Shock Resistance
Shock resistance is a watch's ability to survive drops and knocks without losing accuracy or breaking, often measured against the ISO 1413 standard. Shock springs cushion the balance so it absorbs the impact. The Casio G-Shock is built entirely around this idea, floating its movement inside the case.
At a glance
- Common standard
- ISO 1413
- Protecting part
- Shock springs that cushion the balance
- Well-known example
- Casio G-Shock
The most delicate part of a watch is the balance, which sets its accuracy, and a hard knock reaches it first. Shock resistance is about softening that blow so the watch keeps both running and keeping correct time when it is dropped.
How it works
Protection does not come from one part, but from a few solutions working together:
- Shock springs: they cushion the balance, absorbing the energy of a knock and protecting the delicate staff
- Floating movement: the Casio G-Shock floats its movement inside the case so outer blows are buffered
- ISO 1413: the common standard against which shock-resistant watches are tested
Who it suits
For everyday knocks and active wear, a watch with strong shock resistance is the safer choice. The trait often goes hand in hand with a digital watch or a rugged sports watch. If you are choosing a first watch, read our guide to the best watches for beginners.
Examples
The Casio G-Shock is built around the idea of shock resistance, protecting its movement by floating it inside the case.
View this watch
Comparison
Shock resistance and water resistance protect against different things.
| Option A | Option B | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shock resistance | Water resistance | Shock resistance guards against drops and knocks; water resistance guards against water and moisture, and they are not the same thing. |
Related terms
Watches that show this
Frequently asked questions
What does shock resistance mean?
Shock resistance is a watch's ability to survive drops and knocks without losing accuracy or breaking. Shock springs cushion the balance and absorb the energy of the knock, and watches are often tested against the ISO 1413 standard.
How do I know if a watch is shock resistant?
The maker usually states a watch's shock resistance against the ISO 1413 standard. Models like the Casio G-Shock are built around this idea, protecting the movement by floating it inside the case.