The performance of a mechanical watch can be compromised by exposure to magnetic fields. To combat this, the Omega movement is built with selected non-ferrous materials in the movement itself, unlike other anti-magnetic watches that rely on a protective container inside the watch case, which is unable to handle the increased strength of permanent magnets, and also blocks the view of the movement.
At the press conference, a video was played showing how a conventional mechanical watch exposed to high levels of magnetism stopped immediately and dramatically lost its accuracy. The Omega prototype was subjected to even higher levels of magnetism (15,000 gauss) and continued to perform.
OMEGA expects to present the technology at Baselworld in April. The new movement, the Omega Co-Axial calibre 8508, should be introduced to the market in 2013.
WatchTime contributor, Alexander Linz attended the press conference and shared his thoughts on the news over at watch-insider.com, with more pictures and video of the demonstration.
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