A luxury watch is more than just a timekeeper. It’s an investment that blends artistry, engineering, and heritage. Without proper storage, even the most expensive timepiece can degrade over time, such as lack of lubricants, components corrosion, and straps deterioration.
Read more: Store Your Luxury Watches in These 3 Watch Boxes Before Traveling
Understanding the right way to store a luxury watch is a form of commitment to maintaining your collection’s long-term value. Here are the mistakes to avoid and the right methods to keep your watch in top condition.
Critical Mistakes in Storing Luxury Watches
Storing the watch with the crown facing downward
Incorrect storage positions—such as leaving the crown facing down—put continuous pressure on the stem and crown mechanism. Over time, this can accelerate wear or cause the parts to loosen.
Leaving a dead quartz battery for too long
Quartz watches left with depleted batteries are at high risk of leakage. Battery fluid can damage the movement beyond repair, often requiring a complete replacement.
Folding leather straps too tightly
Leather straps are highly sensitive to shape and pressure. Excessive folding or bending can cause cracking, breakage, and loss of natural flexibility. Not only does this affect appearance, but also the overall comfort when worn.
Storing in a safe without humidity control
Many assume a safe is always the most secure option. However, high humidity in airtight spaces can cause condensation inside the case, potentially damaging the dial and internal components.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’re not only preserving the look and function of your watch—but also its investment value.
7 Proper Ways to Store a Luxury Watch
1. Use a High-Quality Watch Box
Choose a storage box with soft padding such as suede or microfiber lining. This protects the case and crystal from micro-scratches and keeps the strap in natural shape. Premium watch boxes like Billstone or Bosphorus also double as elegant displays that reflect the quality within.
2. Store at a Stable Temperature
Extreme temperature changes can cause condensation inside the watch case. The ideal storage temperature is between 15–25°C, with humidity levels below 50%. Avoid placing your watch near windows, heaters, or direct air conditioning.
3. Add Silica Gel or a Humidity Control Pack
To prevent corrosion caused by moisture, place silica gel or a humidity control pack inside your watch box or safe. It’s a simple yet essential step in properly storing a luxury watch.
4. Use a Watch Winder for Automatic Watches
For those who own automatic watches that aren’t worn daily, a watch winder keeps the rotor moving and ensures even oil distribution within the movement. Choose a high-quality winder with adjustable rotation settings and a secure locking system.
5. Keep Away from Magnetic Sources
Magnetism can interfere with mechanical watch accuracy. Keep your watch away from devices like speakers, headphones, or other electronic gadgets that emit magnetic fields.
6. Clean Before Storing
After wearing, wipe your watch with a microfiber cloth to remove natural oils, dust, or sweat. This helps preserve the finish, especially on polished metal and leather materials.
7. Avoid Stacking Watches
Never stack multiple watches in one compartment without dividers. Friction between them can cause scratches or minor damage that’s hard to repair. If you have several timepieces, use individual slots for each one.
Ideal storage isn’t just about technicalities, but also reflects a deeper awareness and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every ticking second.
At Luxehouze, you’ll find a curated selection of 100% authentic luxury watches, premium watch boxes, and top-grade watch winders.
Discover your next timepiece and the perfect storage solution for your collection today!
