Antimagnetic 17 Jewels Swiss Made Wrist Watch

A vintage Kienzle watch, explicitly marked "17 JEWEL ANTIMAGNETIC" on its dial. Antimagnetic watches are engineered to mitigate the adverse effects of magnetic fields on their intricate mechanical mechanisms. Traditional mechanical watches are vulnerable to magnetism because key components, such as the hairspring, are crafted from ferrous materials, making them susceptible to magnetization. Magnetization can cause these parts to malfunction, leading to inaccuracies in timekeeping or complete cessation of operation. To counter this, manufacturers incorporate non-magnetic materials like silicon, Nivachron, or specific niobium-zirconium alloys for critical components such as the balance spring and escapement. Additionally, magnetic shielding, often involving a "soft iron" inner case or Faraday cage around the movement, is utilized to redirect magnetic field lines away from sensitive parts. The "ANTIMAGNETIC" label on this vintage Kienzle watch signifies its inclusion of these protective features, a notable advantage during the mid-20th century when increasing exposure to magnetic sources necessitated such advancements for maintaining watch accuracy.