Help Crunchers! I need your opinions on flying with a watch! ✈️⏱️

X-rays won’t harm it.

I just take off my watch and put it in the middle of my carry-on bag that then passes thru the x-ray machine. I don’t put my watch in the little tray where people put their coins and keys.

Thanks @OmarH99! It’s weird because I have TSA pre check and sometimes TSA makes me take off my watch and sometimes they don’t. But this is the first time I’ll be traveling with my omega so I don’t want to chance it. And if they say to take it off, I don’t want to say “I rather not” and look suspicious 😂

Stealing a watch at a TSA security check is like stealing a watch inside a police station, only it’s much easier and cheaper to loiter around a police station.

Been a pre-member since the pilot, never had to remove a watch. Chances of it getting swiped are rare. If pre line is closed, put in shoe with wallet and phone while scanning, and or keep a watch pod in your carry on/backpack to quickly throw it in.

I never take a watch off my wrist. Of I'm not wearing a second or third watch, it goes in my carry on. And it stays with me at all times. Under the seat in front of my during the flight.

I can’t speak for the US, but on my recent trip to Europe - Spain specifically - the airport staff did not ask me to take off my watch. I wore my Hamilton Khaki mechanical on a canvas strap on the way in, and my Borealis Estoril 300 GMT on bracelet on the way out. On reflection, neither piece are worth stealing haha.

This is odd. I’ve never had to remove my watch while traveling domestically. If there are concerns, just tuck it in your bag before going through security.

It’s a watch. Do what they tell you to do. Or stuff it in your carry on through security. Don’t overthink it. You have a greater shot of having it stolen in Vegas than by a fellow passenger lurking near you at TSA.

Fly private. Probably solved

Wear it! I’ve never had to take mine off during security screenings.

I've never been asked to take off my watch and I used to fly for work. Even if they do, I agree with the guy who said theft in the airport security line is harder than in a police station. People fly all the time with expensive watches, diamond rings, necklaces, earrings. You'll be fine

I've never had TSA ask me to take off my watch. The screening process is harmless to watches too.

Ok this is f@cking crazy. I read this post. Made a smart a$$ comment that you should fly private and this pops on my IG page. My phone is watching me

Leave it on and walk right through the screening. I do that every time I fly.

I always take off everything before I get to that point; just because (I'd rather have a standard modus operandi than to guess at every single airport). I also carry a small watch pouch or case with a suede spacer for the caseback in one of my bag pockets. Doesn't require any extra space and takes all of 5 seconds to use when I need it.

I am not concerned about the X-ray machine. While it is possible for a specifically tuned x-ray machine to magnetize electrons, the ones used by the TSA are not that way; TSA x-ray photons are weaksauce.

@palfor03 thanks for the live update!

💯correct 👍👍👍

In the US it depends on what screening device is being used predominantly. If the hands over your head body scanner is being used I’ll wear mine through if it’s the old metal detectors I’ll put mine in a sock in my carry on especially if it’s on a bracelet. I’ve had to hand my watch over to TSA too many times recently. I always make sure to that my bag has started into x-ray before I do and have had no issues.

When I take my watch off for TSA, I put it in the bin and try to keep my eye on it the whole way through. Not even a hint of an issue . . . knock on wood.

I almost always have to take my watch off but I just got Global Entry which includes TSA Pre for a trip to Japan so we'll see what happens in the Spring.

You’re response has made the most sense so far @Cymru5280 ! Yes, I feel like depending on the airport, my experience going through security is a little bit different. I have TSA Pre Check and they’ve even made me take off my belt and shoes, something that’s not necessarily required if you’re TSA precheck. I have a travel case so I’m just going to put it in my backpack and wear it once I pass security.

@Rocketfan please share your experience!

To be absolutely safe, I wrap my watch in my underwear with the rest of my clothes.

Ive never had to remove my watch. The xray scanner wont hurt it either.

TSA let you leave your watch on. No need to worry. You will be fine.

Just wear your darn watch...nothing is going to hurt it...JMO..enjoy the hobby

@Ls9009 geez, sorry I asked for my fellow cruncher’s opinion. 🤣

I meant no offense ....just teasing with you..have a good trip and dont worry about it..all is good...

@Ls9009 Hence the “🤣” emoji at the end. No worries brother I know you’re just kidding. Also, just saw your profile…IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Sometimes they make you take it off, sometimes they let you walk through. Usually I just pop it in a pouch in my jacket pocket.

That the whole point of the TSA pre check. Just walk on threw. Keep your shoes and watch on. I had two other watches in my back pack when I traveled and had the TSA pre check. You could also raise mild attention and say “look here everyone I’m putting my watch in the tub, and it better come out of the X-ray machine”. I can guarantee you’ll have your watch on the other side.