Non-“Master” chronometer: how antimagnetic?

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Annapolis

·Nov 30, 2022

Omega-enablers,

Anyone know how resistant to magnetism the 8611 movement is? It’s a co-axial chronometer (not a Master Chronometer) with a silicon spring, but I can’t find a gauss rating on any of Omega’s spec sheets for the movement or any of its associated watches.

This is a point of curiosity, not urgency.

 

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Annapolis

·Nov 30, 2022

And the obligatory eye candy.

 

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Jones in LA

·Nov 30, 2022·Not in LA anymore.

There are no explicit anti-magnetism test data available for this calibre, to the best of my knowledge. But it does have a Si-14 balance spring, which makes the watch's most magnetism-sensitive component essentially a-magnetic.

 

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Archer

·Nov 30, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

This has the silicon balance spring, but will not have the anti-magnetic materials extended beyond that, as the 15,000 Gauss models will have. So the shock absorbers, balance staff, co-axial wheel, and pallet fork will not be made from anti-magnetic materials.

 

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Annapolis

·Nov 30, 2022

So still fairly antimagnetic (for the usual day-to-day exposure) but not something you’d want anywhere near an MRI lab…

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Nov 30, 2022

It's fine. Your iPad cover is a higher risk than the MRI lab.

Magnetic field strength declines exponentially with distance. Unless you are dumb enough to go into the red zone of an MRI machine, your watch would be fine.
Radiologists waltz into the lab all the time with some very expensive pieces. I have yet to hear about flying watches or severed limbs.

 

T

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Time2WatchOut

·Nov 30, 2022

If I may… just curious .Does anyone know the Gauss of the 2500D. I’ve got a 2017. It has the shield under the caseback.

Don’t mean to hijack. Just figured 1 question to the rite audience can receive the rite “one answer”.


My apologies if out of line.

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Nov 30, 2022

With silicon spring, it is at least safe to assume ISO 764/DIN8309.
(At least ~60 gauss)

 

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Time2WatchOut

·Dec 1, 2022

60 gauss?

compaired to 1000 rolex or the omega 1500

seems extremely low

I’ll call Omega and ask, report back

Edited: Dec 1, 2022

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Dec 1, 2022

Just being conservative. The actual resistance is likely much higher than 60 gauss.

As Archer pointed out, the balance spring is silicon, but the remainder of the movement is not necessarily all made of non-ferromagnetic metal.

I doubt Omega will give you a straight answer, since their official FAQ just tells you to avoid magnets all together if you don't have a Master Chronometer.

 

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Archer

·Dec 1, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

OmegaOwner2019

As Archer pointed out, the balance spring is silicon, but the remainder of the movement is not necessarily all made of non-ferromagnetic metal.

You are confusing the situation here - the 2500D doesn't have any silicon balance spring, or any other if the highly anti-magnetic components.

 

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Time2WatchOut

·Dec 1, 2022

It does have a magnetic shield under the caseback.

I’m sure that’s better than 60

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Dec 1, 2022

Archer

You are confusing the situation here - the 2500D doesn't have any silicon balance spring, or any other if the highly anti-magnetic components.

OK sorry, got confused there.

T Time2WatchOut

It does have a magnetic shield under the caseback.

I’m sure that’s better than 60

If there is no silicon balance spring, then the resistance may very well just be 60 gauss.

A regular movement will require some shielding to meet ISO/DIN requirement.

 

T

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Time2WatchOut

·Dec 1, 2022

I will say, I havnt heard of to many 2500D modern Omega watches have a problem of magnetic issues

Really insignificant, I was just curious as to details.

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Dec 1, 2022

I mean, most watches don't have magnetic issues.

Modern balance spring materials like nivarox still have some innate magnetic-resistance, despite not being non-magnetic.

A fridge magnet is like 10 gauss. ISO/DIN standard of 60 gauss resistance is a reasonable standard.

I think we watch nerds are just spoiled by the crazy over-engineering of luxury brands.

 

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Time2WatchOut

·Dec 1, 2022

I bet a regular fridge magnet on back of my watch wouldn’t stop the movement like it could other watches.

 

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Annapolis

·Dec 1, 2022

T Time2WatchOut

I bet a regular fridge magnet on back of my watch wouldn’t stop the movement like it could other watches.

I… wouldn’t try this just to find out

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Dec 1, 2022

Most watches probably won't be stopped by a dollar store fridge magnet. The rare earth magnets are another matter.

Also not stopping does not mean not magnetizing the watch. A fridge magnet can still ruin your accuracy.

 

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Time2WatchOut

·Dec 1, 2022

Annapolis

I… wouldn’t try this just to find out

Obviously- I wouldn’t intentionally do that to my watch

Was just a statement of opinion

 

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Tag0935

·Sep 9, 2024

Resurrecting an old thread with a new question - how antimagnetic is the caliber 1863? Exposed behind a transparent caseback, there is not much material left to shield the caliber. How "dangerous" is it to have it while typing on a laptop? I know the discussion on grass cutting, but please keep it serious here.

Edited: Sep 17, 2024