Expert: Melvin Mills - 7/26/2008

Question
A person wearing a wrist watch and it not keeping time on them.  Once removed it keeps time accurately.  Is there a name for this strange happening?  

Answer
Ms. Susan,

Yes I have!

It is generally caused by magnetism.

In some VERY RARE cases, people create their own energy and it affects a watch.  In this case, the person can only use an anti-magnetic watch or a pocket watch.

It is more likely an environmental cause.  Electrical engineers are constantly exposed to magnetic fields.  They would do better with pocket watches.

I know a man who took his watch off at the end of the day and put it in his pocket with his magnetic money clip.  The same money clip erased the magnetic strip on a hotel room key.

If this is happening, take inventory of one's lifestyle.  Are you exposed to magnetic fields at work?  Do you use electrical devices often?  

Kind regards,

Melvin