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You are probably aware of a wristwatch being waterproof and you know what it means. On the other hand, you may have heard a handpiece owner flaunt their anti-magnetic watch before. Perhaps you were left wondering what exactly they were showing off about their watch. This is an unconventional conversation for most people since most watch is made of metals or their alloys.

Stainless steel is the most common material in watches. Even watches with gold, silver, and black coating are stainless steel reinforced through deposition. However, not all luxury watches are magnetic. The Omega Aqua Terra is one of the most anti-magnetic watches with resistance up to 1,200,000 A/m.

Apart from the Omega Aqua Terra, there are several other anti-magnetic watches. Hence, this post examines how magnets affect watches and how watches are made anti-magnetic. You will see the progression of anti-magnetic watches through history and the benefits. Then, we will consider some anti-magnetic watch brands.

How Do Magnets Affect Watches?

Magnets can have various effects on watches, especially ones with mechanical movements. Some objects with magnetic fields include loudspeakers, hard drives, cell phones, medical equipment, kitchen appliances, and many others.

When a watch is introduced to a magnetic field, parts that are made with metal are attracted. One of the parts often magnetized is the balance spring. The balance spring is crucial for maintaining accurate timekeeping because it oscillates with the balance wheel.

When magnetized the balance spring coil may stick together. That way, the balance spring will become shorter, which makes it oscillate faster. Hence, it causes erratic timekeeping.

Magnets can also interfere with other components of the watch. It can cause watch components to be bent or misaligned. Thereby, leading to increased friction, premature wear, and ultimately, degradation of the watch’s performance and reliability.

Extended periods of exposure to strong magnetic fields can cause permanent damage to a watch’s movement. When watch components are damaged beyond repair, extra cost is spent on repairs or even replacement of the affected parts.

How Are Watches Made Anti-Magnetic?

There are two common methods used by watchmakers to prevent watches from being magnetized. Watchmakers use this method in modern watches specially designed for sports or professional use. This method uses anti-magnetic technology to reduce the effects of magnetic fields.

An example of nonferrous materials used is silicon. They use this material or similar alternatives for critical movement components such as the balance spring.

Instead of making only critical components anti-magnetic, the second method protects the whole piece. Watchmakers introduce inner cases to shield the movement from magnetic interference. The inner case is usually made from materials that are magnetically permeable like soft iron.

Magnetically permeable materials can regulate the rate of magnetic force passing through them. Hence, the soft iron is easily magnetized. However, it does not remain magnetized once the source of the magnetic field is withdrawn.

Early Days of Anti-magnetic Watch and Anti-Magnetic Brands

There was a boom in electromagnetism and electric science in the 19th century. The increase in this area of technology led to notable consequences on the accuracy of mechanical watches. This necessitated the creation of the first anti-magnetic pocket watch in 1915. This invention was credited to Vacheron Constantin.

In 1930, the first anti-magnetic watch was created by Tissot. After which there we notable requests for anti-magnetic watches and exceptional productions. For instance, the British Ministry of Defense requested an anti-magnetic pilot watch. This request led to the production of Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC Mark XI in 1948.

Since these iconic productions, several brands have released their piece belonging to this category. Some of the popular names of anti-magnetic watch brands include Rolex, Omega, Sinn, Damasko, etc.

Examples of the Best Anti-Magnetic Watches

The watch widely referred to as the best anti-magnetic watch is the Rolex Milgauss. It got its name from being able to withstand a magnetic field of up to 1000 gauss. When it was created in 1955, watches at the time could only handle magnetic fields of around 50-100 gauss.

Faraday cage is the name given to the inner case used to shield this piece against magnetic fields. It was first produced for scientists working with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Till today, the watch still maintains its prestige among anti-magnetic watches.

Another highly rated name among anti-magnetic watches is the Omega Aqua Terra. The watch is most notable for being able to withstand the most magnetic field. Although it boasts over 15,000 gausses, it does not feature a Faraday cage. Instead, it was made of nonferrous materials. This 2013 release is credited with the first watch that is completely antimagnetic.

