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Kenji
Appraiser, I have a problem.
My watch was accurate this morning, but by noon it was 15 minutes into the future.
Is this a talent for precognition?
Did my watch start reading self-help books?
My watch was accurate this morning, but by noon it was 15 minutes into the future.
Is this a talent for precognition?
Did my watch start reading self-help books?
Appraiser
When a watch suddenly runs fast, slow, or stops,
it might not just be a malfunction; magnetization could also be the culprit.
Smartphones, bag magnets, speakers, household appliances.
There's a surprising amount of invisible magnetism in everyday life that can affect watches.
it might not just be a malfunction; magnetization could also be the culprit.
Smartphones, bag magnets, speakers, household appliances.
There's a surprising amount of invisible magnetism in everyday life that can affect watches.
Kenji
Invisible magnetism...
So my watch was being affected without me knowing.
So my watch was being affected without me knowing.
Appraiser
(People really aren't aware of the effects of magnetism, are they?)
① Magnetization: When your watch almost becomes a compass
Appraiser
Magnetization, in simple terms, is when the internal components of a watch are affected by magnetism, leading to inaccuracies.
Especially with mechanical watches, which involve delicate metal parts, magnetism can cause symptoms like the watch running fast, slow, or stopping.
It's like the watch, instead of working as a timepiece, is being pulled by magnetism and going for a job interview as a compass.
Especially with mechanical watches, which involve delicate metal parts, magnetism can cause symptoms like the watch running fast, slow, or stopping.
It's like the watch, instead of working as a timepiece, is being pulled by magnetism and going for a job interview as a compass.
Kenji
A compass job interview...
Imagine the watch being asked "What's your motivation?" and replying,
"I was placed too close to a smartphone." How sad.
Imagine the watch being asked "What's your motivation?" and replying,
"I was placed too close to a smartphone." How sad.
Common symptoms of magnetization
- Runs fast suddenly: Suddenly showing a large daily variation, even though it was normal yesterday.
- Runs slow suddenly: Losing time even with consistent usage.
- Stops or erratic movement: Suggests magnetic influence or other malfunction.
- Inconsistent symptoms: Can vary depending on storage location or environment.
- Hard to distinguish from other faults: Inspection is important as other causes besides magnetism are possible.
② A watch that runs fast isn't necessarily motivated
Kenji
But is it a bad thing if it runs fast?
Doesn't it seem rather proactive?
Like the watch is saying, "From today, I'm living ahead of time."
Doesn't it seem rather proactive?
Like the watch is saying, "From today, I'm living ahead of time."
Appraiser
A watch doesn't need that kind of self-improvement.
A proper watch doesn't need to run proactively; it needs to steadily and accurately keep time.
If it's running significantly fast by 5, 10, or 15 minutes, we should consider the possibility of magnetization or an internal defect.
It's like a train departing 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
From a passenger's perspective, it's not proactive; they've just been left behind.
A proper watch doesn't need to run proactively; it needs to steadily and accurately keep time.
If it's running significantly fast by 5, 10, or 15 minutes, we should consider the possibility of magnetization or an internal defect.
It's like a train departing 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
From a passenger's perspective, it's not proactive; they've just been left behind.
Kenji
You're right.
If they announced, "We departed 15 minutes early today because we're so motivated," I'd collapse to my knees at the station.
Running ahead of time can definitely be a nuisance.
If they announced, "We departed 15 minutes early today because we're so motivated," I'd collapse to my knees at the station.
Running ahead of time can definitely be a nuisance.
Points to check when your watch's accuracy suddenly changes
- When did it change?: Did it suddenly change from a certain day?
- How much is it off?: Is it a few seconds, or several minutes or more?
- Did you change its storage location?: Is it kept near a smartphone, PC, or speaker?
- Did you put it in a bag?: Is it with magnetic clasps or earphone cases?
- Has it been subjected to impact or dropped?: Rule out causes other than magnetism.
③ Smartphones, bags, and electronics are magnets' training camps
Kenji
Is magnetism really that common?
I can only think of magnets on the fridge for holding notes.
