Magnetic-field resistant watch?

[Endoxifen]

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I’m really into mechanical watches and my family is very generously getting me a nice watch for my graduation. Is there any reason that I should push them to get one of the magnetism-resistant watches like an old Rolex Miligauss or an IWC Ingenieur?

 

[treesnm3s]

Also a watch nerd. From what I've heard, many people have taken watches without F. cages near MRIs and nothing bad has happened (not saying it isn't possible). I would just get what you like and not worry about getting something like the Milgauss (unless that's what you actually want). If it was me, I'd definitely get a Speedmaster. Beautiful watch.

Also, would you really be brave enough to wear a $10K watch into the hospital as a student (which is why you posted this in the premed forum I assume)?

 

[longhaul3]

Don't know much about watches but would not recommend wearing a Rolex or the like as a medical student unless you're at least 30-35 and could plausibly have bought it yourself from your first career. Out on the town, do what you like, but in the hospital it opens you up to scrutiny from attending and especially residents who are eager to buy one when they finally finish.

 

[deleted103644]

I’m really into mechanical watches and my family is very generously getting me a nice watch for my graduation. Is there any reason that I should push them to get one of the magnetism-resistant watches like an old Rolex Miligauss or an IWC Ingenieur?

If you're going near an MRI, you're taking off your watch no matter what.

Miligauss is rated for 1000 gauss. Typical MRI is 1.5 Tesla = 15000 gauss or more, you don't want a fancy watch anywhere near it - not that the tech would let you go in with one anyway.

Aside from MRI, not sure why it would be an issue in general.

 

[Endoxifen]

Also a watch nerd. From what I've heard, many people have taken watches without F. cages near MRIs and nothing bad has happened (not saying it isn't possible). I would just get what you like and not worry about getting something like the Milgauss (unless that's what you actually want). If it was me, I'd definitely get a Speedmaster. Beautiful watch.

Also, would you really be brave enough to wear a $10K watch into the hospital as a student (which is the why you posted this in the premed forum I assume)?

I'm generally not into ostentatious things, but I'm going to graduate school in the U.K. first, so I'd really like a rolex GMT master II. Then I'd always have my home time on my wrist. Apart from that though, I don't think so. A vintage tudor tool watch would be a cool, under the radar sort of watch.

 

[Endoxifen]

Don't know much about watches but would not recommend wearing a Rolex or the like as a medical student unless you're at least 30-35 and could plausibly have bought it yourself from your first career. Out on the town, do what you like, but in the hospital it opens you up to scrutiny from attending and especially residents who are eager to buy one when they finally finish.

Actually, I think a vintage miligauss is understated enough to fly.

 

[longhaul3]

Really nice looking watch there. You have good taste. Even as a non-watch person, though, I would notice that immediately and I bet your attendings and residents would as well. Doctors are trained to be observant, after all.

Just my view though—see what others have to say before you let me throw a wet blanket on something that makes you happy.

 

[Endoxifen]

Really nice looking watch there. You have good taste. Even as a non-watch person, though, I would notice that immediately and I bet your attendings and residents would as well. Doctors are trained to be observant, after all.

Just my view though—see what others have to say before you let me throw a wet blanket on something that makes you happy.

Oh it’s no problem. I like watches themselves, not so other people can see me wearing them. If it’s inappropriate to wear in a hospital, I wouldn’t mind wearing a beater. My favorite part in buying a watch is the research, so I'd still get quite a lot out of my hobby.

Edit: for grammer

 

[allantois]

Are you concerned about the magnetic pole reversal?

 

[treesnm3s]

Oh it’s no problem. I like watches themselves, not so other people can see me wearing them. If it’s inappropriate to wear in a hospital, I wouldn’t mind wearing a beater. My favorite part in buying a watch is the research, so I'd still get quite a lot out of my hobby.

