OMEGA, the luxury Swiss watch manufacturer announced the launch of its first anti-magnetic watch at a press conference in Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, March 5. The brand plans to release a prototype of this watch during the world renowned watch and jewelry show in Baselworld in April.

The brand has used various types of non magnetic materials to design the watch and the piece is also resistant to magnetic fields greater than1.5 tesla. (1500 gauss)

“The innovative movement not only marks a significant achievement of OMEGA, but also constitutes a breakthrough for the watch industry,” noted Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA. “Since its very beginning OMEGA has always strived to be a pioneer in its field, and without any doubt this anti-magnetic movement underscores the pioneering leadership of the OMEGA brand.”

Magnets obstruct the functions of the watch and the only solution till now was to place them inside a magnetic shield casing usually made of soft-iron. But OMEGA’s anti magnetic watch is resistant to magnetic fields without the use of the inner case.

The watch is a stunning piece in silver with a black dial and gives a very ceremonial look. The brand plans to launch other anti-magnetic watches with a date window and sapphire crystal case back that shows the function of the watch.

Magnetic field and its effect is a serious issue in our daily lives. Stressing upon the issue, Michel Willemin, CEO of ASULAB and Thierry Conus, the Director of Research & Development at ET spoke about the traditional ways of tackling the problem. They also spoke about OMEGA's efforts to curb the ill effects of magnetism and the advantages of the new Omega watch.

Omega also demonstrated the watch and the viewers witnessed how the new anti-magnetic movement works.

The watch is expected to roll out in the market in 2013 and will be priced at about $10,000.