Do you even demag, bro?

De-magnetization is part of my routine when I get a new vintage watch. Those watches are more susceptible and were not made with anything like modern magnetic resistance. I don't do straps or spring bars.

I only do if I have a reason to believe the item is magnetized. If a watch is keeping good time, I don't question it. 

This has never occurred to me.  That said, I would be hard pressed to know if a watch was magnetized, since any watch I put on will need to be wound and set (and will be worn for a day, if that).

This did not occur to me. I never even thought of this as another poster said though, this is something more concerning with vintage watches. 

I don't have a demagnetizer. Maybe I would if I had one, but I don't think I would bother as log at it is to be used on the outside ☺️

I actually started when I went through a vintage watch phase and tried to find out why a watch was multiple minutes off a day. I checked everything for magnetisation then and demagnetising solved the puzzle.

When I started modding and building watches from parts I was shocked how many watch parts came magnetised.

I agree, a magnetised springbar wouldn't hurt a modern watch, but I guess it's hard to stop once you started checking every part 🤷‍♂️

I have checked a few things over the years, but I rarely have used the demagnetizer.

It seems like half the time I use it I don't seem to make a difference. Since you are seeing results, would you care to share your demagnetization process for the curious among us? (Maybe just me 🤷)

I don't think you're paranoid, just careful. 

On the subject of magnetisation, has anyone found out that their winder is magnetised? Perhaps a cheaper eBay one? I’m trying to figure out if it’s a thing or if my Lepsi app is wrong 

I check when i get new watches and in 50% of the cases there is magnetization to some degree.

Oh it isn't much of a process.

Step 1)

Move item near a compass and see if the needle is moving, if so, it's magnetised.

Step 2)

Put item on demagnetiser, push button. I move it around a bit, not sure if that does anything .

Repeat until the needle stops moving 🙂

Some of the videos I saw on YT have the procedure shown wrong.

1. Hack the movement or wait until the spring is spent. 
2. Don't move the compass toward the watch. Keep the compass stationary and move the watch near and then move it slowly around the compass as close as it's possible without touching it. 
3. Don't "pulse" when using the demagnetizer. The demagnetizer is in fact an electro magnet and will magnetize your watch if used incorrectly. What should be done is holding the watch 2-3 cm above the demagnetizer, press the button and move the watch in a 8 or random pattern above it while the button is still pressed. Slowly move the watch away while still doing the random or 8 pattern. 
4. The trick here is that moving the watch in a random pattern through the demagnetizer field will also randomize the magnetization of the watch, therefore "demagnetize" it.

I was doing this for a while, but more specifically with my watch tools. Havent checked in a while but you triggered me to do some house keeping.

I think it is more important to demag tools and the watch case/movement. Spring bars, straps, bracelets etc not as critical as long as its not gross magnetization (like a paperclip sticking to your bracelet).

I usually check with a simple compass for magnetization. Its worth noting all metals will cause a compass to deflect, but something thats magnetized will cause a faster and stronger deflection. Also rememeber the procedure for demagnetizing can be the same for magnetizing, so dont overdo it or do it without reason, you could get the opposite results you want.

Lastly you can also demagnetize by applying heat or hitting metal with a hammer/something hard. Not an option for a watch case but may be an option for small parts and tools.

I rotate 3 watches each day. I wear one to the office, bring one to switch for after lunch. And when I get home my son picks my house watch for the night. I can never just wear one a day.

I actually popped my battery powered demagnetiser and strap/change quick repair kit in my bag in the recent meet. Just in case anyone had any wayward spring bars. Once fixed a Rolex in a garden using it — electric guitars and Swiss automatic watches do not mix I suppose, unless it’s a Milgauss or an Omega. 

The mainspring is the only thing they worry about magnetizing and the tiny field that would give off would be negligible. Everything else is either stainless or brass.

Thanks, @robwei , @Catskinner , and @tonmed !

That's pretty much what I've been doing, maybe I should buy a more sensitive compass. Seems that most of the time my compass doesn't seem to change the way it reacts after I've used the demagnetizer.

I’ve noticed magnetic hardware as well, so whenever I regulate a watch I start by demagnetizing everything using the “on-withdraw-off” method.  Having said that, if the watch is running well I don’t normally even bother to check.  Demagnetizing is harmless (if done properly), and it’s almost as easy as checking in the first place.