnetic fields away from the movement.

So, how do you deal with itt?

If a watch does become magnetized, it can usually be quickly demagnetized just as you did using a demagnetizing tool. This process is simple and can also be done at most watch repair shops. It involves passing the watch over a demagnetizing device, which emits an alternating magnetic field that neutralizes the unwanted magnetization in the watch’s components.

So, while magnetization of watch movements is a common issue, it can be largely prevented by cautious handling and storage. For those with highly susceptible watches or who frequently encounter magnetic fields, investing in a watch with anti-magnetic features or regular servicing can be a prudent measure. That’s ALL I’ve got to say! 🤪🙈😅😅😅

Thank you Paul for taking the time to further elaborate as this helps a lot!

I popped for the better quality degaussing machine because I now realize this is a tool every geek should eventually add.

So, you got this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265165756671?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=rryq_aQiQbO&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=yerrk59nrm6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Yes. I got mine from J Borel

Nice. And it does a better job than the little blue ones I presume?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBxeIRnXyXQ

I watched this video where the reviewer basically said the Elma was the best if you don't mind spending the extra money.