Owais Crawford
Automatic watches are a functional and fashionable accessory, but travelling with them can be a concern for many owners. The fear of theft, damage, or magnetism means that many people wonder whether they should take their watches off at airport security. While there is no definitive answer, most sources agree that it is generally safe to wear your watch through airport security. However, this depends on the type of watch, the airport, and the security measures in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you wear a watch through airport security? | Yes, in most cases, you can wear your watch through airport security. |
| How to keep the watch safe? | Keep it on your wrist, especially if you're afraid of it getting scratched, damaged, lost, or stolen. |
| Metal detectors | Metal detectors shouldn't sound over a watch but can if the timepiece is chunky and solid metal. |
| X-ray machines | X-ray machines do not generate magnetic fields and will not magnetize your watch. |
| Walk-through metal detectors | These generate weak magnetic fields that are too weak to affect modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs. |
| Vintage watches | Vintage watches can be sensitive to magnetic fields. |
| Multiple watches | When traveling with multiple timepieces, use watch accessories like cases, rolls, and pouches. |
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What You'll Learn
Metal detectors and automatic watches
The short answer is yes, you can wear your automatic watch through airport security. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while most modern watches are designed to resist magnetic fields, older or vintage watches may be more sensitive. Secondly, different airports and countries may have varying procedures and technologies in place, so it's always good to be prepared for any scenario.
At most airports, you won't be required to remove your watch when passing through metal detectors or body scanners. However, some airports may ask you to take off your watch, especially if it's a chunkier model with a metal bracelet, as these are more likely to trigger the alarm. In such cases, you can place your watch in a secure pocket inside your carry-on bag or jacket, ensuring it remains within your sight at all times.
If you're concerned about potential damage or theft, it's generally recommended to keep your watch on your wrist throughout the security process. This minimizes the risk of scratching or losing your watch, and you can monitor it at all times. Additionally, watch enthusiasts suggest holding the watch up in the air, pointing it at the camera, similar to how people handle valuables in casinos.
While metal detectors and X-ray scanners at airports do generate magnetic fields, these fields are typically too weak to affect modern watches. A 2003 study published in the journal Health Physics confirmed that the magnetic fields generated by walk-through scanners are "up to 299 A/m [amperes per meter]," while hand-held wand-type detectors generate significantly weaker fields of 6 A/m. Modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs can withstand these levels without issue.
In summary, while you can wear your automatic watch through airport security, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and make decisions based on the specific circumstances. If you're concerned about metal detectors or potential theft, consider placing your watch in a secure pocket within your carry-on or wearing it on your wrist throughout the security process.
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X-ray machines and automatic watches
However, some travellers prefer to keep their watches on their wrists during security checks to prevent scratches, damage, loss, or theft. This is a valid concern, as there have been reports of items, including watches, being stolen from trays while unattended. Additionally, if you are travelling with multiple watches, it is advisable to use watch accessories like cases, rolls, or pouches to protect them during the security process.
Now, let's discuss metal detectors. Most modern watches will not trigger a metal detector, but chunkier watches or timepieces on metal bracelets are more likely to set off the alarm. In such cases, you may be asked to remove your watch and send it through the X-ray machine separately. Alternatively, some airports may perform a physical inspection without requiring you to remove your watch.
To summarize, when it comes to X-ray machines and automatic watches, there is no need to worry about damage or magnetization. You can either place your watch in a tray for X-ray scanning or keep it on your wrist to address security concerns. Just be mindful of metal detectors, which may require you to briefly remove your watch if it triggers the alarm.
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Theft and loss of automatic watches at airport security
While it is generally safe to wear an automatic watch through airport security, there is always a risk of theft or loss. Here are some measures you can take to minimise these risks:
Keep Your Watch On Your Person
It is recommended to keep your automatic watch on your wrist when going through airport security. This way, you can monitor it at all times and reduce the risk of theft or loss. Most watches do not contain enough metal to trigger metal detectors, and even if they do, it is usually a straightforward process to clear the alarm.
Be Vigilant During the Security Process
When placing your belongings in trays for X-ray scanning, remain vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables. It only takes a second of distraction for thieves to take advantage. If you must remove your watch, do not take your eyes off it, and consider holding it up in the air, pointing it at the security cameras, for added protection.
