Internet Horology Club 185
Airport travel bringing old wristwatch-Advice

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886009961/m/2101024122

December 11, 2006, 06:03
Richard Schwalberg
Airport travel bringing old wristwatch-Advice
I would appreciate any brief advice from my our IHC members. I enjoy wearing the vintage wristwatches that I collect from the 1920s-1930s. However I am concerned about taking these on an upcoming airplane trip-vacation. Is magnetizing an issue(xray machines)?? What do other members do?? ( not take a chance on bringing their old wristwatches to an airport). Your advice would be appreciated. Richard Schwalberg
December 11, 2006, 21:56
Adam M. Dubin
I don't know -- I've brought a few '20s-'50s watches through airport security without incident. I never really thought about it at the time. Most of the time I travel with my modern watches (usually one of two Tudors), which are of course more robust.

Adam
December 11, 2006, 22:54
Cary Hurt
Richard,

I've traveled extensively, both internationally and domestically, and almost always have a few old wristwatches with me in my carry-on. One never knows where a trading opportunity might present itself.

I generally wear my old manual wind Rolex Speedking, which has proven to be just about bulletproof on four continents and in all seasons.

Other than having to explain to some TSA people, I've had no problems, and noticed no ill effects from magnetization (not sure where that might come from) or from x-rays.

For what it's worth,

Cary
December 13, 2006, 10:25
Mark Cross
I agree with Cary. I've worn my 1943 Lipton/Rolex and my 1950 Bulova through the security checks/x-ray with no problems at all.

Most recently I carried my 992B through on a flight to Wyoming. Considering it's constructed to resist magnetism, I guess that doesn't really count, does it? Wink

Regards! Mark
December 13, 2006, 19:16
Matthew E. Sutton
You may want to be careful wearing a watch with a Radion painted dial. It may trigger some of the more sensitive detectors. http://www.atomic-elements.info/radium_radion_data.htm