Like images of "Neighborhood Association Notice" and "Lunch Menu."
I can only think of magnets on the fridge for holding notes.
Like images of "Neighborhood Association Notice" and "Lunch Menu."
Appraiser
It's not just fridge notes.
Smartphones, tablet cases, wireless earphones, speakers, magnetic clasps on bags and wallets, around laptops.
Many everyday items are magnetized.
Leaving a watch near them is like throwing a diligent student into a bizarre boot camp.
Smartphones, tablet cases, wireless earphones, speakers, magnetic clasps on bags and wallets, around laptops.
Many everyday items are magnetized.
Leaving a watch near them is like throwing a diligent student into a bizarre boot camp.
Kenji
Magnetic boot camp...
Day one, smartphone senior; day two, bag clasp coach; final day, speaker supervisor.
My watch has definitely been forced into a club activity.
Day one, smartphone senior; day two, bag clasp coach; final day, speaker supervisor.
My watch has definitely been forced into a club activity.
Things you don't want to leave your watch near
- Smartphones/Tablets: Be careful with cases and peripheral accessories as well.
- Wireless earphones/charging cases: Some use magnets, even if small.
- Magnetic clasps on bags/wallets: Can easily come into contact with your watch while carrying.
- Speakers/Headphones: Prime examples of items susceptible to magnetic effects.
- Laptops/Home appliances: Be careful as these are common places to habitually leave watches.
④ Mechanical watches' hairsprings can become "too friendly with magnets"
Kenji
Why do mechanical watches get so off-kilter with magnetism?
Are the hands being told by a magnet, "Come here"?
Are the hands being told by a magnet, "Come here"?
Appraiser
It's not so much the hands, but the internal components that affect accuracy.
In a mechanical watch, fine metal parts move rhythmically to keep time.
If magnetism affects them, the balance of their movement can be disrupted, leading to the watch running fast or slow.
It's like perfectly aligned somen noodles suddenly becoming yakisoba that sticks together with a magnet.
In a mechanical watch, fine metal parts move rhythmically to keep time.
If magnetism affects them, the balance of their movement can be disrupted, leading to the watch running fast or slow.
It's like perfectly aligned somen noodles suddenly becoming yakisoba that sticks together with a magnet.
Kenji
Somen turning into yakisoba...
That's a definite change from a refreshing summer lunch to a street stall hotplate.
So the watch's menu is changing internally.
That's a definite change from a refreshing summer lunch to a street stall hotplate.
So the watch's menu is changing internally.
Situations where you should suspect magnetization in a mechanical watch
- Suddenly runs significantly fast: One of the common symptoms suspected of magnetization.
- Acts strangely after being near a smartphone or magnet: Be wary if there's a clear trigger.
- Daily rate suddenly changes: Behaves differently from previous trends.
- Difficult to explain solely by position variation: Still significantly inaccurate even after changing its orientation.
- May improve with demagnetization: However, it's safest to have a specialist make the diagnosis.
⑤ Even quartz watches can't say "I'm unaffected"
Kenji
So quartz watches are safe then?
Since they're battery-powered, they should be able to beat magnetism with a scientific face.
Like, "I'm electronically controlled."
Since they're battery-powered, they should be able to beat magnetism with a scientific face.
Like, "I'm electronically controlled."
Appraiser
You can't say quartz watches are completely unrelated either.
Especially in analog quartz watches, the mechanism that moves the hands can be affected by magnetism.
Sometimes it returns to normal once moved away from the magnetic source, but if there's strong magnetism or persistent issues, it's best to have it inspected.
It's like saying, "I'm an athlete, so I don't catch colds," and going outside in a tank top in the middle of winter.
Especially in analog quartz watches, the mechanism that moves the hands can be affected by magnetism.
Sometimes it returns to normal once moved away from the magnetic source, but if there's strong magnetism or persistent issues, it's best to have it inspected.
It's like saying, "I'm an athlete, so I don't catch colds," and going outside in a tank top in the middle of winter.
Kenji
That athlete-in-a-tank-top theory is dangerous.
I bet the next day, they'd be stopping their runny nose, not doing strength training.
