Watches are much more than simple timepieces. They’re a statement, an extension of our personality, and a highly prized possession that can be handed down through the generations. Premium watches have both monetary and sentimental value. To preserve the quality of a precious item like a Rolex watch, it’s important to know how to store it.
In this article, we’ll explore how to store a watch to keep it safe, scratch-free, and in pristine condition. We’ll also look at how to store a watch collection if you have more than one piece, and how to look after your watches both at home and when travelling.
Our article will examine the risks of improper watch storage and offer ideas for watch storage solutions and how to use them effectively. We’ll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions and discuss the importance of watch insurance for high-ticket timepieces.
Why storing a watch the right way really matters
For most people, their watch is either on their wrist or sitting on their bedside table at night. When not in use, it is important to store your watch carefully. Many watches, particularly mechanical models, contain hundreds of individual components, most of which are incredibly delicate and fragile. The only thing that protects them is the case, and no matter how good it is, it’s not infallible.
Prestige watches like Rolex are precision instruments that take great skill and craftsmanship to construct. The slightest issue, such as dust, moisture, or poor servicing, can seriously compromise a watch’s reliability and function. By choosing the best possible watch storage, you can protect your timepiece from damage, extend its life, maintain its value, and preserve its exquisite good looks.
What happens if a watch isn’t stored correctly?
Watches, even those that advertise themselves as ‘rugged’, are susceptible to a range of different issues. Watch storage is designed to mitigate those problems by providing greater protection.
• Scratches from contact with other watches or items – Watches are not indestructible, so ensuring they’re not constantly knocked and bashed will extend their lifespan. Storing your watches in a purpose-designed case prevents scratches from other items. Scratches can collect dirt and detract from the appearance of the watch.
• Watch strap wear – The best watch storage not only protects the face and body of your timepiece, but also the strap. If stored incorrectly, watch straps can become twisted and distorted. Metal bracelet straps can be badly scratched, while leather straps can also start to show ugly signs of ‘wear and tear’, become dirty and stained, and lose their natural patina.
• Moisture and humidity changes – Changes in humidity and moisture can damage a watch’s internal workings. Even if you don’t initially notice any moisture ingress, if it permeates into the inner workings, it can eventually cause considerable harm to delicate springs and balances, leading the watch to malfunction or even stop completely.
• UV light damage – Direct sunlight is surprisingly harmful to watches. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause fabric and leather straps to fade, as well as ‘bleach’ the colour from dials and faces, particularly brightly coloured dials and straps. Watch storage that prevents UV light from damaging the face or strap can prolong its life and keep it in better condition. Something as simple as a black velvet bag or pouch could make all the difference to a watch’s longevity and resale value.
The best ways to store watches at home
The best watch storage solutions range from bespoke drawers, display cabinets, and safes to simple pouches and boxes. There are also several techniques you can use to ensure your watches are stored in the best conditions.
The original box – If you want to know how to store a Rolex watch or other high-value timepiece, you can’t do much better than the box the watch came in. Custom-made to fit the exact profile of the watch, it’s designed to offer exceptional protection and keep the watch safe when not being worn. As well as providing a good storage spot for paperwork, such as a certificate of authenticity, keeping the original carton can also add to the watch’s value when selling it on the pre-owned market.
Custom boxes – If your watch didn’t come with an original carton or box, you can have one made to fit. Custom boxes are made with special attention to detail, such as fitted cushions to support the watch and keep the strap in a ‘neutral’ position when stored, preventing it from distorting.
A simple pouch – Rather than leaving a watch on the bedside table overnight, a simple watch storage option is a plain pouch. Soft materials such as velvet will prevent scratching, and choosing a black pouch will also prevent dust, UV light, and moisture from damaging the watch’s delicate mechanism.
Padded boxes – A padded, compartmentalised watch box keeps your watches upright, dust-free, and protected. A soft microfibre or velvet lining cushions and protects, and watches are kept separate in individual cushioned slots. If you want to store a watch collection, a glass lid allows you to display your prized timepieces together. It will not protect them from UV light, so it’s wise not just to think about how you store your watches, but also where you store them. Our Top Tip: Avoid positioning display cases in direct sunlight, including reflected natural light from mirrors or windows, etc.
Safety deposit boxes – If you want maximum security for your watch collection, a safety deposit box is a good choice. You can choose to take out your watch whenever you want (for example, if you have a special occasion coming up and want to wear your favourite Rolex Oyster Perpetual or Submariner), and then return the watch after you’ve finished. Bank vaults are secure and climate-controlled, so there is little risk of prolonged exposure to temperature or humidity fluctuations.
Environmental control – some specialist watch cabinets offer environmental control which is moisture-controlled and temperature-stable – especially useful if you are taking your watches to a location with high heat and humidity.
Cleaning before storage – If you put a watch away dirty, it could lead to the delicate mechanism becoming rusty, clogged with dust, and eventually failing. Having your watch properly cleaned and serviced before storing is highly advisable, especially for a high-value item.
