The Best Ways to Store Your Watches: Expert Watch Storage Tips

If you’re someone who only wears one watch, we recommend keeping things simple and affordable by opting for a small travel case designed to store a single watch. While it may seem easy to grab any case, our suggestion is to choose one that fits both your budget and travel needs. For example, single watch rolls are a popular choice for traveling with a single timepiece but often don’t provide the best protection.

Pros:

• Compact and cost-effective for one-watch owners.
• Easy to pack and take with you on the go.
• Keeps your watch secure and minimises excessive movement.

Cons:

• Not ideal for storing multiple watches.
• Only Suitable for watches up to 50mm

We recommend a travel case with a cushioned interior that allows your watch to rest on its side, minimising contact and reducing the risk of scratches during transit

Watch rolls are perfect for storing multiple watches, making them easy to organise and access, particularly when placed in a safe or vault. They offer the convenience of holding several watches at once, and they’re a great way to keep your collection organized.

Pros:

• Ideal for storing multiple watches in a compact space.
• Great for quick access to your collection at once.
• Can easily be stored in a safe or vault for added security.

Cons:

• Many rolls don’t have enough clearance between the watch face and the roll’s lid, which can lead to damage over time.
• If moved around in a bag or suitcase, they can expose watches to potential bumps or scratches.

When selecting a watch roll, ensure there’s enough space to prevent direct contact between the top of the roll and your watch’s face.

For collectors with more than 3-5 watches, we recommend a watch box. These large, suitcase-style boxes can accommodate a variety of watch sizes and are an excellent watch storage solution for a sizable collection. However, they are not ideal for travel unless you’re planning to take your entire collection on the go.

Pros:

• Can store a large number of watches.
• Keeps your collection neatly organized and easy to find.
• Great for collectors with multiple watches.

Cons:

• Not practical for travel unless you plan on bringing all of your watches.
• Takes up more space compared to more compact watch storage options.

Check out smaller examples of watch boxes if you’re looking for something more portable.

For those who want to maintain the accuracy of their automatic watches while not wearing them, a watch winder is a great option. These devices keep the movement of your watch running, so you don’t have to adjust the time or date when you put it back on.

Pros:

• Keeps watches running without the need to reset time or date.
• Prevents the movement from seizing up due to inactivity.
• Doubles as a display case, showing off your watch collection.

Cons:

• Continuous motion can wear down the movement faster, similar to keeping a car running when not in use.
• Can lead to more frequent servicing needs due to increased wear on the movement.

Pro Tip: Wear your watch regularly, and if the movement stops, simply wind the crown to reactivate the watch, which can help prevent unnecessary wear and reduce the need for expensive servicing.

Watch pouches are a sleek, slim-line option for storing your watches. Brands like Rolex and Omega use them when returning watches after servicing. They are convenient, compact, and easy to carry around.

Pros:

• Slim and portable for easy transport.
• Often used by high-end brands during servicing, ensuring quality.
• Great for short-term storage or travel.

Cons:

• Risk of the watch rubbing against itself, especially when the clasp and case back make contact, potentially damaging the watch.
• The flap or button can damage the front of the watch depending on the pouch’s quality.
• Some pouches lack internal dividers to protect watches from one another.

Look for pouches that have dividers or soft linings to prevent any potential damage.

Watch coffins are the containers used by authorized dealers to receive their watches from the manufacturer. These clear, coffin-shaped boxes hold the watch, warranty card, and swing tags. They are an affordable alternative to travel cases but offer minimal protection.

Pros:

• Affordable and easy to use.
• Compact and clear, allowing you to see your watch without opening the box.
• Typically used for packaging, making them easy to store.

Cons:

• Little to no protection against impact or drops.
• Often poorly constructed, which leads to a risk of damage during handling.

While they’re a cheap option, they’re better suited for watch storage at home rather than travel.

Watch trays are commonly used by grey market dealers and are great for displaying and storing watches in showrooms or offices. They come in various sizes, from 6 to 30 slots, allowing easy access to your collection.

Pros:

• Excellent for displaying and showcasing watches.
• Easy access to multiple watches at once.
• Can hold a large number of watches in a compact space.

Cons:

• Offers minimal protection from dust or damage.
• Primarily designed for display, not long-term watch storage.
• Not suitable for travel.

Great for those looking to showcase their collection but not ideal for protecting watches over time.

A watch cabinet is another great way to showcase your collection. These display cases offer a more elegant presentation for your watches, whether at home or in a showroom. They can keep your watches safe from dust and dirt while on display.

Pros:

• A stylish and elegant way to display your collection.
• Provides better protection from dust and dirt.
• Allows easy access to your watches for admiring.

Cons:

• Security risks if not locked or well-secured.
• Can collect dust over time, turning into a storage solution rather than a display.
• Not ideal if you want to store your watches out of sight or in a safe.

Consider the placement and security of the cabinet before choosing this option for watch storage.