Definition
An antimagnetic watch is designed to resist interference caused by magnetic fields. Critical components of the watch, such as the balance spring and the escapement, are made of materials that are not affected by magnetism. This ensures that the watch continues to function accurately, even when exposed to magnetic fields.
Origin
The need for antimagnetic watches arose in the early 20th century, with the advent of electrification and the subsequent proliferation of magnetic fields. The first antimagnetic watches began to appear in the 1930s and 1940s, meeting the needs of professionals working in environments with a strong magnetic presence, such as engineers and pilots.
Usage
Antimagnetic watches are common in environments where magnetic fields can be a problem, such as in laboratories, industrial facilities, and in some specific professions. They are also valued by watch enthusiasts and collectors for their technical sophistication.
Examples
The Rolex Milgauss, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss, and the IWC Ingenieur are notable examples of antimagnetic watches. These models are designed to resist extremely high magnetic fields.
Synonyms
There are no exact synonyms, but terms such as “magnetic resistant” or “protected against magnetism” are used similarly.
Related Terms
- Silicon Balance Spring: Used in many modern watches to improve resistance to magnetism.
- Faraday Cage: A cage used in some designs to protect the movement against magnetic fields.
Tips
When looking for an antimagnetic watch, check the magnetic resistance specification, usually measured in gauss or tesla. The higher the value, the more resistant to magnetism the watch is.
Fun Facts
The Rolex Milgauss was one of the first antimagnetic watches, developed in 1956 for scientists working at CERN, where strong magnetic fields are constant. “Milgauss” is a combination of the words “mil” and “gauss,” indicating its resistance to magnetic fields of up to 1000 gauss.