Edit: for grammer

Yeah, but a Rolex is a Rolex...you don't have to be a horologist to know that they're expensive. Its the quintessential status symbol. I'm the same way about watches and cars, but I don't plan on wearing a Speedmaster or driving a GT3RS to the hospital until I'm at least an attending. Even then, I'd probably save those things for my off days because nice things have a tendency to create drama, jealousy, and resentment in the workplace...which can be easily avoided.

 

[Endoxifen]

Are you concerned about the magnetic pole reversal?

I'm not sure what you mean.

The general concern with real mechanical watches is maldistribution of energy in a magnetic field. Because the components are ferro or paramagnetic and the watch is only powered by potential energy (no batteries), a magnetic field can alter the normal flow of energy and render it functionally useless. It won't break the watch (probably), only make it totally worthless as a time keeper.

 

[Endoxifen]

Yeah, but a Rolex is a Rolex...you don't have to be a horologist to know that they're expensive. Its the quintessential status symbol. I'm the same way about watches and cars, but I don't plan on wearing my Speedmaster or driving my GT3RS to the hospital until I'm at least an attending. Even then, I'd probably save those things for my off days because nice things have a tendency to create drama, jealousy, and resentment in the workplace...which can be easily avoided.

I suppose you're right. I guess I sort of lost track of the status aspect of the brand a while ago. I'm only really interested in them because of their history as tool watches and how well they're put together. Rolex makes their movements in-house and they're incredibly well made. There are Rolexes from the 70s that you can get used for 5-6 grand that still function perfectly and look great. I love that. There also aren't that many real tool watch manufacturers left. You can get an Omega and they're great, but their build quality is a little worse (but I'm 21, so who am I to complain). The real answer is Tudor. Tudor's an off-shoot from Rolex that specializes in just tool watches. I like that they're understated, but the problem is that their modern watches are a bit too big to fit under your sleeve. They're also made of Titanium which scratches. Ironically, a used Rolex turns out to be great value because even if I beat the hell out of it, it'll still be around long after I'm gone.

 

[Lannister]

Uhh do residents/doctors really care if their co-workers have nice things?? Who the hell cares? If you want to wear a Rolex, wear a Rolex, in my opinion.

 

[begoood95]

You don't come off as pompous and seem genuinely intrigued by high-quality watches, rather than wearing them as a status symbol. Sure, they might be, but it seems to me that you would be able to quickly remedy that should someone form those opinions; it's not like you're gonna walk around your future medical school shoving your Rolex/Tudor/Omega in people's faces.

Rolexes are incredible time pieces, and if someone were willing to buy one for me as a gift, then I would accept it and not worry too much about what other people think. Your behavior and demeanor will make a first impression on residents, attendings, and so-on, and if you're not a pompous prick about it (which I don't think you will be from these posts) then I am sure no one is going to assume that just because you were gifted an expensive watch that you yourself are pretentious.

Do it. Get whichever watch you're wanting that's within an appropriate price range. I would.

As for wearing it around MRIs and other machines that produce strong magnetic fields, I personally wouldn't (and I probably wouldn't wear it into wards that might harm it in any way). As such, I don't know if it's that important to get a magnetism-resistant watch—unless it's really just the watch you like.

 

[longhaul3]

Uhh do residents/doctors really care if their co-workers have nice things?? Who the hell cares? If you want to wear a Rolex, wear a Rolex, in my opinion.

No no I just meant wearing one as a medical student.

You don't come off as pompous and seem genuinely intrigued by high-quality watches, rather than wearing them as a status symbol. Sure, they might be, but it seems to me that you would be able to quickly remedy that should someone form those opinions; it's not like you're gonna walk around your future medical school shoving your Rolex/Tudor/Omega in people's faces.

Rolexes are incredible time pieces, and if someone were willing to buy one for me as a gift, then I would accept it and not worry too much about what other people think. Your behavior and demeanor will make a first impression on residents, attendings, and so-on, and if you're not a pompous prick about it (which I don't think you will be from these posts) then I am sure no one is going to assume that just because you were gifted an expensive watch that you yourself are pretentious.

