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Question
Hi,
Can you please tell me, if a quartz watch can be permanently damaged, when it has been left for sometime, on top of a hi-fi speaker(magnet)?
Many thanks,
Richard
Richard,
Yes, it can.
A strong enough magnetic field can depolarize or reorient the magnets in the stepper motor. Unfortunately, this can't be reversed.
It is vulnerable to strong electrostatic discharges and RF electromagnetic fields. The quartz watch's logic chip and stepper drivers can be destroyed by just the right zap.
If you were to expose a VHS tape to a strong magnet, it erases the information, right? This is the same thing that is happening to the electronics in your quartz watch.
Kind regards,
Melvin
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| Comment | answered my question exactly! many thanks. | ||
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Clocks, Watches
Answers by Expert:
Melvin Mills
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding the repair of quartz watches and antique American pocket watches. I cannot give appraisals. My expertise is in watches, not clocks.
Experience
I am trained to repair quartz and mechanical watches, both modern and antique. My business focus is on quartz watches and antique pocket watches. I have been in this field for almost 5 years.
Organizations
I belong to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC).
Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Master Horologist from the National Institute of Horology.
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