A $15.99, travel-ready fix that restores most mechanical watches—fast and simple, with a few limits.
If your mechanical watch suddenly runs fast, slow, or skips time, magnetization is a surprisingly common culprit — everyday items like phones, speakers, or bag clasps can throw off a delicate balance spring and wreck accuracy. Getting a professional degaussing can be effective but usually means cost, time, and a trip to a watchmaker.
The Watch Demagnetizer is a compact, one-step tool (includes compass, cleaning cloth, and instructions) that lets you quickly demagnetize most mechanical watches at home or while traveling. It’s an affordable, intuitive first-line fix that often restores accurate timekeeping, though deeply magnetized movements or electronic issues may still need professional service.
TICFROG Watch Demagnetizer Degaussing Kit with Compass & Cloth
A compact and effective demagnetizer that returns most mechanical watches to accurate timekeeping quickly and affordably. It’s an excellent first-line tool for owners who want a practical fix without a specialist visit, though severe cases may still need professional service.
Demagnetize Your Watch Effectively: A Simple Chrono24 Guide
Overview
The TICFROG Watch Demagnetizer is a small, user-friendly tool designed to remove unwanted magnetism from mechanical wristwatches. Magnetization is a common but often overlooked cause of sudden timing errors in watches — plates sticking, hairsprings clinging, or timekeeping running fast or slow. This demagnetizer offers a straightforward, low-cost way to restore a watch’s regulation without immediate professional servicing.
What’s in the box
Key Features and How They Work
Quick Compatibility Guide
| Watch Type | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (manual / automatic) | Yes | Primary target — effective for typical magnetization of balance springs and nearby small components. |
| Quartz (battery-powered) | Limited | Quartz movements are generally less affected, but internal electronics can be sensitive — caution recommended. |
| High-end modern alloys (anti-magnetic alloys) | Not necessary | Many modern watches already use anti-magnetic materials; demagnetizing isn’t usually required. |
Step-by-Step Usage (Typical Procedure)
Safety and Best Practices
Real-World Performance and Typical Results
Owners report substantial corrections from severe gains (tens or hundreds of seconds per day) to near-original accuracy after a single treatment. For minor magnetization issues, a quick pass often returns a watch to within a few seconds per day. However, if timekeeping remains erratic after treatment, the underlying cause may be mechanical wear or a service-level issue that requires a watchmaker.
Maintenance and Care
Troubleshooting Quick Chart
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| No change after degaussing | Extremely strong magnetization or nonmagnetic cause of timing error | Repeat procedure; if no improvement, consult a watchmaker. |
| Watch runs slower after treatment | Overcompensation or unrelated mechanical issue | Monitor for 48 hours; if persistent, seek professional diagnosis. |
| Compass shows no deviation but watch still inaccurate | Non-magnetic mechanical problem (wear, oil, misalignment) | Consider a full service. |
Who Should Buy This
Final Notes
While not a substitute for professional servicing, this demagnetizer is a cost-effective, low-friction tool that addresses one of the most common causes of sudden timing errors in mechanical watches. It’s especially valuable as a preventative item in a watch-care kit or as a diagnostic first step to rule magnetization in or out before committing to more expensive repairs.
FAQ
A simple way is to use the included compass: hold the compass near the watch and watch the needle. If it moves significantly when the watch is brought close, the watch likely has magnetic influence.
Other common signs:
If you suspect magnetization, compare the watch to a known accurate clock over 24 hours or use a timing machine at a service shop for a definitive measurement.
When used according to instructions, the unit demagnetizes components without mechanical contact and should not damage the case or finish.
Precautions to reduce risk:
If you have a high-value or vintage watch, consider professional service if you are uncertain.
Caution is advised.
Before treating any electronic device, consult the manufacturer or test with a small trial and inspect operation afterward. Avoid treating devices that are under warranty without checking terms.
Often a single correct pass is sufficient for typical magnetization.
If needed:
Verify results by observing timekeeping over several hours or using a timing machine for the most reliable assessment.
Yes for quick diagnostics and simple fixes. It is compact and convenient for on-the-spot checks and minor demagnetization tasks.
Limitations to consider:
For many technicians and hobbyists, this tool provides a practical, portable option.
Keep watches away from common magnetic sources to reduce re-magnetization risk.
If magnetization is a recurring problem, consider an anti-magnetic watch or having components (like the hairspring) checked by a watchmaker.
Follow the included instructions. A typical safe procedure is:
Do not leave the watch on the unit for long continuous periods. If unsure, follow the manufacturer sheet or consult a technician.
Demagnetization removes residual magnetism from components, and the effect can be long-lasting.
Check your watch after exposure to magnetic sources and re-treat if necessary. If magnetization recurs frequently, have the movement inspected for underlying issues.