AirPods demagnetized my 1016

[Mir36]

I built a 1016 Space-Dweller a while back using a Powermatic 80 movement.
Low beat?
Check
80-hour power reserve?
Check
Fits in 1016 case with a Raffles Type 1 ring?
Check - because it’s really a 2824



But my secret shame is that my watch runs +5mins per day. I’ve gotten used to just adjusting the time every morning, because I assumed the watch was just not regulated properly, and as you can see below, the movement lacks the ‘regulating arm’, since they’re supposed to be computer/laser regulated at the factory.


Anyways, this morning I was horrified to find that I had placed my watch next to my AirPods overnight. DISASTER!

Surprisingly, my watch is now keeping good time!?!? It’s no longer running 5 minutes fast.

Whenever I put my AirPods in my pockets with coins, the coins tend to stick to it. I’m puzzled.

Can someone explain the science behind the my watch getting demagnetized?

[Fizzzz]

I can’t really explain the science, but at least the principle.

1. Your movement mainspring has been exposed to a magnetic field,
magnetism effect change the physical properties of the mainspring, so as the movement is running faster.
I can be +1 or 2 hours per day.

2. If your airpods are attracting coins, then they contain a magnet. Most probably the coil of the charging system.

3. During the night, airpods have absorbed the magnetism out of your watch.

Check watchmaker demagnetizer: it’s nothing more than a strong magnet.

FYI, this Powermatic 80 has a bad reputation in Swiss companies specialized in watch servicing.
I’ve heard they are used to swap the movement and trash the bad one, they don’t even try to repair it…

[Mir36]

Thanks S! That makes sense to me now.

And yes, I’m aware of the bad reputation
I need to check if this movement has the crap plastic escapement parts. I’m aware the Asian 2824s are low beat as well, but I really like the 80hour power reserve of the P80. I’m thinking of just swapping out the Asian escapement to the P80 to allow for regulation while keeping the power reserve. Possible?

[Philip1944]

Just love the dial and hand set. Is it from Ruby?
Have you slightly aged it?

[SDREW1976]

Having a demagnetizer on hand is really a benefit. I've had several watches magnetized in shipping. Also why you should always ship watches in a static shielded bag. My Angelus sf240 was constantly having issues, then I saw proof of some parts being magnetic, so I used my demagnetizer on the movement and it keeps great time now.

[Mir36]

Having a demagnetizer on hand is really a benefit. I've had several watches magnetized in shipping. Also why you should always ship watches in a static shielded bag. My Angelus sf240 was constantly having issues, then I saw proof of some parts being magnetic, so I used my demagnetizer on the movement and it keeps great time now.

@SDREW1976 I actually have two demagnetizers. The cheap, crappy blue one, and a decent white circle-like apparatus. I am really considering getting the big box one actually, where you place the watch on top and just press a button. My issue was that I never considered my watch was magnetized, and had assumed it was just poorly regulated. I bought the movement off the bay.

Just love the dial and hand set. Is it from Ruby?
Have you slightly aged it?

@Philip1944 Thank you. This is actually a dial made by ‘Whoopy’ over at RWG, almost a decade ago. Lovely attention to detail, for a very reasonable price. I aged the indices with Derwent watercolor paints, except for the 369. I have a build thread posted here. I assume your options today range from Raffles to MQ.

[Fizzzz]

Hi J,

I don't think it's possible to swap out the Asian escapement to the P80.
TBH, If I had a P80, I'll resell it on eBay

The most simple way to check if your movement is magnetized: use a compass.

[Philip1944]

Whoopy dial - of course: there are so few dial producers of this quality left.
Together with your slight ageing of the indices, this is an exceptional looking dial.
I have a couple of Yuki 1016 dials: the latest are a considerable improvement
on previous versions except they need seriously 'toning down' but for best quality
it now has to be one of the more expensive Vietnam products. Always looking for
opinions from afficionados on the best 1016 dials!

[Mir36]

it now has to be one of the more expensive Vietnam products. Always looking for
opinions from afficionados on the best 1016 dials!

I was communicating with Minh Quy recently to inquire about a 1016 variant dial. He quoted me $1300!!!

Talk about inflation!

[Philip1944]

ouch! That's half way to a gen service dial.