For some reason my 6538 just started running fast, and I mean fast (+10 minutes a day). This really tripped me out as I have never seen anything like it before. I looked into it and somehow it must have become magnetized.
To test test the watch to see if it is magnetized safely you can just hang a string on some thread, touch the needle to a decent magnet to magnetize it, and hang the string steady over the watch. Lower the needle and it will deflect if the watch is magnetized, as both repel eachother (which this needle did!)
I read about the general demagnetizing process (degaussing I know now that it's called) that would take place if I took this to a watchmaker, as they use an electromagnet of sorts, and thought I'd give it a try as the theory behind it is that you just need to expose the watch, tool, part, whatever.. to a varying magnetic field with some strength. Needless to say I tested this on some tools to make sure it worked, then I did the watch...
1. I got two strong magnets (I got these out of my bag that's made for a motorcycle gas-tank). Then I stuck them on a toothbrush handle and taped them up well so they won't fly off when you spin them (which they did the first time). The small pieces go in the gaps between the magnet, to make sure they are secure.
2. Mount your degaussing popsicle in a drill press, or lathe, and make sure they spin evenly. I drew a black line on each magnet so I can see if they line up when spun. The magnets have to spin evenly so you're exposing to an equally variable field.
3. Turn on the device and simply bring the object in need of degaussing slowly close to the spinning magnets, while twisting your wrist around slightly to vary the closest point of the object. Once you get close to the magnet (10mm or so) slowly back it away... don't get to close as you don't want to make contact. (Cigarette lighter shown here)
After a couple passes I tested with the needle again and it did not deflect... it danced about a little over the balance wheel but that's normal as it's just attracted to the wheel arms as it rotates (I tested this on another watch to verify).
After a little fine regulating over the night and it's running perfectly today
... so now the big question; how did my watch become magnetized in the first place??
PS: Apparently the degaussing feature on old computer monitors works if you hold the watch on the glass and press the button, but unfortunately flatscreen monitors today don't have this feature.
To test test the watch to see if it is magnetized safely you can just hang a string on some thread, touch the needle to a decent magnet to magnetize it, and hang the string steady over the watch. Lower the needle and it will deflect if the watch is magnetized, as both repel eachother (which this needle did!)
I read about the general demagnetizing process (degaussing I know now that it's called) that would take place if I took this to a watchmaker, as they use an electromagnet of sorts, and thought I'd give it a try as the theory behind it is that you just need to expose the watch, tool, part, whatever.. to a varying magnetic field with some strength. Needless to say I tested this on some tools to make sure it worked, then I did the watch...
1. I got two strong magnets (I got these out of my bag that's made for a motorcycle gas-tank). Then I stuck them on a toothbrush handle and taped them up well so they won't fly off when you spin them (which they did the first time). The small pieces go in the gaps between the magnet, to make sure they are secure.
2. Mount your degaussing popsicle in a drill press, or lathe, and make sure they spin evenly. I drew a black line on each magnet so I can see if they line up when spun. The magnets have to spin evenly so you're exposing to an equally variable field.
3. Turn on the device and simply bring the object in need of degaussing slowly close to the spinning magnets, while twisting your wrist around slightly to vary the closest point of the object. Once you get close to the magnet (10mm or so) slowly back it away... don't get to close as you don't want to make contact. (Cigarette lighter shown here)
After a couple passes I tested with the needle again and it did not deflect... it danced about a little over the balance wheel but that's normal as it's just attracted to the wheel arms as it rotates (I tested this on another watch to verify).
After a little fine regulating over the night and it's running perfectly today
... so now the big question; how did my watch become magnetized in the first place?? PS: Apparently the degaussing feature on old computer monitors works if you hold the watch on the glass and press the button, but unfortunately flatscreen monitors today don't have this feature.