How to Do a Watch Stop Trick

How to Do a Watch Stop Trick
Published: Apr 16, 2009
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

Do you wish to be the life of the party, or at least fill in one of those uncomfortable silences? Do a watch stop trick. It's cool, it's fun, it'll get 'em talking. It also doesn't cost much beyond a watch. Just make sure you eat this page when you've learned the trick so it can go with you to your grave.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Small Flat Magnet
  • Sticky Tape
  • Scissors
  • Watch With A Second Hand
  • livingston oden/Demand Media

    Cut a small corner from a flat magnet when you do the stop watch trick. The magnet that works best for this trick is a flat magnet that goes on the refrigerator. Cut off a portion of one of the corners with a pair of scissors. Make sure the piece of magnet is small enough to remain hidden from view beneath your finger.

    livingston oden/Demand Media

    Practice holding the piece of magnet and placing it on the face of the watch. It should look as though you're just placing your forefinger on the watch face and nothing more. If you find this too difficult, add a loop of sticky tape on the back of the magnet so that the tape will hold the magnet in place.

    livingston oden/Demand Media

    Begin the performance by telling your friends that you can stop time. Take off your watch and pass it around to your friends so they can see it's just an ordinary watch.

    livingston oden/Demand Media

    Slip the magnet from your pocket and stick it on your finger when you do a stop watch trick. Put your watch back on your wrist. Tell your friends you will stop time now. Hold your forefinger with the magnet attached against the second hand. The second hand will stop until you remove your finger. Tilt your wrist so your audience members can witness this incredible feat.

    Marjorie Gilbert

    Marjorie Gilbert is a freelance writer and published author. An avid researcher, Gilbert has created an Empire gown (circa 1795 to 1805) from scratch, including drafting the gown's patterns by hand.

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