I bet the next day, they'd be stopping their runny nose, not doing strength training.
Rough guidelines for different movement types
- Mechanical: Magnetic effects can persist and disrupt accuracy.
- Analog Quartz: The parts that move the hands can sometimes be affected by magnetism.
- Digital Watches: Generally, the effects manifest differently, but it's best to avoid strong magnetic fields and electronic devices.
- Radio-Controlled/Solar Watches: Besides magnetism, check charging status and reception environment.
- High Anti-Magnetic Models: Check performance specifications and don't get complacent by placing them directly on magnets.
⑥ "Anti-magnetic" is not an invincible barrier, but conditional protection
Kenji
But if a watch says "anti-magnetic," it's fine, right?
I can be surrounded by magnets and not worry.
Can I stick it on the fridge door and live with my shopping list?
I can be surrounded by magnets and not worry.
Can I stick it on the fridge door and live with my shopping list?
Appraiser
First, we need to re-evaluate the idea of living with your watch stuck to the fridge.
Even with anti-magnetic watches, the degree to which they can withstand magnetism varies by model and specifications.
Just because it says "anti-magnetic" doesn't mean you can place it directly on a magnet.
No one would challenge a meteorite with just a helmet, no matter how strong its defense.
Even with anti-magnetic watches, the degree to which they can withstand magnetism varies by model and specifications.
Just because it says "anti-magnetic" doesn't mean you can place it directly on a magnet.
No one would challenge a meteorite with just a helmet, no matter how strong its defense.
Kenji
A helmet against a meteorite...
Simply saying "I'm wearing one!" won't cut it.
So "anti-magnetic" isn't a word for bravery, but for checking conditions.
Simply saying "I'm wearing one!" won't cut it.
So "anti-magnetic" isn't a word for bravery, but for checking conditions.
Things to check for "anti-magnetic" watches
- Presence of anti-magnetic marking: Is it indicated on the case back or in the specifications?
- Standard/Performance level: Check the description for each model.
- Usage conditions: May require keeping a certain distance from magnetic products.
- Condition of used item: Also check current accuracy and service history.
- Don't be overconfident: Avoid strong magnets or close storage.
⑦ For used watches, "Is it currently magnetized?" is important
Kenji
Is magnetization also checked during appraisal for used watches?
When I bring my watch, should I tell the appraiser,
"This one's been hanging out too much with its smartphone senior lately?"
When I bring my watch, should I tell the appraiser,
"This one's been hanging out too much with its smartphone senior lately?"
Appraiser
That's a unique way of putting it, but the information is similar.
During appraisal, not only the exterior and accessories are checked, but also the operational status.
If it runs significantly fast, slow, or stops, we consider not only magnetization but also the possibility that it needs servicing.
Used watches can look clean on the outside, but their insides can be fatigued, you see.
During appraisal, not only the exterior and accessories are checked, but also the operational status.
If it runs significantly fast, slow, or stops, we consider not only magnetization but also the possibility that it needs servicing.
Used watches can look clean on the outside, but their insides can be fatigued, you see.
Kenji
So it's "Looks clean on the outside!" but on the inside it's constantly
"Help me," right?
"Help me," right?
Information about magnetism to organize before appraisal/sale
- Change in daily rate: Has it significantly changed compared to before?
- Storage location: Was it kept near a smartphone, PC, speaker, or magnetic bag?
- Timing of symptoms: When did the fast/slow running or stopping start?
- Service history: Has it ever had a magnetic check or demagnetization?
- Maintenance history: Are there records of overhaul or repair?
⑧ Demagnetization is a specialized procedure, not an "exorcism"
Kenji
How do you fix magnetization?
Sprinkle salt?
Go to a shrine?
Tell the watch, "Magnetism, begone!"?
Sprinkle salt?
Go to a shrine?
Tell the watch, "Magnetism, begone!"?
Appraiser
Even if you shout at your watch, magnetism won't awkwardly disappear.
If magnetization is suspected, you should have it checked by a specialist or the manufacturer, and if necessary, undergo a procedure called demagnetization.
