Can Hardware Create Magnetic Fields

I am an avid watchmaker...you young guys may not remember mechanical watches...and as of late I have noticed a few problems that I can't explain. The heart of a watch is the 'Hairspring' and it is a very delicate thread of wire that causes a wheel to oscillate and create the 'beat' of a watch. The Hairspring is VERY susceptible to any magnetic fields. A Hairspring can easily become magnitized and cause a watch to run fast until the Hairspring is demagnitized.


Lately I have had several watches to start running fast for no apparent reason. However, I have my laptop sitting on my workbench and always have my watches laying all around.


So, my questions to the hardware experts is: Is there a magnetic field created by computer hardware and more specifically a MacBook strong enough that it may cause a magnetic issue with my Hairsprings? I know there are lots of varibles, but I figured this would be the best place to start my search.


Thanks...

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Sep 18, 2011 7:53 PM

Reply
4 replies

Sep 18, 2011 7:58 PM in response to RedRacer123

Anything through which electriciy is flowing creates a magnetic field. Whether strong enough to affect a watch spring is a matter that can only be tested in a proper laboratory or tested with the proper test equipment.


Computers contain a certain amount of shielding intended to minimize RF radiation, but not necessarily enough to prevent some types of magnetic fields.


Then again could be the electrical lights in your shop.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can Hardware Create Magnetic Fields

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.