A fantastic party. Another beer? Gladly. Still fit to drive? Um....
Nowadays, you must think twice before sitting behind the wheel if you have been consuming alcohol. In Flensburg, where Germany’s central motor vehicle authority is based, a BAC of as little as 0.05% (0.05 g of alcohol per dL of blood) signifies a one-month driving ban, four penalty points plus a fine of 500 euros. However, in 1953 the situation was quite different. Even with a BAC of up to 0.15% (0.15 g of alcohol per dL of blood), one was still considered fit to drive. In the 1960s, the number of traffic fatalities rose dramatically. Every fifth death was caused by drunk driving. Police increased the number of checkpoints for suspected drunk driving. But how were drivers to know whether they were allowed to have another beer?
A Swiss watch company had the answer. An air bubble was incorporated above the dial in the centre of this pendant watch. Whoever managed to keep the bubble within the red circle for one minute was considered fit to drive. Such an “alcohol test” is questionable, as an experienced drinker is certainly capable of maintaining a steady hand despite having a BAC of 0.2% (0.2 g alcohol per dL of blood).
Pendant watch, motorist’s "Self-Test", manufacturer unknown, Switzerland, c. 1960, Inv. 2016-022