Ball NM2038, Owner'S Manual

Page: 37 / 251

8 9
The Engineer Hydrocarbon, Engineer Master II, and Engineer II watches
are equipped with superb antimagnetic cases constructed with corrosion-
resistant ferric stainless steel materials. Furthermore, the inner workings of
the watch are protected by a soft iron inner jacket consisting of a sub-dial,
a ring surrounding the movement and a double-bottom. This special alloy,
reinforced by the shape of the case, prevents magnetic fields from penetrating
as far as the movement and having an adverse effect on its accuracy.
What does the term “antimagnetic” actually mean? The existing standard
is defined as follows: If a mechanical watch does not stop when exposed to
a magnetic field of 4,800 A/m and subsequently does not deviate by more
than 30 seconds per day, it can be called “antimagnetic.” The Engineer
Hydrocarbon series certainly surpasses this standard with a protection up
to 12,000 A/m while some of the BALL watches go up to a protection of
80,000A/m.
Sectional view of an anti-magnetic BALL watch case
Magnetism
The Greeks first observed the phenomenon of magnetism around 600 B.C.
The natural magnet Fe
3
O
4
, a black ferrous oxide, was discovered in the
province of Magnesia in Turkey.
Magnetic fields produced by natural magnets are generally too weak to
disturb the accuracy of a mechanical watch. The same is not true, however,
of man-made magnetic fields. So where are we at risk to enter magnetic
fields in daily life? Near televisions, stereo systems and radios in our living
room. In the countless small electric motors used throughout our households.
In the doors of cars, refrigerators or cabinets. In the telephone or computer
monitor on your office desk. And in locomotives. Even brief contact with
these items is enough to magnetize a mechanical watch.
ENGLISH