Why Is My Omega Running Fast? Causes & Fixes

TL;DR: If your Omega is suddenly gaining significant time (more than a few seconds a day) it's almost certainly been magnetised. Everyday items like phone cases, laptop speakers, and magnetic clasps can cause this. The good news: demagnetisation is quick and affordable, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with the movement itself.

If your Omega watch is running fast, you're not alone.

It's one of the most common issues our watchmakers see across our Hatton Garden workshop.

The answer, nine times out of ten, is magnetisation. A magnetised hairspring causes the coils to stick together, which shortens the balance wheel's oscillation and makes the watch gain time sometimes dramatically.

Here's how to tell what's going on with your watch, what you can check yourself, and when it's time to get professional help.

The Most Likely Cause: Magnetisation

Magnetisation accounts for the vast majority of Omega watches that suddenly start running fast.

When the hairspring inside your movement is exposed to a magnetic field, its coils can stick together. This effectively shortens the spring, causing the balance wheel to oscillate faster and your watch to gain time.

The telltale sign is sudden onset. If your Omega was keeping accurate time last week and is now gaining 20, 30, or even several minutes a day, magnetisation is almost certainly the cause.

The more extreme the time gain, the more likely it's magnetic rather than mechanical.

Common magnetisation sources include phone cases with magnetic clasps or MagSafe chargers, laptop and tablet speakers, handbag clasps, fridge magnets, induction hobs, and even the magnetic closures on some watch boxes.

You don't need to hold your watch against a magnet, close proximity over time is enough.

The good news: Demagnetisation doesn't require opening the watch. A professional demagnetiser can resolve the issue in minutes without any disassembly, and it's one of the most affordable interventions in watch servicing.

Other Causes (in Order of Likelihood)

If magnetisation isn't the issue (or if the time gain is more gradual rather than sudden) several other factors could be at play:

The watch needs servicing. If your Omega hasn't been serviced in 8+ years, degraded lubricants can cause erratic timekeeping. As oils thicken, friction increases unevenly across the movement, and the rate can drift. This typically shows as a gradual change over weeks or months, not a sudden jump.

Impact or shock damage. A hard knock can shift the position of the regulator or, in more serious cases, damage the hairspring. If your watch started running fast after a specific incident (a drop, a bang against a door frame) this is worth investigating.

Temperature extremes. Prolonged exposure to heat can temporarily affect the rate of a mechanical watch. Metal components expand slightly, altering the geometry of the movement. This effect is usually small (a few seconds per day) and reversible once the watch returns to normal temperature.

The watch has been overwound. This is largely a myth with modern automatic movements, Omega automatics have a slipping clutch that prevents overwinding. However, if you have an older manual-wind Omega (particularly vintage pieces), forcing the crown past resistance can stress the mainspring.

What You Can Check Yourself

Before booking a service, there are a few things worth trying:

Measure the actual rate. Omega's COSC-certified movements should keep time within −4 to +6 seconds per day. If your watch is gaining within that range, it's technically operating to specification, even if it feels fast. Set it against a reliable time source (your phone's clock) and check it after exactly 24 hours. Note the number of seconds gained.

Test for magnetism. If you have a compass handy, bring it close to your watch. If the compass needle deflects noticeably, your watch is magnetised. Some smartphone apps claim to detect magnetism, though a physical compass is more reliable.

Consider what you've been near. Think back to when the timekeeping changed. Did you get a new phone case? Leave the watch on a laptop overnight? Place it near a speaker?

Identifying the source helps prevent it happening again after demagnetisation.

If the gain is within COSC spec (up to +6 seconds/day), your watch is technically running correctly. If it's significantly beyond that, or if it changed suddenly, it's time to speak to a watchmaker.

Master Chronometer vs Older Movements: Does It Matter?

This is where Omega's investment in anti-magnetic technology becomes relevant.

Omega Master Chronometer movements (found in most models produced since 2015, certified by METAS) are tested to resist magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss.

In practical terms, these movements are essentially immune to everyday magnetic sources. If your Master Chronometer Omega is running fast, magnetisation is unlikely and you should look at the other causes above or have the movement assessed professionally.

Older Omega movements including non-Master Chronometer Co-Axial calibres and traditional calibres from the 1990s and earlier have standard magnetic resistance, typically around 80-100 gauss. These are far more susceptible to everyday magnetic fields and are the watches we most commonly see with magnetisation issues.

Not sure which category your watch falls into?

Check the caseback or the Omega website for your model reference. If it says "Master Chronometer" or "METAS Certified," you have the enhanced magnetic resistance.

When to Get Professional Help

Get your watch assessed if:

• It's gaining more than 10 seconds per day (beyond COSC spec)

• The timekeeping change was sudden and dramatic

• You've tested for magnetism and the compass deflects

• The watch hasn't been serviced in 8+ years

• The issue persists after trying the checks above

At SwissMade, we can diagnose the cause during our free initial assessment.

If it's magnetisation, demagnetisation is straightforward and quick. If the movement needs regulation or servicing, our Omega Level 3 certified watchmakers will provide a full estimate before any work begins.

Start Your Repair request your free insured postage pack and diagnostic.

What the Repair Typically Involves and Costs

Demagnetisation is the simplest intervention. It takes minutes, doesn't require opening the case, and returns the watch to normal timekeeping immediately. Many watchmakers include this as part of a routine check-up.

Regulation involves adjusting the rate of the movement without a full strip-down. If the movement is in good condition but simply needs its rate corrected, this is a proportionate and cost-effective solution.

Full service may be needed if the fast running is a symptom of broader issues degraded lubricants, worn components, or damage from a long-overdue service interval.

At SwissMade, a full Omega service starts from £400, includes genuine Omega parts, and comes with a comprehensive 2-year warranty. Our turnaround is 4-6 weeks.

For a full breakdown of pricing across all service levels, see our Omega service cost UK guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Omega suddenly running fast?

The most common cause is magnetisation. Everyday items (phone cases, laptop speakers, magnetic clasps) can magnetise the hairspring, causing the balance wheel to oscillate faster and the watch to gain significant time. Demagnetisation typically resolves this in minutes without opening the case.

How do I know if my Omega is magnetised?

Hold a small compass near your watch. If the needle deflects noticeably, the watch is magnetised. Another indicator is the scale of the problem: magnetised watches often gain 20+ seconds per day, sometimes minutes. A gradual drift of a few seconds suggests a different issue.

Can I demagnetise my Omega myself?

Consumer demagnetisers are available, but we'd recommend having it done professionally. Incorrect technique can sometimes worsen the magnetisation or fail to fully resolve it. A watchmaker with a professional-grade demagnetiser can ensure the movement is completely clean.

Will running fast damage my Omega?

Magnetisation itself doesn't cause wear or damage, it's fully reversible. However, if the fast running is caused by degraded lubricants or worn components rather than magnetism, leaving it unaddressed can lead to increased friction and long-term damage to the movement.

Are Omega Master Chronometer watches immune to magnetism?

Omega's Master Chronometer movements resist magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, making them effectively immune to everyday magnetic sources. If your Master Chronometer Omega is running fast, the cause is more likely mechanical and warrants professional assessment.

Concerned About Your Omega's Timekeeping?

Whether it's a quick demagnetisation or a full diagnostic, our Omega Level 3 certified watchmakers can identify exactly what's going on and get your watch back on track.

Start Your Repair request your free insured postage pack and no-obligation assessment.

Or call us on 020 7405 8504 to discuss your watch directly.