Troubleshooting Demagnetizer

[johnchpark]

So many of my watches recently got magnetized and I've been trying to fix them.

I have the more expensive box-type demagnetizer, and it used to work great. But after several months, I'm finding it's not as good as I first perceived it to be.


It still works - I tested bunch of scrap metals and it will reduce a lot of the magnetism.
But with my watches, it will remove some magnetism, but not all. There will still be some trace magnetism that I can detect with a magnetometer (on my phone) and the rate still gradually increases (ex: It'll start at 0s/d but after few hours, go to +2~4 s/d, and after 24h it's at like +15s/d [all measured at full wind])

I've tried various distances, various positions, taking all the watch parts apart and demagnetizing each part separately, etc.

Does anyone have any tips using this type of demagnetizer successfully?


note: yes, I've tried the cheap $10 demagnetizers and they weren't very good at demagnetizing and it broke on me; hence the upgrade to this demagnetizer.

 

[Plaasbaas]

I am no expert but where do you store your demagnetizer? It probably generates a significant magnetic field by itself while not plugged in.

 

[Reaps]

How you remove the watch matters

Put watch on top

Turn it on

Leave for a few seconds

Bring the watch vertically upright a good distance

Like this (skip to 2:30)

 

[say10]

just to add on, you need to remove the item slowly, very slowly. I always have a compass on my workbench to test with.

also, as the other person who asked where you store it - it’s a powerful electromagnet. Obviously you shouldn’t use this anywhere near (within several feet) of your tools or other movements. im a bit embarrassed to admit I had a rash of my screwdrivers mysteriouly magnetized. Very annoying…