Rolex watch Question

[swizznanaz]

Hello TRF,
There is a job opening available which I may apply for and have a serious question about being in a department cell that requires anti-static foot straps and lab coats. This job is way cleaner then my current position calibrating gauges in open liquid pots which makes it impossible to wear my nice watches/clothes to work. The new position would enable me to do so which is kind of a perk for me but worried about the transducers I will be around and if it will have any affect on the watch. When I look at the job I will know more details but I am wondering if TRF members wear their watches in a similar situation, whether its working on computers/servers with ESD equipment. If on the border of being suitable for a watch (AK 116900) what questions should I ask? Whether its machines, discharges, electrical currents and what not. I will know more when I look at the job most likely Monday but any advice now would be extremely helpful.
Thanks,
Ross

[Pantheon]

Hi there, while I can't comment on the rules that the workplace has I can say that if you are around computer equipment and server rooms a watch is ok as long as you are working with proper ESD equipment. As long as you are grounded by the ankle strap you will discharge any static buildup. I have done work in server rooms and data centers worth millions of dollars without problems.

However of course its best to consult with your potential employer if they have any rules against wristwatches which I highly doubt. I've been working in the industry for about 6 years and I've never ran into an issue regarding watches.

[swizznanaz]

Hey thanks for the reply,
Many people wear watches so that won't be a concern. I was more worried about it affecting my watch being automatic. They are a huge multi million dollar company and definitely don't cheap on this particular department. I'ts sealed off , temperature/humidity controlled, ESD equipment, everyone has to wear ankle straps lab coats so with your advice I believe I will be fine. I'm moving from one department to another , Hopefully . Just wanted some info from someone who is around similar equipment.

[Pantheon]

There can be the possibility of your watch getting magnetized although that probability is low as well

[swizznanaz]

I own an AK 116900 which I believe is similar to the Milgauss with its anti-magnetic properties if that will also lower the probability.

[Pantheon]

Yes the AK uses the same caliber 3131 which will give it up to 1000 gauss of anti magnetic resistance compared to the international standard of 60 so you should be fine. Also I doubt you will be working in extremely strong magnetic fields from what you've described so far. Hard disks are sensitive to strong magnetism and can cause data loss.

[77T]

What are the specific voltage, amperage and frequencies of the transducers you will be near?


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[Tangier11]

Some of the Omega watches have superior magnetic protection even over the Milgause

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by Tangier11

Some of the Omega watches have superior magnetic protection even over the Milgause

yep the >15,000 gauss Omega Aqua Terra that is so overkill. They say its literally immune to magnetic fields

[Doc Savage]

Originally Posted by Pantheon

yep the >15,000 gauss Omega Aqua Terra that is so overkill. They say its literally immune to magnetic fields

I have heard that as well, but somehow I managed to do it to my AT 8900. I accidentally left it in a watch winder next to a 1000w powered speaker while it was turned on!

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by Doc Savage

I have heard that as well, but somehow I managed to do it to my AT 8900. I accidentally left it in a watch winder next to a 1000w powered speaker while it was turned on!

Actually only this model AT has the 15k+ gauss rating. All the other Aqua Terras are normally rated.

[Jabbo84]

You’ll be ok unless your working around a perpetual motion machine.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Pantheon

Yes the AK uses the same caliber 3131 which will give it up to 1000 gauss of anti magnetic resistance compared to the international standard of 60 so you should be fine. Also I doubt you will be working in extremely strong magnetic fields from what you've described so far. Hard disks are sensitive to strong magnetism and can cause data loss.

Milgauss is just a name chosen by Rolex since they had a Milgauss previously in their lineup. For example here Hodinkee tested the Milgauss with 4k Gauss and it did just fine. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if any modern Rolex movement with Parachrom hairspring could withstand a thousand Gauss or even more.

Originally Posted by Pantheon

Actually only this model AT has the 15k+ gauss rating. All the other Aqua Terras are normally rated.

Not true. Any Omega 8900 movement watch is a "Master chronometer" and thus has METAS certification and is certified to be 15k Gauss resistant. For example check this and you will see it states 15k Gauss resistance for AT8900.

Omega is actually better in regards of magnetic resistance than Rolex since what they supposedly did is replace all parts that would have an effect on timing with non magnetizable materials sort of like so it is strange to hear that someone managed to get one magnetized.

Originally Posted by swizznanaz

Hello TRF,
There is a job opening available which I may apply for and have a serious question about being in a department cell that requires anti-static foot straps and lab coats. This job is way cleaner then my current position calibrating gauges in open liquid pots which makes it impossible to wear my nice watches/clothes to work. The new position would enable me to do so which is kind of a perk for me but worried about the transducers I will be around and if it will have any affect on the watch. When I look at the job I will know more details but I am wondering if TRF members wear their watches in a similar situation, whether its working on computers/servers with ESD equipment. If on the border of being suitable for a watch (AK 116900) what questions should I ask? Whether its machines, discharges, electrical currents and what not. I will know more when I look at the job most likely Monday but any advice now would be extremely helpful.
Thanks,
Ross

Which brings us to answer to your question. Your watch will do just fine. AK is basically a Milgauss which not only has a magnetic resistant movement, but also has a soft iron cage.