While demagnetization can sometimes resolve the issue, the cause of the symptoms might also be wear, lack of lubrication, impact, or something else.
So, demagnetization isn't an exorcism; it's more like getting a check-up at a hospital and receiving the necessary treatment.
If magnetization is suspected, you should have it checked by a specialist or the manufacturer, and if necessary, undergo a procedure called demagnetization.
While demagnetization can sometimes resolve the issue, the cause of the symptoms might also be wear, lack of lubrication, impact, or something else.
So, demagnetization isn't an exorcism; it's more like getting a check-up at a hospital and receiving the necessary treatment.
Kenji
I see.
So self-diagnosing, like "I don't feel well, so yakiniku will fix it," is a bad idea.
That's your stomach talking, not your health.
So self-diagnosing, like "I don't feel well, so yakiniku will fix it," is a bad idea.
That's your stomach talking, not your health.
Basic response when magnetization is suspected
- First, move it away from magnetic products: Keep distance from smartphones, magnets, speakers, etc.
- Record symptoms: Note how much it runs fast or slow. Don't try to fix it yourself by tapping: This could lead to other malfunctions due to impact.
- Don't try to disassemble it yourself: This could increase the difficulty of repair.
- Consult a specialist: Request a magnetic check, demagnetization, and accuracy verification.
⑨ What to ask before buying is not "Can this watch beat a magnet?"
Kenji
What should I ask the store when buying a used watch?
"Can this watch beat a magnet?"
"Can it keep its distance from its smartphone senior?"
"Does it have any intention of changing careers to a compass?"
"Can this watch beat a magnet?"
"Can it keep its distance from its smartphone senior?"
"Does it have any intention of changing careers to a compass?"
Appraiser
You're leaning quite a bit towards an interview.
In reality, it's better to ask more specific questions.
"What is its current accuracy?"
"Has it undergone a magnetic check?"
"Has it been demagnetized?"
"Is it covered by warranty if it runs significantly fast or slow during the warranty period?"
Asking these questions makes the condition and warranty coverage clearer.
In reality, it's better to ask more specific questions.
"What is its current accuracy?"
"Has it undergone a magnetic check?"
"Has it been demagnetized?"
"Is it covered by warranty if it runs significantly fast or slow during the warranty period?"
Asking these questions makes the condition and warranty coverage clearer.
Question template before purchase
- What is the current accuracy and daily rate?
- Has a magnetic check been performed?
- If it was magnetized, has it been demagnetized?
- If it runs significantly fast or slow after purchase, is it covered by the warranty?
- Can I confirm the presence and specifications of its anti-magnetic properties?
- Are there any environments to avoid during storage?
- For quartz watches, what is the inspection status of the battery, circuit, and hands?
Kenji
I see.
So instead of "Can it beat a magnet?", I should ask about accuracy, magnetic checks, and warranty.
It's certainly more realistic to ask "How many days a week can you work?" in an interview than "Do you have grit?"
So instead of "Can it beat a magnet?", I should ask about accuracy, magnetic checks, and warranty.
It's certainly more realistic to ask "How many days a week can you work?" in an interview than "Do you have grit?"
Appraiser
(Kenji's analogies sometimes lean towards labor consultation...)
⑩ When selling, information about storage location is more impactful than "I took good care of it"
Kenji
Conversely, what should I do when selling?
If I say, "I took good care of it!", will magnetization be forgiven?
Like, wrapped in love.
If I say, "I took good care of it!", will magnetization be forgiven?
Like, wrapped in love.
Appraiser
Love is important, but during appraisal, verifiable information is more powerful.
Where was it usually kept?
Was it near a smartphone, PC, or speaker?
When did you start noticing it running fast or slow?
Has it ever been inspected or demagnetized?
Just saying "I took good care of it" is like a cooking show where they only say "by feel."
Where was it usually kept?
Was it near a smartphone, PC, or speaker?
When did you start noticing it running fast or slow?
Has it ever been inspected or demagnetized?
Just saying "I took good care of it" is like a cooking show where they only say "by feel."
Kenji
A cooking show that only relies on "by feel" sounds terrifying.
