Shock Resistance
Shock resistance is a watch's ability to withstand drops and knocks without losing accuracy or breaking, often tested to the ISO 1413 standard. In a mechanical watch, sprung jewel settings such as Incabloc cushion the balance staff pivots so a hard knock does not snap them. A digital quartz watch takes a different route: the Casio G-Shock has no balance wheel to protect, so it floats its electronic module inside a cushioned case instead.
At a glance
- Common standard
- ISO 1413
- Protecting part (mechanical)
- Sprung jewel settings that cushion the balance staff
- Protecting part (digital quartz)
- Floating electronic module inside a cushioned case
- Well-known example
- Casio G-Shock (digital quartz)
In a mechanical watch, the most delicate part is the balance, which sets the watch's 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, and mechanical and digital watches take different routes:
- Sprung jewel settings (mechanical): spring-mounted bearings such as Incabloc, Diashock or Parashock cushion the balance staff (the thin axle on which the balance turns), so its fine pivots are not snapped by a knock
- Floating module (digital quartz): the Casio G-Shock has no balance wheel, so it floats its electronic module inside a cushioned case so outer blows are not passed on to it
- ISO 1413: the common standard to 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 shock resistance: as a digital quartz watch it has no balance wheel, so it protects its electronic module by floating it inside a cushioned 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 withstand drops and knocks without losing accuracy or breaking. In a mechanical watch, sprung jewel settings such as Incabloc cushion the balance staff so a knock does not snap its fine pivots, whereas a digital quartz watch like the Casio G-Shock has no balance and instead floats its module inside a cushioned case. Watches are often tested to the ISO 1413 standard.
How do I know if a watch is shock resistant?
The maker usually states a watch's shock resistance to the ISO 1413 standard. In a mechanical watch this protection comes from sprung jewel settings on the balance staff, whereas a digital quartz model like the Casio G-Shock has no balance wheel and protects its electronic module by floating it inside a cushioned case.