It is actually quite simple. Those generic pressure gauges marketed under various brand names have a magnetic (Stainless steel) plate. This is attracted by the cartridge magnet as it gets closer, hence the negative reading. Depending on your cartridge the reading may be quite large. However, once the stylus makes contact with the platform the magnetic attraction is cancelled out. This can be verified by zeroing the gauge with the stylus resting on it, and then lifting it away, the negative reading will be the same as the positive reading you would have measured the conventional way. You will track far too heavy if you zero the gauge with the cartridge in close proximity.