Airport X-Rays: Are Your Watches At Risk?

Many people wonder if airport X-rays can harm their watches, especially those with expensive or luxury watches. Some people have been told that X-rays can damage the movement of their watches, while others have been informed that X-rays can magnetize their watches, causing them to run faster or slower. However, according to experts, X-rays do not affect watches in any way. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that does not generate magnetic fields. Therefore, they cannot affect the functioning of a watch. The only concern that watch owners should have when passing through airport security is the risk of theft, not magnetization or damage to their watches.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, but they don't generate magnetic fields

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 0.01 to 10 nanometers and frequencies of 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz. They are produced by accelerating electrons and are used in a variety of applications, from medical imaging to security inspections. While X-rays can penetrate certain materials, they do not generate magnetic fields.

X-rays are similar to radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and gamma rays in that they are all forms of electromagnetic radiation. However, unlike magnetic fields, X-rays are not produced by electric current flow. Instead, they are generated by accelerating electrons through a potential difference and directing them onto a target material. This process results in the release of X-ray photons, which carry high energy and can penetrate various materials.

The concern about potential harm to watches from airport X-ray scanners stems from the possibility of magnetization or other adverse effects. However, X-rays do not generate magnetic fields, and the brief exposure during security scans is not sufficient to cause damage to watches or other electronic devices. The radiation from X-rays is different from the type of radiation associated with nuclear fallout, and it does not affect objects in the same way.

While X-rays can interact with atoms and molecules, leading to ionization, and have cellular damage in living organisms, they do not have the same impact on inanimate objects like watches. The penetrating power of X-rays allows them to pass through materials, creating internal images without causing harm. Additionally, the amount of energy in airport X-ray scanners is relatively low, and the exposure duration is brief, further reducing any potential risk of damage.

In summary, while X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, they do not generate magnetic fields. The nature of X-rays and the short duration of exposure in airport security scanners mean that they are unlikely to harm watches or other electronic devices.

Prolonged exposure to X-rays may be harmful to humans, but not to objects

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can be harmful to humans but not to objects. When passing through security at an airport, there are two basic types of scanning devices: x-ray machines and full-body scanners. Watches are safe from the effects of both.

X-ray machines are commonly used to scan hand luggage, shoes, and other personal items. These machines interact with materials of different densities but do not generate magnetic fields. Therefore, they cannot affect a watch's movement or cause magnetization. Watches can also be worn through millimeter wave body scanners, which use microwaves to scan underneath clothing. These scanners do not produce or are affected by magnetic fields, so they pose no risk to watches.

While some people choose to keep their watches on during security checks, others prefer to remove them and place them in their hand luggage or jacket pockets to avoid theft or scratching. It is worth noting that walk-through and handheld metal detectors generate weak magnetic fields that are unlikely to affect modern watches. Overall, the brief exposure to airport X-rays is highly unlikely to harm watches.

Walk-through and wand-type metal detectors generate weak magnetic fields that are unlikely to affect modern watches

Walk-through and wand-type metal detectors are commonplace in airports and courthouses. They are known to generate weak magnetic fields, but the likelihood of these fields affecting modern watches is slim.

Most modern watches are designed with anti-magnetic properties. The stainless steel of most watch cases, for example, can resist everyday exposure to magnetic fields. Additionally, modern Nivarox alloy balance springs are compliant with the standard for non-magnetic watches, ISO 764, which specifies that for a watch to be "anti-magnetic", it must function with no more than a ± 30-second daily deviation in rate after exposure to a magnetic field of 4800 A/m. This is significantly stronger than the magnetic fields generated by walk-through and wand-type metal detectors, which are "up to 299 A/m" and 6 A/m, respectively.

Furthermore, a Master Chronometer-rated watch with a silicon balance spring is unaffected by magnetic fields thousands of times stronger than those found in airports. As such, it is highly unlikely that walk-through or wand-type metal detectors will affect modern watches.

While there is no official recommendation from the TSA regarding wearing a watch through airport security, the general consensus is that it is safe to do so. However, some individuals choose to remove their watches and place them in a secure location, such as a jacket pocket, to avoid potential theft or scratching. Ultimately, the decision to keep your watch on or take it off when passing through metal detectors is a matter of personal preference.

Some people choose to keep their watches on when passing through security, while others remove them

Some people choose to keep their watches on when passing through airport security, while others remove them. There are a few reasons why an individual might choose to do either.

Firstly, it is worth noting that X-ray machines at airport security are generally considered safe for watches. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which does not affect mechanical watches. The real concern for watch owners is usually magnetic fields. X-ray machines do not use or generate magnetic fields, so watches can pass through them without being affected.

However, some people choose to remove their watches anyway, often out of concern for theft. Many people have shared stories of watches going missing or being swapped for fakes while passing through security. To avoid this, some travellers put their watches in their carry-on luggage or jacket pockets before passing through security. Others choose to keep their watches on their wrists, but cover them with their hand to prevent theft.

Additionally, some travellers choose to remove their watches to avoid setting off the metal detector. While watches may not always trigger the alarm, those with larger, chunkier steel bracelets are more likely to do so. In some countries, individuals may be asked to remove their watches before passing through the metal detector.

Ultimately, the decision to keep a watch on or remove it when passing through airport security is a personal one. While X-ray machines are not known to harm watches, some travellers may prefer to take extra precautions to protect their valuable timepieces from theft or damage.

It's recommended to place your watch inside something when passing through security to avoid scratches

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, but the exposure time is so short that they are unlikely to harm your watch. However, it is recommended to place your watch inside something when passing through security to avoid scratches and theft. Here are some tips to protect your watch when going through airport security:

• Place your watch inside your carry-on bag in a pocket that zips up. This will help keep it safe from scratches and theft.
• If you are wearing a jacket, you can put your watch in the inside pocket, fold up the jacket, and place it on the security tray. This makes it less obvious that you are carrying a watch and reduces the risk of theft.
• Put your watch inside your shoe. This may not be the most secure method, but it will make it obvious if someone is trying to take it.
• Use a watch case or pouch to store your watch. This provides an extra layer of protection and makes it easier to keep track of your watch during the security process.
• Keep your watch on your wrist. While this may not protect it from scratches, you can visually inspect it to ensure it hasn't been damaged.
• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Don't take your eyes off the security monitor, and if someone tries to search through your belongings, politely ask them to stop.
• If you are travelling with someone, ask them to keep an eye on your watch while you go through security.

Frequently asked questions