How to Tell the Numbers of Borrowed Watches Magic Trick. This borrowed watch numbers trick is a simple, yet impressive effect that relies on having a confederate (a hidden assistant) and using sleight of hand to create a seamless presentation.
How to Tell the Numbers of Borrowed Watches Magic Trick
Effect of the Trick
- Audience Participation: Spectators lend their watches to the magician, who then “reads” the unique serial numbers or inscriptions inside each watch.
- Accurate Readings: The magician reads each number aloud and confirms with the audience, adding an air of mystery and accuracy.
- Verification: When the watches are returned, the audience is amazed to see that each number was correctly identified.
Preparation and Props
- A Confederate’s Watch: A confederate in the audience who lends their watch to the magician.
- A List of Watch Numbers: A way for the magician to remember the numbers of each borrowed watch, either mentally or with a discreet note.
- Sleight of Hand Skills: The magician should practice handling and reading each watch carefully to avoid detection.
Steps to Perform the Trick
- Set Up the Trick with a Confederate:
- Prior to the trick, the confederate agrees to lend their watch to the magician.
- The magician memorizes the serial number of the confederate’s watch.
- Collect Watches from the Audience:
- Walk around and borrow several watches from the audience, including the confederate’s watch.
- When collecting the watches, note any distinguishing features so you can remember each one’s owner.
- Reveal the First Watch Number (Confederate’s):
- Pick up the confederate’s watch first, “magically” reading off its serial number, which you already know.
- As you pretend to read the number, call it out confidently for the audience to verify.
- Use the First Number to Determine the Next Watch’s Number:
- As you “read” each watch, actually record or memorize the serial number of the next watch in the lineup.
- With each watch, repeat this process, so you are always one step ahead with a known number in mind.
- Continue Until the Last Watch:
- For each watch, repeat the process, giving the impression that you are “divining” each serial number as you go along.
- Confirm Your “Predictions”:
- After reading all the watch numbers, return each watch and have the owners confirm the accuracy of the numbers, which will amaze and impress the audience.
Tips for Success
- Practice Handling Watches: Be gentle and discreet with each watch to avoid suspicion.
- Create Suspense: Pause slightly before each reveal, building up the anticipation for each “magical reading.”
- Keep the Confederate Invisible: Ensure the confederate’s role remains hidden to maintain the illusion.
Conclusion
The How to Tell the Numbers of Borrowed Watches Trick uses a clever mix of confederates, sleight of hand, and timing to create a memorable effect. By working one step ahead and accurately returning each borrowed watch, you’ll leave your audience stunned by your “psychic” abilities to read hidden watch numbers.
