jamie weiss
Maybe it’s because my dad works in the IT industry and was passionate about things like this, but I was always told growing up that I needed to be very careful with magnets around computers. I remember. These days, most computers use solid state drives and flash memory, so you don’t have to worry about it as much, but you should definitely be careful about exposing your mechanical watch to magnetic fields. Magnetic fields generated by computers, phones, speakers, medical equipment, or airport security can all magnetize your watch. Additionally, professionals such as pilots and engineers may encounter even stronger magnetic fields during the day. – Your watch may become magnetized, which can greatly affect its accuracy.
These days, materials such as silicone, Nivarox, and Glucydur are widely used in modern watch movements, so even the most affordable modern mechanical watches are relatively anti-magnetic, making it possible to replace long-used proprietary Some of the anti-magnetic watches have become obsolete. An anachronism. But then again, some of the best watches are anachronistic. With that in mind, this list of the best anti-magnetic watches includes both impressive anti-magnetic watches and somewhat outdated (but still very cool) models that were originally designed as specific anti-magnetic tools. Included.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Thanks to the use of ARCAP (an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc) and plastic components, it has inherently above-average shock resistance, making any watch powered by the Swatch Group’s prolific Powermatic 80 movement If so, it’s safe to include it on this list. Magnetism. However, there are different versions of the Powermatic 80, and this Tissot Gentleman uses a more premium version of this movement with a silicon balance spring. This makes it more resistant to magnetism and more accurate than other Tissot Gentlemen that do not use a silicon balance spring. It’s also a very handsome “go anywhere, do anything” watch, available in a variety of dial colors, including these discreet green numerals. Price: $932 USD, available from Time+Tide Shop
Shin EZM 3
German company Sinn, famous for its tool watches, offers a dedicated “magnetic field protection” line of watches with magnetically soft inner cases and Nivarox balance springs, rated up to 80,000 A/m (approximately 1,000 Gauss) is. Perhaps the most interesting of these watches is the EZM 3 diver’s watch. It has a case filled with inert argon gas and a drying capsule to remove moisture, and is water resistant to 500 meters. The bead-blasted steel exterior and left-handed crown add to its mil-spec appeal. Price: $1,900
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
Like the Tissot mentioned above, part of the process for METAS certification (and one of the key differentiators from COSC certification) is the inclusion of Omega models that boast Master Chronometer certification. It can withstand up to 15,000 Gauss (roughly equivalent to the intensity of an MRI scan). The Omega Railmaster is probably Omega’s most famous anti-magnetic watch, but it was recently discontinued. The Aqua Terra is probably the next closest thing in Omega’s current range, but with its beautiful black lacquer dial and Co-Axial movement, it’s no disappointing prize. Price: $6,600
rolex milgauss
Of course, we know that this too is technically obsolete, but we couldn’t create a guide to anti-magnetic watches without Milgauss. First introduced in 1956 (one year after the IWC Ingenieur), the Rolex Milgauss is perhaps the most famous anti-magnetic watch on the market. Originally advertised as “designed to meet the demands of the scientific community working with electromagnetic fields” and famously worn by scientists at CERN, it features a double case back for magnetic shielding. Its latest incarnation, the ref. The 116400GV has two other iconic features that set it apart from other Rolex watches. It has a lightning bolt shaped seconds hand and a green sapphire crystal. Price: $9,300.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trev9Iqdllx4
First launched in 1955, the IWC Ingenieur (as its name suggests) was specially designed for engineers and had a magnetic resistance of 80,000 A/m thanks to its soft iron inner cage. Although it was an innovative watch, the most famous Ingenieur, the SL “Jumbo” ref. 1832 Gerard Genta, appeared on the market in 1976, and was followed by other integrated models designed by Genta, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. It became the modern version of the bracelet watch. Ingenieur’s latest creation, the Automatic 40, features a design inspired by the ref. 1999. Although it was made in 1832, it features modern flourishes such as a more defined dial texture, a crown guard, a curved case with better articulation on the first link of the bracelet, and a version with a titanium case. Price: $11,700 (stainless steel), $14,600 (titanium)
T+T Timeless Pick: Zap of the Past
As mentioned in this article, some of the most famous anti-magnetic watches have been discontinued. This probably reflects how anti-magnetic technology has become more available in watchmaking. But let’s be real. Just as most of us don’t dive with a diver’s watch or race against the clock with a chronograph, many people who wear anti-magnetic watches do so for ambience rather than practicality. That’s what I’m doing. In that sense, why not choose a vintage anti-magnetic watch? Many of them are more resistant to magnetism than modern watches. Read Borna’s excellent guide to the most pioneering anti-magnetic watches here.
