Keeping your watch collection safe and protected is a top priority for any watch collector — especially when travelling. Whether visiting family and friends for the weekend or heading overseas for a holiday, safely packing and travelling with your watches is a necessity.
New Year is about to start, you need somewhere to store your watch here is a Guide along with a one time code: STORAGE25. Code expires 31st December 2023.
What are the different types of watch storage?
Let’s start by looking at the different types of watch storage cases.
Watch rolls
We tend to use ‘watch roll’ to describe more than one type of watch storage.
The first are circular cases, used for storing and transporting watches. They have a soft, padded cylinder that you wrap your watch around, and a casing that clasps closed to keep your watches safe.
This Geckota Genuine Leather Watch Box is a good example. The strong leather outer gives a high level of protection, and has double press-studs for a secure closure.
Geckota Genuine Leather Watch Box
Sizes vary for watch rolls. You can get a single roll for an individual watch, a double roll for two, or a larger roll for three or more. Most watch rolls tend to hold a maximum of six watches, so you’ll need to bear this in mind depending on how many watches you need to travel with.
The benefits
- Interior padding
- Easy to travel with
- Transport more than one watch
The drawbacks
- Can be restricted for space with larger watches
- Unable to store accessories
Travel watch pouch
A travel watch pouch holds a single watch. It’s a narrow wallet, usually made from a leather exterior and soft suede interior to protect the watch. It often features a fixed clasp or a slip-in case cover with a band.
This travel pouch is the ideal for travelling with a single timepiece, and travelling with it regularly. It’s small and easy to handle, meaning it doesn’t take up much space in a suitcase or travel bag, while still providing protection from dents and scratches.
- Compact
- Easy to travel with
- Incredibly lightweight
- Inexpensive
The drawbacks
- Only suitable for one watch at a time
- Unable to store accessories
Watch box storage case
A watch box is one of the most secure ways to protect your watches while travelling. If you’re transporting delicate and high-value watches, this is probably the best choice.
The hard outer shell keeps them safe in transit, securing them in place and providing a solid barrier from the outside elements. If someone were to throw a heavy suitcase on top of your bag, the box would be the most likely to prevent any damage to your timepieces.
The only downside to consider is the size and weight of a storage case. Unlike a watch roll, the case is considerably bigger and heavier.
The benefits
- Solid outer protection
- Storage for multiple watches
- Space for accessories
The drawbacks
- Bulkier for transport
Padded watch case
A padded watch case usually holds two watches in a padded interior with a zip for secure closure. It’s often made with a leather exterior for protection, and a velvet or suede interior.
The case can usually hold two watches, with each timepiece lying on either side of the opened case. A small piece of fabric (like leather) sits between them to protect them from damaging each other during transit.
Some padded watch cases contain a small padded cylinder, similar to the watch roll. But no matter the layout, watches are always protected by a lined and filled interior.
The main downside to consider is the number of timepieces it holds. You’re limited to only two per case, which might not be useful if you want to travel with a wider collection. But if you have a couple of watches you want to keep safe while travelling, a padded watch case could fit the bill.
The benefits
- Secure zip fastening
- Padding for watch safety
The drawbacks
- Slightly bulkier for transport
- Holds a maximum of two watches
What is the best way to store watches for travel?
There’s no right way to store watches when you’re travelling. It really depends on how many watches you’re taking, their size, and the type of travel you’re doing
If you’re taking your entire collection, you’ll need storage with enough space for all your timepieces. If you’re travelling light with one or two watches, a travel pouch or watch roll will suffice.
On top of this, you need to consider the size of your watches. Timepieces with a larger diameter will need more space, so you need to be sure that your storage items can safely fit these watches. With a circular roll, for example, you have a specific amount of space for each watch. If your watch diameter is wider than the recommended size, you might struggle to fit all the watches you want to travel with.
The type of travel can also influence the best type of storage for your watch. If you’re flying overseas, chances are you’ll pack your watches in a suitcase — which means you’ll probably benefit from the extra protection of a harder outer shell, like a storage box. If you’re travelling by car, on the other hand, you likely won’t need such an extensive level of protection. A roll-up or watch pouch would suffice.
Watch tools and accessories is also another area of consideration. If you want to take spare watch straps, buckles and clasps, or spring bars, you’ll need a watch case that has space to secure these items safely.
Let us know what you think
Your timepieces deserve the best. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for safely travelling with your watches to keep them protected at all times.
Is there anything you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments.