Do it. Get whichever watch you're wanting that's within an appropriate price range. I would.

As for wearing it around MRIs and other machines that produce strong magnetic fields, I personally wouldn't (and I probably wouldn't wear it into wards that might harm it in any way). As such, I don't know if it's that important to get a magnetism-resistant watch—unless it's really just the watch you like.

Good post. I agree: if someone if gifting you a Rolex, definitely accept it!

 

[Endoxifen]

if someone if gifting you a Rolex, definitely accept it!

I'm MD/PhD track, so it'll be decades before I can afford one on my own. I'd be crazy to turn it down! Also, if I'm smart, I can keep exchanging it for different, cool watches without losing value, though it's a bit of a gamble.

 

[Lannister]

No no I just meant wearing one as a medical student

Idk as a med student I don't spend my time worrying about other peoples' accessories, nor do I know of anyone in my class who does.

 

[treesnm3s]

Idk as a med student I don't spend my time worrying about other peoples' accessories, nor do I know of anyone in my class who does.

Medical students aren't the only people in a hospital. I'm more concerned with nurses/techs/people who can make your life harder and not fellow classmates, especially considering all the nurse horror stories I've heard from med students. You never really know how they'll perceive it so why risk it? But I'm just a naive premed...

Either way OP, definitely don't pass up the opportunity to get a nice watch for $Free.99. I'd just be careful where you wear it.

 

[Lannister]

Medical students aren't the only people in a hospital. I'm more concerned with nurses/techs/people who can make your life harder and not fellow classmates, especially considering all the nurse horror stories I've heard from med students. You never really know how they'll perceive it so why risk it? But I'm just a naive premed...

Either way OP, definitely don't pass up the opportunity to get a nice watch for $Free.99. I'd just be careful where you wear it.

I just think if OP is a decent person who treats his co-workers with respect, no one worth his time is going to give him s*** about his watch. To be fair, both my friend and I had expensive items stolen by nurses when we volunteered at the hospital. But as long as the watch never leaves his wrist, it should be fine.

 

[Endoxifen]

Do you think it would be a bad idea to talk about this hobby during an interview (if appropriate) or would it come off as weird?

 

[begoood95]

Do you think it would be a bad idea to talk about this hobby during an interview (if appropriate) or would it come off as weird?

I think you can talk about virtually anything as long as you do it cautiously, cognizant of how it might come off as to your interviewer.

"Got any hobbies?"

*Names some less controversial ones, then:*

"I've also gathered this recent fascination with watches: their quality, how they're made, their history, and so-on. Unfortunately, quality comes at a pretty price-tag—and I'm definitely not in a position now to go beyond internet searches!" *Throws in some light laughter.* "I got really lucky when X relative, knowing that I had this newfound interest, offered a nice watch of my choice as a graduation gift. I was very thankful and excitedly accepted the offer, and I've really enjoyed unpacking all there is to know about it."

I came up with that in 1 minute. It's not perfect obviously, but with practice and some thought, I'm sure you can come up with something that isn't "off-putting."

A lot of the times we ask for other's opinions on what to say during interviews, but really, above all, I think one needs to be honest. Just tell them what your hobbies are! That is when passion shines through, when they can tell you're not a 4.0/525 robot with no personality. I've found that when I overthink, that's when I flounder and feel awkward. What I'm about to say is extremely cheesy and cliché but it's true: if you "speak from your heart," I don't doubt you'll leave a good impression.

Don't think too hard. They wouldn't have sent you an II if they didn't like you. Just show them who you are.

 

[WheezyBaby]

An mri tech is going to tackle you if you try to wear a watch near an mri

 

[JustAPhD]

Mechanical watches and strong magnetic fields are generally a no-go because of very delicate metal components (eg the balance wheel) in the movement. With that said, I wouldn’t wear any mechanical near a mag as strong as an mri, nor is it likely that you’d be able to wear it anyway.

Get a Rolex, omega, IWC, or whatever you fancy most and pick up a beater Casio while you’re at it.