Sachin Walls
Millions of watches go through airport security scanners every year, and it is difficult to find a definitive answer to whether or not modern scanning technology can harm your wristwatch. While some sources claim that airport scanners can generate weak magnetic fields, these are not strong enough to affect a modern watch with Nivarox-type balance springs. X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and full-body scanners do not use or produce magnetic fields, so they will not affect a mechanical watch. Metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but these are too weak to damage a watch. Some travellers prefer to place their watches inside their carry-ons or jacket pockets to avoid raising suspicion or risking theft.
Will airport scanners ruin mechanical watches?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Watches affected by airport scanners | Unclear, millions of watches go through airport security every year, but no definitive answer |
| Scanners that may affect mechanical watches | Magnetic fields, walk-through or handheld metal detectors |
| Scanners safe for mechanical watches | X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, full-body scanners |
| Watch safety during security checks | Keep watch on wrist, place in carry-on, or secure in locked pocket |
| Watch damage or loss during security | Rare but possible, more likely during tray inspections |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines and mechanical watches
X-ray machines interact with materials of different densities, but they do not rely on magnetism to function. Instead, they use electromagnetic radiation, which does not affect mechanical watches. Additionally, the magnetic fields produced by airport x-ray machines are too weak to influence modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs.
However, it is important to distinguish between different types of scanners. Full-body scanners and x-ray machines for hand luggage do not use magnetic fields, so they are safe for mechanical watches. On the other hand, walk-through and handheld metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but these fields are generally too weak to affect a watch.
Some travellers choose to keep their watches on during security checks, while others prefer to place them in their carry-on luggage or inside pockets to avoid potential damage or theft. Ultimately, the decision is up to the traveller, but it is advisable to reduce total metal contact to avoid triggering metal detectors.
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Metal detectors and mechanical watches
Metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but the fields are too weak to affect modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs. Walk-through scanners generate magnetic fields of "up to 299 A/m [amperes per meter]," while handheld, wand-type detectors produce fields of 6 A/m. These fields are not strong enough to impact your watch, just as the magnets holding your laptop lid closed do not affect it when you type.
Some people choose to keep their watches on when passing through metal detectors, while others prefer to remove them to reduce the chances of the detector beeping. If you choose to keep your watch on, the TSA agent may ask to see your wrist and touch the watch to ensure nothing is hidden underneath.
While strong magnetism can interfere with the mechanics of a mechanical watch, airport security scanners are generally considered safe. X-ray machines and millimeter-wave scanners do not use or produce magnetic fields, so they will not affect your watch.
However, it is essential to note that some watches may be more susceptible to magnetization than others. Additionally, there is a risk of theft when placing valuable watches in trays during security checks. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your watch on your wrist or securely stored in your carry-on luggage when passing through metal detectors.
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Full-body scanners and mechanical watches
Millions of watches go through airport security every year, and it is challenging to find a definitive answer to whether modern scanning technology can harm wristwatches. Most electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and "hard" radiation like gamma and x-rays, do not affect mechanical watches. The real concern for mechanical watches is magnetic fields.
Full-body scanners use x-rays, which do not use or generate magnetic fields, so they cannot affect mechanical watches. X-ray machines are safe for mechanical watches, and neither are they affected by magnetic fields. Millimeter wave scanners also do not use or produce magnetic fields, so they are safe for mechanical watches.
Some people choose to remove their watches before going through the scanner, placing them in a locked pocket or a bag, to avoid the risk of theft. However, others prefer to keep their watches on their wrists, as it is also common for watches to be inspected by TSA agents, who may ask to see the wrist and touch the watch to ensure nothing is hidden underneath.
Overall, full-body scanners using x-rays or millimeter waves do not pose a risk to mechanical watches, and the greater concern for watch owners may be the potential for theft when removing their watches during security checks.
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Travelling with multiple watches
Millions of watches go through airport security every year, and it is difficult to find a definitive answer as to whether modern scanning technology can harm your wristwatch. Most types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and “hard” radiation like gamma and x-rays, don't affect mechanical watches. The real concern is magnetic fields. However, x-ray machines and millimeter wave scanners don't use or produce magnetic fields, so they can't affect mechanical watches.
If you are travelling with multiple watches, it is recommended to keep them in your carry-on bag and not in your checked luggage. You can also consider using a locked carrying case to protect each piece. Some people also put a small GPS tracker inside their watch cases for extra peace of mind. It is also suggested to wear the nicest watch on your wrist and keep the rest in a safe when you reach your destination.
Additionally, if you are crossing non-tax-union borders, it can be risky to carry multiple watches. It is advised to do your research and have proof of purchase for your watches.
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The risk of watch theft at airport security
Millions of watches go through airport security each year. While there is no definitive answer as to whether modern scanning technology can harm your wristwatch, it is generally agreed that x-ray machines and millimeter wave scanners do not affect mechanical watches. These scanners do not use or produce magnetic fields, so they cannot harm a mechanical watch.
However, there is a risk of theft at airport security checkpoints around the world. This type of theft is more common in foreign countries or domestic airports without stringent TSA screening protocols. The busier the checkpoint, the higher the risk. To reduce the risk of theft, travellers are advised to avoid placing valuables in small trays with uneven shapes or heavy objects, as these can tip over, and items can fall out. Travellers are also advised to avoid placing loose items of value in trays and to keep an eye on their belongings at all times. When travelling with a companion, ensure one of you has cleared the detector before placing valuables on the conveyor belt, so the other person can retrieve them immediately. If you are travelling alone, delay putting your valuables on the conveyor belt until you are next to go through the metal detector.
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Frequently asked questions
X-ray machines and millimeter wave scanners do not use or produce magnetic fields, so they cannot affect a mechanical watch. Metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but the fields are too weak to damage modern watches.
It is rare to be asked to remove your watch when going through airport security. However, if you are wearing a lot of metal, you may be asked to remove some items to avoid the detector beeping.
Some people prefer to put their watch in their carry-on luggage or an inside jacket pocket to avoid potential damage or theft.
Strong magnetism can affect the mechanics of a watch. Medical MRI machines use magnets and could potentially harm a mechanical watch.
