How to check if a watch is shock-resistant?

　　Many watches nowadays feature water resistance, but shock resistance is not a standard inclusion in all timepieces. If you are planning to purchase a watch that is both water and shock-resistant, do you know how to verify its shock resistance? Below, we share methods for identifying a watch's shock-resistant capabilities, which we hope will be useful to you.

　　Methods for identifying a watch's shock resistance

　　The movement of a shock-resistant watch is fitted with a shock absorber, which helps prevent the balance staff pivots from breaking when the watch experiences vibrations.

　　To determine whether a watch is shock-resistant, simply open the case back and inspect the setup of the balance jewel on the balance bridge. If the balance jewel mounted on the balance bridge is held in place externally by a spring (shock spring), it is a shock-resistant watch. If the balance jewel is fitted with a round steel plate secured tightly to the top of the balance bridge by two small screws, it is not a shock-resistant watch.

　　The case back or dial of some imported shock-resistant watches usually bears markings such as INCABLOC, SHOCKPROOF, DIASHOCK, PARASHOCK, or ANTI-SHOCK. Domestic watches are generally marked with the words "shock-resistant".

　　Shock-resistant watches are not entirely immune to damage. Because the shock absorber setting and balance jewel have a limited range of movement, and the balance staff pivots are extremely thin (approximately 0.085 to 0%005 mm), severe impacts can still cause them to break. Furthermore, violent shocks can displace the hairspring and damage other components. Therefore, shock-resistant watches should still be protected from heavy impacts.

　　When an external impact hits the watch, the shock absorber setting and curved jewel will instantly shift position. The balance staff pushes the shock setting radially, and the shoulder of the balance staff contacts the inner end of the shock seating, forcing the shock spring to bend. This absorbs the inertia and cushions the impact between the balance staff pivot and the jewel hole, helping prevent the pivot from breaking. Once the impact force subsides, the shock spring stops bouncing, returns to its original shape, and forces the balance wheel back into position.

　　Although the shock absorber handles relatively severe impacts, its protective capacity has limits. Exceeding the limits of the shock absorber causes it to fail, resulting in a broken or bent balance staff pivot, or even a displaced hairspring. In severe cases, other components may also be damaged. Consequently, you should avoid wearing your watch during strenuous sports or heavy labour.

　　Shock-Resistant Watch Standards

　　Based on the shock sustained when a watch accidentally falls from a height of 1 metres onto a horizontal hardwood surface, this applies to type tests for watches marked as "shock-resistant". It is not intended for individual batch inspections and represents the minimum requirement for a shock-resistant watch. The technical requirements are as follows:

　　Technical Requirements

　　1. The watch must not stop running after each impact.

　　2. Residual effect: quartz watches must not exceed 2s/d; other types of watches must not exceed 60s/d.

　　3. Following the test, the watch must retain its normal functions and suffer no exterior damage (such as bent or displaced hands, damaged calendar or automatic mechanisms, cracked crystal, bent case lugs, bent or broken stem assemblies, or damaged pushers).

　　Standard Description

　　1. This standard is identical to the international standard ISO 1413 Horology - Shock-resistant watches (1984 edition).

　　2. Test watches must not be fitted with a strap unless the strap and watch form an integrated unit. The impact testing apparatus must be a pendulum hammer or equivalent device meeting the specifications for shock-testing instruments outlined in the standard.

　　3. Residual effect: the difference in instantaneous daily rate measured under the test conditions specified in this standard.

　　4. Shock-resistant watches are not graded by performance levels. If a watch is marked "shock-resistant", it complies with this standard. Unmarked quartz watches shall be subjected to the 6044-92 metre shock test according to GB/T 0.5 requirements.

　　5. Because shock testing is destructive, any tested watch—even if it meets the shock-resistance requirements without visible damage—must be readjusted afterwards.

　　After reading the above, the editorial team recommends an IWC replica watch, which we hope you will enjoy.

　　IWC Portofino Series IW356501 Ultra-Thin Automatic Mechanical Men's Watch

　　The top choice for a dress watch, genuine Citizen movement for more accurate timekeeping

　　Series:Portofino Collection

　　Movement: Mechanical watch, Citizen 9015

　　Strap: calfskin strap

　　Case: Stainless steel

　　Clasp: pin buckle

　　Bezel: Standard

　　Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass

　　Diameter: 40MM

　　Water resistance: 50 metres

　　Review:A rounded white dial, mixing baton and Roman numeral hour markers, paired with silver leaf hands, fully displaying wisdom and elegance. If you feel Rolex and Omega are too high-profile, you might as well choose this IWC Portofino. Its design is minimalist yet lacks no noble temperament. With the MK Factory perfect version craftsmanship, every detail is handled appropriately, and the exterior is consistent with the genuine item. Even as a genuine piece, it is a favourite among many, and while a price of over twenty thousand is relatively attractive, buying this one-to-one model feels much more practical.

　　The 9015 movement version from the MK Factory is slightly thicker than the genuine piece, but there is no major visual difference, and it can only be felt during actual wear.

　　Overall, the Portofino by the MK version performs quite well; there are differences but no obvious flaws. The overall replication level should be better than the Portuguese Chronograph, making it a very worthwhile watch to acquire.

　　Conclusion:These are the common methods for identifying a watch's shock-resistant functions. If you wish to purchase a replica watch, please scan the QR code to follow us on WeChat and make your selection.

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