Even if they say "sugar to taste," I want to make a cake.
Watches, too, need information more than love.
Even if they say "sugar to taste," I want to make a cake.
Watches, too, need information more than love.
Information to prepare before selling
- Usual storage location: Desk, drawer, watch case, inside bag, etc.
- Nearby magnetic products: Smartphone, PC, speaker, magnetic accessories.
- Accuracy status: Was there significant fast/slow running or stopping?
- Service history: Has it had magnetic checks, demagnetization, or accuracy adjustments?
- Repair receipts: Provide any documents showing maintenance details.
⑪ The mnemonic is "Separate, Suspect, Measure, Demagnetize"
Appraiser
You can remember anti-magnetization measures as: Separate, Suspect, Measure, Demagnetize.
First, separate it from magnetic products.
Next, if it suddenly runs fast or slow, suspect magnetization.
Then, have a specialist measure its accuracy and magnetism.
If necessary, demagnetize it.
If you know this process, you won't panic even if your watch suddenly rushes into the future.
First, separate it from magnetic products.
Next, if it suddenly runs fast or slow, suspect magnetization.
Then, have a specialist measure its accuracy and magnetism.
If necessary, demagnetize it.
If you know this process, you won't panic even if your watch suddenly rushes into the future.
Kenji
Separate, Suspect, Measure, Demagnetize.
They sound like the Four Heavenly Kings of magnetization.
Before, mine were Approach, Believe, Panic, Pray.
They sound like the Four Heavenly Kings of magnetization.
Before, mine were Approach, Believe, Panic, Pray.
Appraiser
(Those are some pretty dangerous Four Heavenly Kings.)
A watch is a small, precise machine.
It can be affected by invisible magnetism, so it's important to be mindful of where you usually keep it and to check it if symptoms appear.
A watch is a small, precise machine.
It can be affected by invisible magnetism, so it's important to be mindful of where you usually keep it and to check it if symptoms appear.
4 steps for checking magnetization
- Separate: Keep distance from smartphones, magnets, speakers, and bag clasps.
- Suspect: If it suddenly runs fast/slow or stops, consider magnetization as a possibility.
- Measure: Have a specialist perform a magnetic check and accuracy measurement.
- Demagnetize: Request demagnetization if necessary.
Conclusion: "Magnetization" is invisible, but greatly disrupts a watch's time
Appraiser
Magnetization is hard to spot visually.
But it can cause a watch to run fast, slow, or stop.
For used watches, not only the exterior and accessories, but also its current operational status is crucial.
If your watch suddenly goes off, check its distance from magnetic products, its storage location, and its service history.
Here's how to remember it:
Don't let your watch get a job as a compass.
A wristwatch is for telling time, not for pointing north.
But it can cause a watch to run fast, slow, or stop.
For used watches, not only the exterior and accessories, but also its current operational status is crucial.
If your watch suddenly goes off, check its distance from magnetic products, its storage location, and its service history.
Here's how to remember it:
Don't let your watch get a job as a compass.
A wristwatch is for telling time, not for pointing north.
Kenji
From today, I won't let my watch sleep next to its smartphone senior.
I won't let it carelessly cohabitate with bag magnets.
And if my watch suddenly rushes into the future, I'll first remember:
Separate, Suspect, Measure, Demagnetize.
Also, I'll limit sticking things on the fridge to just the lunch menu.
I won't let it carelessly cohabitate with bag magnets.
And if my watch suddenly rushes into the future, I'll first remember:
Separate, Suspect, Measure, Demagnetize.
Also, I'll limit sticking things on the fridge to just the lunch menu.
Appraiser
(If Kenji can differentiate between a lunch menu and a wristwatch, that's significant progress for today...)
4 ways to avoid "magnetization" starting today:
- Don't leave your watch near smartphones, speakers, or bags with magnets.
- If your watch suddenly runs fast, slow, or stops, consider magnetization as a possible cause.
- Before attempting to tap, shake, or disassemble it yourself, consult a specialist.
- Before buying a used watch, check its accuracy, magnetic resistance, and warranty coverage.
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