Our third pick is an anti-magnetic pilot watch that uses a Faraday cage. The Sinn 756 Diapel is made in Germany for professionals constantly making contact with Ferrous materials. This anti-magnetic watch series has a casing crafted from stainless steel. It is a chronographic piece with a 14.2mm thickness.

Benefits of Watch with Anti-Magnetic Properties

Non-magnetic watches offer several benefits. These benefits become obvious, particularly when used in locations with high exposure to magnetic fields. One such benefit is sustained accuracy.

Anti-magnetic watches are less susceptible to magnetic fields. Hence, they are not affected by the negative effects of magnetism. For instance, internal components of the watch such as the balance spring are not likely to experience magnetization. With the reduction in the likelihood of its magnetization, there is sustained consistency in the timekeeping accuracy over time.

Users can trust their anti-magnetic handpiece more than they can trust ones without these properties. By minimizing the risk of magnetization, these watches are more reliable in everyday use.

Professionals working in locations with high tendencies of magnetism can rely on these anti-magnetic pieces better. Wearers near electronic devices or magnetic closures can enjoy peace of mind. They know their timepieces are well equipped to withstand the possible magnetic emissions in their location.

Likewise, owners can travel and get their daily activities done without bothering about the state of their watch. Wearers can trust their watches to maintain accurate timekeeping for an extended duration. This case for durability is established because the handpiece is less likely to be magnetized.

Magnetization is one of the leading causes of watches being damaged. Hence, watches with anti-magnetic properties are built with materials that can resistant magnetization. This feature enhances the durability of the watch and reduces its tendency to be damaged. Depending on the configuration, only the sensitive parts or all the parts are protected from damage.

Anti-magnetic watches are generally more versatile. They are suitable for a wide range of activities. For instance, they fit with everyday wear, sporting events, and professional use. Wearers can rely on their anti-magnetic watches to perform reliably in various settings without detrimental interference.

Even after several months or years of being in use, non-magnetic watches retain their value. Watches with anti-magnetic properties retain their functionalities better over time. Therefore, they are well-priced compared to non-anti-magnetic watches. Collectors and enthusiasts consider them worthy investments for their sustained value.

Conclusion On Anti-Magnetic Watches

Overall, while magnets may seem harmless. However, they can pose a significant threat to the accuracy and performance of mechanical watches. If your watch is non-magnetic, it is essential to take precautions against magnetization.

To avoid exposing your watch to strong magnetic fields, you should store it away from magnetic fields and objects. However, you should use demagnetizing tools to correct magnetization if needed.

One of the most highly recommended storage solutions for your watch is the Watch Winder. Mozsly Watch winders utilize an upgraded Mabuchi motor from Japan. provides scientific anti-magnetic protection. Furthermore, This motor ensures the noise level of the winder is below 10 decibels, thereby producing a stable operation with an extended lifespan.

FAQs

1. What Does It Mean If a Watch Is Anti-Magnetic?

A watch that is anti-magnetic works with the least deviation when exposed to the magnetic field. In other words, exposure to a magnetic field does not significantly change how it performs. Magnetized watches may run faster or slower than they ought.

2. What Is the Most Anti-Magnetic Watch?

The most magnetic watch is the Omega Aqua Terra. It is mostly black with a minimal touch of yellow. The handpiece features nonferrous materials which makes it highly anti-magnetic.

3. What Watches Are Resistant to Magnetism?

Watches resistant to magnetism are non-magnetic. In other words, they do not show major deviation when they make contact with magnetic fields. To be resistant to magnetism, they either feature nonferrous materials or have a magnetic permissible inner casing.

4. Are Rolex Anti-Magnetic?

Yes, Rolex has anti-magnetic watches. However, not all their handpiece is anti-magnetic. The Milgauss and the Air King are the Rolex watches known to be anti-magnetic. These two watches have about the same configuration.