How does magnetism affect a watch?

Watches can be adversely affected by magnetism and may gain or lose time. It is important not to leave a watch close to magnetic objects for a long periods. In particular, cell phones, television and PC speakers, magnetic necklaces, handbag clasps, hair-driers, electric razors, magnetic parts of refrigerators are all magnetic. When your watch is influenced by magnetism, contact the nearest Authorized Seiko Service Center to have the watch demagnetized.

Analogue Quartz:

Analog quartz watches utilize the power of magnetic force in order to drive the step motors to move the rotors. These step motors are extremely small and may easily be affected by magnetism, which may impact the rotor. As a result, watches may stop or fail to keep correct time. But magnetism remaining inside of the watch does not affect its accuracy, so keep it away from magnetic sources and correct the time. In case the watch has been influenced by an extremely strong magnetic force, we recommend that you have it demagnetized.

Spring Drive:

Magnetism affects the parts inside the movement, and may cause failure to keep correct time. But it does not affect its accuracy, so keep it away from magnetic sources and correct the time.

Mechanical:

A mechanical watch affected by magnetism remains magnetized even after removing it from the magnetic source. This may cause a gain or loss of time and influence its accuracy. So we recommend that you have it demagnetized in order to improve accuracy.

Digital Quartz:

In general, magnetism has no effect since there are no motors in digital watches.