The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am seeking information on the effect of external magnets on a watch with a mechanical movement.
To explain I have a Montbrillant 1903 (mechanical movement) and would like to know if wearing magnetized bracelet will be detrimental. The bracelet will be worn on the opposite wrist but if there is a potential risk to the watch then I will wear the two independently of each other. The magnets are twin 1000 Gauss if that helps.
Any information you have would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

personally i think this is a bad idea... the rolex milgauss can withstand 1000 gauss so i don't think a nativitimer could. i work in medicine and I even take off my blackbird when in the room adjacent to the MRI suite which is an exposure of even less than 1000 gauss

Wouldn't wear them at the same time.

Without getting into all of the complexities of why mechanical movements and magnets aren't a good idea, I agree that you shouldn't do it.

When a watch becomes magnetised it is actually the balance spring that is affected, and while the alloys used in modern movements are less susceptible, they most certainly can be affected by magnets - even overnighting next to a cell phone can impact over time.

The balance spring is an extremely thin piece of metal, relatively close to the edge of the case and mild magnetising can have a profound affect on the accuracy of the watch.

I'd totally agree with the advice given so far. Magnets and Movements Make Mischief!

By the way, the Montbrillant 1903 is a very nice Special Edition. It's getting pretty hard to come by these days too - almost Limited Edition like.

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Driver8

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