How to Tell the Numbers of Borrowed Watches Magic Trick

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

1. Audience Participation: Spectators lend their watches to the magician, who then “reads” the unique serial numbers or inscriptions inside each watch.
2. Accurate Readings: The magician reads each number aloud and confirms with the audience, adding an air of mystery and accuracy.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.