Use Strategic Packing Techniques
If you prefer to remove your watch and place it in your carry-on bag, choose a bag with secure zippered pockets. Consider rolling a jacket or a piece of clothing and placing the watch inside one of the pockets before putting it in the tray for scanning. This makes it less accessible to potential thieves and provides an extra layer of protection.
Insure Your Watch
If your automatic watch is of high value, consider taking out insurance that covers theft and loss during travel. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the unfortunate event of theft or loss at airport security.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When travelling with an automatic watch, always remain aware of your surroundings, especially at your destination. Ensure you have access to a lockbox or safe at your accommodation to securely store your watch when you arrive.
By following these precautions, you can minimise the risk of theft or loss of your automatic watch at airport security and during your travels.
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Magnetism and automatic watches
While it is generally accepted that you can wear your watch through airport security, there are some concerns about the potential effects of magnetism on automatic watches.
Firstly, it is important to understand that not all watches will be affected by magnetism in the same way. Older, vintage watches are more likely to be sensitive to magnetic fields, while modern watches often have improved anti-magnetic properties, making them resistant to weaker magnetic fields.
Secondly, the type of scanner used at airport security is a factor to consider. Different scanners use different technologies and parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and "hard" radiation like gamma and X-rays, do not affect mechanical watches. The real concern is magnetic fields.
Walk-through or handheld metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but these fields are typically too weak to affect modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs. According to a 2003 study, the magnetic fields generated by walk-through scanners are "up to 299 A/m" (amperes per meter), while handheld wand-type detectors generate fields of 6 A/m. Modern Nivarox alloy balance springs comply with the ISO 764 standard for non-magnetic watches, which specifies that a watch must not deviate more than ± 30 seconds daily in rate after exposure to a magnetic field of 4800 A/m. Therefore, the magnetic fields encountered at airport security are not strong enough to affect modern watches.
Additionally, X-ray machines are commonly used at airport security checkpoints to scan hand luggage, shoes, and other personal items. While X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, they do not generate magnetic fields and therefore will not magnetize your watch. This is contrary to a common myth that X-ray machines can damage electronic devices.
In conclusion, while magnetism can negatively affect the accuracy of mechanical watches, the magnetic fields encountered at airport security are typically too weak to affect modern watches with anti-magnetic properties. Older, vintage watches may be more sensitive to magnetic fields, but the vast majority of watches should be safe to wear through airport security without risking magnetization. However, if you are concerned about potential effects, you can always remove your watch and place it in your carry-on bag or a secure pocket to avoid direct exposure to the scanners.
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Airport security procedures for automatic watches
When going through airport security, you will likely have to pass through a metal detector or walk-through scanner. These scanners generate magnetic fields, but these are typically too weak to affect modern watches. However, older or vintage watches can be more sensitive to magnetic fields, so it is best to avoid walking through the scanner with these types of watches.
If you are wearing a watch, particularly a solid metal one, it may set off the metal detector. In this case, you may be asked to remove your watch and go through the detector again. Alternatively, you may be asked to remove your watch before going through the detector in the first place. This is not ideal, as it means leaving your watch unattended on a tray.
To avoid this, you can place your watch in your carry-on bag or a pocket that zips up. Some people prefer to keep their watch on their wrist to avoid the risk of scratching, damage, or theft. If you choose to do this, be aware that you may be asked to remove your watch if it sets off the metal detector.
Additionally, you can wear your watch through full-body scanners, which are present in many airports, especially in the US. These scanners do not require you to remove your watch.
Overall, the decision to keep your watch on or take it off when going through airport security is a personal preference. There is no definitive answer, and the procedures may vary depending on the airport and staff members.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, automatic watches can go through airport security. However, you may be asked to remove your watch before going through the metal detector or to go through it again without your watch.
It depends on the type of watch you have. Metal detectors shouldn't sound over a watch, but they can if your timepiece is chunky and solid metal.
If your automatic watch triggers the metal detector, security staff may ask you to remove your watch and go through the metal detector again.
Airport scanners should not damage automatic watches unless you wear a vintage or delicate watch. Modern watches are designed to resist magnetic fields commonly found in airport security.
It is recommended to keep your automatic watch on your wrist when going through airport security to prevent it from being scratched, damaged, lost, or stolen.
