« Protect Your Luxury Watch »
Watch enthusiasts know that, beyond wearing their timepieces, proper storage is an essential part of the hobby. But how do you make sure these fine watches stay in flawless condition while they rest? We explain which storage options you should consider, why environmental factors matter so much, and what to keep in mind in the special case of quartz watches.
Cool, Shaded, and Dry: The Ideal Environment
Regardless of the size of the collection or how it is displayed, environmental conditions play a key role in storing any watch. Over time, even the most robust models can suffer damage to their case or movement from the wrong external conditions. If you want to store your watch properly, three principles apply: a moderate temperature, no direct sunlight, and low humidity. If it gets too hot, for example near a radiator or fireplace, glued-on elements such as numerals can eventually come loose and, in the worst case, jam the hands – a costly repair. Excessive UV radiation, on the other hand, attacks the watch's appearance by fading or yellowing the dial's lacquer and printing. Such effects have nothing to do with charming patina; they are simply visible damage.
When storing watches, you should also ensure moderate humidity. Excess moisture can, in the worst case, attack not only the case material but also the movement inside, and it causes both mold and musty odors on leather straps. Once the hurdle of the right environment has been cleared, the next important question arises: what kind of container should house these valuable pieces?
Watch Box, Watch Cabinet, or Watch Winder?
This is where the size of the collection is decisive. If you are at the beginning of your horological passion or have no intention of building a huge collection, keeping your watch in its original watch box is a good choice. First, its soft materials let you store the timepiece without scratches; second, it allows each model to be presented individually; and third, it comes at no extra cost. If, however, you want to store several watches, a watch cabinet is the way to go: available in every price range, it serves as a display case for your masterpieces and, in larger versions, can hold dozens of timepieces at once. A stylish, space-saving solution when the number of watch boxes would otherwise get out of hand.
For automatic models, the watch winder adds a third, hotly debated alternative. Especially with elaborate complications such as a perpetual calendar or a moon phase, its benefits are undeniable: by providing the necessary rotation, it keeps the watch running even during longer periods of non-use, spares its owner the tedious resetting, and ensures that the luxury watches are ready to wear at any time. If you want to use a watch winder for storage, however, you should also consider the potential downsides of this solution.
Storing Watches: The Drawbacks of a Winder
First and foremost is the cost: if the collection comprises several pieces, buying a winder for every single timepiece adds up to a considerable investment. There are numerous options for multiple models, but high-quality winders – meaning quiet and reliable over the long term – are not a cheap purchase. There is also the plausible concern that constant operation leads to faster wear. If you want to store your luxury watches without a winder, however, a little extra effort is required: experts recommend fully winding each timepiece at least every three months to prevent damage from inactivity caused by insufficient oil distribution. A task that is only likely to become a problem with very large collections. And let's be honest: isn't it a pleasure to see your fine pieces again after a long break and bring them back to life?
Crucial: Care Before Storage
Store your watches – but only after a thorough cleaning: while you wear a watch, sweat, dust, and everyday residues such as soap build up on it. Such external influences may seem harmless, but over time they can cause corrosion on metal cases and bracelets. Before storage, these substances should be carefully removed, and ordinary microfiber cloths and a little lukewarm water are ideal for the job – harsh cleaning agents must be avoided at all costs. When it comes to removing dust from tight gaps, such as in a bracelet, a toothbrush proves to be a handy helper. Ultimately, thorough cleaning benefits not only the condition of the timepiece but also the owner's peace of mind – it is simply satisfying to leave a work of perfection in equally perfect condition.
The Special Case of Quartz: Be Careful with the Battery!
If you want to store electronic luxury watches, you should, as a precaution, remove the battery in the case of extended storage or older batteries. Simply pulling out the crown is not enough: although this interrupts power consumption, the internal electronics remain active and a defective battery can still leak. In such cases, the leaked battery acid often causes total damage, as it eats through components and deposits keep even the mechanical wheels from working. But don't worry: new quartz watches can safely be stored for several weeks or even months without having to fear this irreparable scenario. As with any intervention: unless you are an expert, be sure to have the battery removed by a professional watchmaker – however tempting a quick DIY fix may sound.
Conclusion: Storing Watches Isn't Rocket Science
Storing a luxury watch properly needn't be complicated or expensive: once thoroughly cleaned, the timepiece is placed in a suitable container under gentle environmental conditions and, if mechanical, should be wound regularly. Those willing to invest more in storage, on the other hand, have countless options for presenting their collection in style – from a solid watch cabinet to a silent winder for entire collections.