Take the battery out of quartz watches – If you’re storing quartz watches for a long period, consider removing the battery to avoid leakage. A leaking battery is highly corrosive and can irreparably damage a watch’s internal workings.
Avoid storing watches near electronics or magnets – Magnetism is a common cause of accuracy issues in watches, so avoid storing your timepiece near anything that could generate a magnetic field, such asstrong magnets, loudspeakers, magnetic clasps and similar devices.
How to prevent scratches on your watch during storage
The most common problem you’ll face when working out how to store a watch is preventing scratching. Even high-quality crystals (the glass or crystal cover for the face) are prone to scratches, which can become ingrained with dirt. Watch bracelets, including stainless steel options, can also become easily scuffed, while precious metal cases in gold or platinum can mark easily when knocked. You can minimise the risk of scratching by:
• Storing your watches individually
• Using a microfibre lining in a custom drawer or watch box
• Avoiding stacking watches on top of each other or storing them ‘loose’ together
• If you are not using a custom drawer or box as watch storage, use a soft cloth pouch as an everyday storage solution, even when simply placing your watch on a bedside table at night.
Cleaning your watch before placing it into storage
We recommended earlier that you clean your watch before storing it. You can have your watch professionally cleaned and serviced, but if you don’t want to, there are some things you can do yourself to keep it in good condition during storage.
• Remove any dust from the dial – in some cases, dust can affect the specialist lubricant oils used to keep the internal mechanisms running smoothly, so it’s advisable to remove all dust with a lint-free cloth or soft brush. Pay attention to the seals around the back of the watch, around winding mechanisms and where the bracelet or strap attaches to the watch body.
• Cleaning the case (water-resistant watches only) – If your watch is water-resistant, you may be able to use a little warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to clean any dirt, dust, and sweat deposits from the casing. Brush lightly around the lugs, bezel, and case back, then rinse and pat dry. Ensure the watch is completely dry before storing it.
• Washing the strap – If your watch has a metal bracelet, build-ups of dirt, sweat, and skin oils can occur between the links. If you can remove the bracelet, soak it in warm, soapy water and use a very soft toothbrush to brush between the links. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry, again, making sure that the bracelet is completely dry before reattaching it to the watch body and putting it into storage.
• Cleaning leather straps – As leather does not like getting wet, use a specialist leather cleaner and conditioner and make sure it is fully dry before storage to prevent mould growth.
Tips for storing a watch when travelling or when away from home
While you may have an excellent watch storage set-up at home, when you’re travelling, you may need something different to keep your timepiece safe.
• Buy a compact travel box – If you don’t have the original box, buying a compact travel box is an excellent alternative. Choose one that includes a cushion to hold the watch in a neutral position, preventing the bracelet or strap from twisting or becoming misshapen. A locking box is ideal for an extra layer of security, even if you intend to put the watch in a hotel safe.
• Keep your watches with you in your hand luggage – don’t pack them in any checked luggage, such as your suitcase. For security, it’s always best to keep your watches with you in your hand luggage.
• Keep your watch on your wrist so you don’t lose it – This is the safest way to know where your watch is at all times. However, be aware that an expensive watch is extremely tempting to pickpockets and thieves, so try to keep your watch covered with a shirt, blouse, or jacket sleeve when out and about.
• Put a remote ‘tag’ tracker in your watch storage – Discreetly placing a tracker, such as an Apple AirTag, will immediately alert you if your watch box is moved or disturbed. It will make it easier to trace the box and, if lost or stolen, hopefully get your watch back.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to store your watch at home?
The best watch storage at home is a custom-made box or, if you’re looking for ideas on how to store a watch collection, try converting a drawer to a watch storage container with separate compartments lined with a soft material.
Should I store my watch in a box or drawer?
It is advisable, as it protects the watch from contaminants such as dust, dirt, humidity, and UV light. It will depend on whether you want to display your collection or keep your watch storage out of sight.
Can I store multiple watches together?
You can, but it is wise to invest in a compartmentalised watch drawer or storage solution. This prevents the watches from knocking against one another and becoming scratched or damaged.
Insuring your watch with TH March
For over 130 years, TH March has been providing clients with protection for their precious items, including watches and high-value timepieces. We aim to cover the financial value of both fine collections and individual pieces. We can never protect a piece’s sentimental value. But we can provide insurance that covers your financial investment, especially for high-end watches such as Rolex and Cartier. Watches can be lost, stolen, and damaged. Our insurance makes it easier to cover the cost of replacement or repair, both at home and abroad.
You can get an instant online quote or visit our Watch Insurance page for more information. Or call us directly and one of our team will be happy to discuss your jewellery insurance needs in more detail. Contact TH March today.
Resources
https://idealjoyeros.com/en/news/best-ways-store-luxury-watches
https://thediamondbox.co.uk/how-to-store-and-maintain-watches-care-guide
https://brite.co/blog/how-to-store-a-watch/?bp=blog