Is it safe to wear a watch in the shop, around power tools?

I’ve been turning close to 60 years and had a watch on the wrist virtually every time. I’ve had leather, metal and expansion band and never caught one once. I don’t have an answer for you on your question, maybe I’m safer or stupid but it’s never been an issue for me.
Biggest share of my turnings have been spindles if that makes a difference.

I ve been turning close to 60 years and had a watch on the wrist virtually every time. I ve had leather, metal and expansion band and never caught one once. I don t have an answer for you on your question, maybe I m safer or stupid but it s never been an issue for me.
Biggest share of my turnings have been spindles if that makes a difference.

- hcbph_1

I have a feeling that that is what I will find. If a saw blade gets to my wrist to hit a watch, then I have bigger problems!

-- Marc Spagnuolo (standing in front of clamp wall): I think I need a few more . Me (owner of at least 8 clamps):.....?

well when im working with any machinery just to safe i dont wear long sleeves or anything on my fingers or wrists that could cause a problem.just because something has never gone wrong doesn’t mean it wont.and trust me there are plenty of stories of just that happening.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

This is one of those “it depends “ things. What tool? Does it have an auto feeder or does the nature of it pull? Where are your hands /wrists? What kind of wood? Etc. When I worked as a cable installer we weren’t allowed to wear rings or watches or other jewelry . And a friend who was an arborist had a coworker get pulled into a wood chipper because he was wearing gloves.

Why do you need a watch? Take it off, then turn or make a clock that hangs on the wall. Or buy a cheap clock, but no fun in that. As an electrician, I saw many workers wearing watches and rings. Especially around electricity, it is just not a wise choice. My work safety training also applies in the shop. From my perspective, put the watch in your pocket and you won’t wish you did.

watch,whats a watch? who even wears one these days.took mine off 20 years ago,felt so good i never put it on again.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

You guys make a few good points. I want one because… I dont know.

But I think putting it in a pocket is a good idea.

-- Marc Spagnuolo (standing in front of clamp wall): I think I need a few more . Me (owner of at least 8 clamps):.....?

No watch on my wrist ever.
I try to loose track of time in the shop.
Safest way yet.

-- Don't blame lazy people they didn't do anything

I don’t know if my situation may apply. I retired from the Oregon Dept of Corrections in 2013 mid March. I took a long wonderful trip to Germany with my all family. When I got back I took my wrist watch off. I’ve never worn one since.
You know what? I’ve never missed it. When I head to the lake or river or where ever the else, I come home when I’ve had enough. No worries! Life is short to sweat the little things. I’ve only got so many sunrises and sunsets ahead of me. I intend to enjoy them as much as I can. Somewhere down the road the Lord will decide when he wants me to call come home. I pray I’m worthy of that call. Will you be? I hope so.

watch,whats a watch? who even wears one these days.took mine off 20 years ago,felt so good i never put it on again.

- pottz

Well besides all the people with Rolexs and other upscale watches, there are literally millions of people wearing Apple watches and fitbits and other smart watches.

watch,whats a watch? who even wears one these days.took mine off 20 years ago,felt so good i never put it on again.

- pottz

Well besides all the people with Rolexs and other upscale watches, there are literally millions of people wearing Apple watches and fitbits and other smart watches.

- SMP

yeah,the kid that works for me has an apple watch that tells him when he has a call,on his apple phone thats an arms reach away? and fitbits,i guess people cant exercise without that device telling them how many steps theve takin or what there heart beat is.i probably dont get it,and sure as hell aint gettin it-lol.sad that people depend so much on gadgets to live.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

I have two wall clocks in the shop, and another on my phone. I also have several wristwatches in a drawer somewhere that I haven’t worn for better than 10 years. Who needs a watch that will surely someday cause you to lose a body part? I have enough accidents in the shop without just begging for another because of stupidity. Besides I have a wife who never fails to tell me what, when and where.

-- Still trying to master kindling making

If your wrist is that close to the blade, you already did something drastically wrong.

It’s kinda like saying you should keep your finger nails trimmed so they don’t get hit.

If your wrist is that close to the blade, you already did something drastically wrong.

It’s kinda like saying you should keep your finger nails trimmed so they don’t get hit.

- CWWoodworking

Yeah, kind of like a nose ring. If your nose ring gets caught up in your planer knives, your nose ring wasn’t the problem.

Not that I ever wear one, you can’t claim to loose track of time in the shop if you got a watch on. Wrist watches are generally reserved for lookin fancy at meetings for me.

But just thinking logistically lest you’re sanding something on the lathe your in way deeper shit on most tools if it’s grabbed you and made it to your wrist. I just wouldn’t want cutting oil, WD-40, 80 grit, laquer thinner, wax, glue or most things I play with in the shop on my wrist watch