Why are luxury watches vulnerable to shocks? Explaining the reasons, countermeasures, and reliable shock-resistant models

It's often said that shocks to luxury watches are strictly prohibited, but why is that? We explain the effects that shocks have on watches, and also introduce three shock-resistant watches developed by various companies to overcome this weakness.

Why are luxury watches vulnerable to shocks?

　Luxury watches, sometimes made up of more than a hundred parts, have several things to avoid when handling them. One of them is impact. The arm is one of the parts of the human body that moves most frequently, swinging it back and forth when walking or picking up an object. As a result, it is not uncommon for the watch to be accidentally bumped against furniture, a wall, a door, or something else. It is also possible that the watch may be dropped when trying to put it on.

　Mechanical drive systems, common in luxury watches, connect the power of the mainspring to a regulating mechanism via multiple gears, driving the watch at a constant rhythm. The key components here are the hairspring and balance shaft that make up the regulating mechanism. The hairspring determines the rhythm generated by the regulating mechanism, and the balance shaft is the component that serves as its rotating shaft. If a mechanical watch is subjected to a large impact, the hairspring can become deformed and tangled, or the balance shaft can break. This can disrupt the rhythm of the regulating mechanism, or in the worst case, cause the hands to stop moving.

　However, almost all modern mechanical watches are equipped with shock-resistant devices to absorb shocks, so minor impacts are nothing to worry about. The origin of shock-resistant devices is the "Parachute" unveiled by Breguet in 1806, and various other shock-resistant devices have been developed since then, including the "Incabloc," "Kifshock," and "Parashock." The basic structure is a spring attached to the jewel that supports the balance pivot, and when an impact is applied, the spring bends, reducing the impact on the balance.

　However, when it comes to a strong impact, ordinary shock-resistant devices may not be able to protect the watch completely. Therefore, some manufacturers aiming to make tough watches have developed their own unique shock-absorbing mechanisms, dramatically improving the watch's shock resistance. Here, we will introduce three watches that have been developed using such unique technology.

　It's important to be careful of shocks, not only for mechanical watches but also for quartz watches. Shocks can damage internal components such as gears, and can even cause press-fit hands to come loose. Remember that a wristwatch is a precision machine, so treat it with care.

Three shock-resistant models for peace of mind

　We will introduce three luxury watches that can be used actively without worrying about shocks or vibrations, thanks to the ingenuity and technology of each company.

Ball Watch "Engineer Hydrocarbon Nedu G5" Ref. DC3226A-S4CJ-BK

　Ball Watch contributed to the development of the American railroad network through strict operational management using railroad watches. This tough spirit is still carried over to the current model. The Engineer Hydrocarbon Nedu G5 is a robust diver's watch that combines water resistance to 600m and durability.

　The mechanism that improves this watch's shock resistance is the "Safety Lock Crown System." The crown, which is the contact point between the outside world and the movement, can be damaged if subjected to impact. Many sports watches are equipped with a crown guard to protect the crown from lateral impacts, but the Safety Lock Crown System further improves protection by adding a protection plate that prevents vertical impacts. This plate prevents the crown from closing unless it is screwed in completely, and also functions to prevent forgetting to screw it in.

　Ball Watch has also developed many other shock-resistant mechanisms, including a "spring seal" that prevents the regulator from moving due to impact, an "Amortizer shock-absorbing ring" that protects the movement, and an "elastomer shock-resistant ring."

　This watch's outstanding shock resistance is not the only feature. Its specifications as a professional diver's watch include a lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant titanium exterior, a self-luminous micro gas light for high visibility day and night, an automatic helium release valve built into the crown for saturation diving, a bracelet secured to the case at two points, and high precision that has earned it COSC-certified chronometer status.

Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm Ref.N3001.07Q02.B02

　Norqain is an up-and-coming Swiss watch brand founded in 2018. The company's signature shock-resistant watch is the "Wild One." Its unique design features a multi-layered structure: the movement is encased in a titanium container, which is then protected by a rubber middle case, which is then further protected by NORTEQ, a proprietary carbon composite material. This structure allows the watch to withstand shocks of up to 5000 g.

　Nortec is a material made from a blend of carbon fiber and a polymer matrix, boasting lightweight and high durability. Another attractive feature is that the carbon fiber does not peel off due to impact or aging. Nortec and rubber band cases can be individually colored, allowing for a wide range of color variations. Taking advantage of this feature, Norqain also offers a service called "Wild One of One," which allows customers to freely customize and order parts.

　The Wild One Skeleton 39mm introduced here is a skeleton watch that, as its name suggests, features a bold openwork dial. Skeleton watches, which have the movement's baseplate and bridges scraped away, are generally vulnerable to impacts. However, Norqain has adopted a design based on architectural structural theory and developed a structure in which each support point is supported by multiple arms. This has succeeded in ensuring high impact resistance despite being a skeleton watch.

　With a compact 39mm case that is water resistant to 200m and a supple sky blue rubber strap with a Milanese pattern, this sports watch will add fun to your everyday life and leisure activities.

G-SHOCK “MR-G” Ref.MRG-B5000B-1JR

　Casio G-SHOCK is a monumental brand of shock-resistant watches. The pinnacle of the line is the "MR-G." This model features a square case that inherits the design of the original model, the "DW-5000C." The biggest difference in appearance from the original model is the full metal exterior. The case, case back, and push buttons are made of 64 titanium, the top bezel is made of Cobalion, a cobalt-chrome alloy said to have a brilliance comparable to platinum, the bracelet links are made of DAT55G, a titanium alloy boasting exceptional hardness, and the buckle is made of pure titanium.

　While the original model's shock resistance was enhanced by a flexible resin exterior and a hollow structure that allowed the module to float inside, this model's newly developed Multi-Guard Structure absorbs external shocks. The Multi-Guard Structure incorporates a silicone buffer between the bezel, which is divided into multiple parts, and suspension parts made of T-bars and leaf springs at the four corners, resulting in an innovative structure that gives the watch the robustness you expect from a G-SHOCK, despite being made entirely of metal.

　The iconic design is also one of the charms of this model. The design of the first model is reflected in many aspects, such as the seven-segment time displayed on the LCD, the brick pattern and red lines surrounding it, and the dimples on the bezel and bracelet.

　It also has a wide range of functions, including automatic time correction through radio wave reception, Tough Solar, a solar-powered function, a mobile link function that allows connection to a smartphone via Bluetooth and various settings and time correction can be made on the app, world time, stopwatch, timer, alarm, and a full auto calendar.