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Question about demagnetizing a watch

  1. R3D9 Feb 26, 2018

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    A quick question for our learned members:

    Is it necessary to wait until your watch has stopped running before attempting to demagnatize it?

    If so, would using the hacking feature (if available) on the watch suffice?

    I’m specifically referring to using the type of demagnatizer where you place the watch on the device, press for ten seconds and then slowly move the watch away.
     
  2. larryganz The cable guy Feb 26, 2018

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    I usually just hack the movement to stop it first. I didn't have anyone tell me to, it just seemed right. I don't know if that's needed or not.
     
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  3. R3D9 Feb 27, 2018

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    Thanks Larry,

    I had the same inclination, but like you I’ve never been told it’s necessary- I can’t seem to find any literature online that says specifically whether or not it can cause damage.
     
  4. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Feb 27, 2018

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    Just leave it running. There's no need to stop it.
     
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  5. R3D9 Feb 27, 2018

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    Thanks Al!
     
  6. Annapolis Mar 2, 2020

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    Hope folks don't mind me reviving this thread just to confirm, as I have the same question: if I demagnetize my watch, is the consensus view that there's no need to wait for it to stop running? (This is a manual wind, 1965 Seamaster.) OK to do it while the movement is still going? Does it make any difference if I pull out the crown?

    Thanks!
     
  7. italy1861 Mar 2, 2020

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    Two posts above you has the answer directly from a extremely respected watchmaker...
     
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  8. Annapolis Mar 2, 2020

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    Which I did indeed see—hope my re-asking wasn’t perceived as disrespectful. I’ve just seen so much conflicting advice on various sites and not that many folks had weighed in on it here, figured it couldn’t hurt to pose the question again. But an expert view is good enough for me, I suppose.
     
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  9. Canuck Mar 2, 2020

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    The balance wheel will usually stop as soon as the demagnetizer starts. No other action is required.