As all watch admirers know, timepieces become cherished parts of our collections. More than simple accessories, watches are symbols of time, value, and your story. Whether you like to wear your watches daily, display them proudly, or keep them as heirlooms, every luxury watch deserves to be taken care of. So, in this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about storing your luxury watches.
A Home for Your Watch: Why Proper Storage Matters
Now, let’s face it. Your watch is an investment, both financially and emotionally. It’s not an everyday basic t-shirt you can just throw on the closet without giving it much thought. When stored properly, your watch will retain its aesthetic beauty, maintain its mechanical and structural integrity, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Without the right storage techniques, even high-quality pieces will start to show signs of wear due to dust buildup, exposure to moisture, or magnetism affecting their precision.
Basically, you can think of proper storage as insurance for your watch.
So, whether you own a single skeleton watch or a diverse collection of automatic or mechanical watches, the tips below will help you preserve their functionality and elegant look for decades.
Store Them in Purpose-Built Boxes and Display Cases
If you’re looking to go the extra mile in caring for your timepiece collection, it’s important to recognize that a simple drawer simply won’t suffice. To truly honor and protect your watches, consider investing in a high-quality watch box, display case, or travel roll.
These specialized storage solutions are thoughtfully designed to provide proper cushioning and minimize friction, helping to preserve the condition and longevity of your timepieces. Beyond physical protection, they also shield your watches from environmental factors such as light exposure and humidity, both of which can cause long-term damage.
For collectors of automatic watches, we strongly recommend opting for a case that includes built-in watch winders. These devices keep the movement active even when the watch is not being worn, which is essential for maintaining optimal mechanical performance and timekeeping accuracy.
Additionally, cases lined with velvet or suede interiors offer another layer of protection by reducing the risk of micro-scratches—an especially valuable feature for those who own open-dial or skeleton timepieces where every detail is meant to be admired.
Tufina Theorema Paragon Calendar GM-122-3 Gold.
Face Up and Spaced Out: Positioning Is Everything
When you place your watches in a case, make sure to always store them face up to protect the crystal and dial from any accidental damage. Lay them flat or wrap them around a watch pillow to mimic your natural wrist position. And be mindful to leave at least 1 cm of space between each timepiece!
Why? Because if your collection includes models with metal bands or ceramic elements, spacing becomes even more important to avoid clinking or rubbing.
A tightly packed box is a guaranteed way to get yourself a ton of unwanted scratches and we don’t want that.
Use Travel Rolls and Pouches forExtraProtection
If you travel a lot, soft leather watch rolls or suede pouches are your best friends. Not only do they keep your watches secure, but they also prevent exposure to hard surfaces and sudden shocks. Win-win. Always keep your roll in your hand luggage while flying, as this will minimize risk and keep your timepieces always within reach.
Mind the Magnetism: Keep Watches Away from Electronics
Magnetism is hands-down one of the most commonandunderestimated enemies of luxury watches. Various devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, and even kitchen appliances emit magnetic fields that can potentially affect the accuracy of your timepiece.
Now, although most modern mechanical watches are often built with special anti-magnetic materials, it’s still considered good practice to store your watches away from electronics. It’s not uncommon to see a magnetized watch running fast or even skipping seconds.
If you suspect your watch has been affected by magnetism, make sure to consult a professional watchmaker for demagnetization.
For Automatic Watches: Use a Watch Winder
The beauty of automatic watches lies in their ability to rely entirely on motion to keep ticking. However, this also means that if left idle for extended periods, they may stop running or even experience oil coagulation within the movement. A watch winder is specifically designed to address this issue by mimicking natural wrist motion and keeping the internal gears in motion.
That said, it's important to remember that excessive use of a winder can lead to unnecessary mechanical wear. It’s best to use the winder intermittently, particularly for watches with complex complications like perpetual calendars. We always recommend alternating between wearing and winding your watches to maintain optimal performance and accuracy.
Ultimately, we believe a watch winder is an essential accessory for any collector of automatic timepieces seeking both functionality and convenience. If you own multiple automatic watches, investing in a quality watch winder is a smart and practical choice.
👉 Looking for a new self-winding timepiece to add to your ensemble? Check out our automatic watches collection!
Always Secure the Crown Before Storing
The crown is the main gateway to a watch's internals. So, it only makes sense that you should pay attention to it. Always screw the crown down tightly. Leaving it loose can allow dust or moisture to enter, which can then cause fogging or corrosion.
This is particularly crucial if you're storing your watch for long periods or live in a humid climate! Check for a tight seal before placing it in any box or case.
Don’t Lose Your Paperwork
As pretty as it may be, your watch's original box is not just a nice extra. That goes for the certificate of authenticity and warranty card as well. They are essential components of your watch's provenance. If you plan to ever resell or appraise your watch in the future, complete documentation adds valueandproves authenticity.
So, make sure to store these documents separately in a waterproof file or even in digital format. Keeping a backup is always recommended as well.
Pro tip: Create a digital folder with scans of your certificates and receipts!
Clean Before You Store
Before storing your watch, remember to give it agentleclean using a microfiber cloth. This will help you consistently remove any fingerprints, dust, or moisture. With consistent care, you guarantee your watch will remain in its optimal condition long-term.
Even for water-resistant watches, we recommend that you still use just a cloth to clean it, as that will be enough to keep your case and dial spot-free.
Always clean thoroughly and avoid using scented wipes or alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage the watch’s finish. A pristine skeleton watch or a classic mechanical model deserves to shineevenin storage.
Consider Using a Safe for High-Value Timepieces
Protect your riches. For owners of particularly rare or highly valuable vintage pieces or tourbillon watches, consider getting a dedicated home safe. The best part is that many safes come with interior watch drawers or integrated watch winders. This is theultimateprotection from theft, fire, and environmental damage.
Tufina Theorema Buenos Aires GM-114-6 Silver.
Don’t Forget to Wear Them!
Ironically, the best way to maintain a watch is to wear it. Watches are made to move, breathe, and live with you. Wearing your watch periodically helps keep the lubricants inside both mechanical and automatic movements evenly distributed. After all, this is what those components are designed to do.
You can always alternate between your favorite models. Try wearing a bold skeleton watch for weekends, go for a refined mechanical watch for work meetings, and choose a more urban-styled piece for casual days. This ensures each piece gets its spotlight.
Final Thoughts
We believe every Tufina watch is a legacy piece, carefully designed and built to last. We create our timepieces with love and hope they find a forever home in people who will truly appreciate their value. Proper storage ensures that this valueandour heritage endures, whether for future generations or future occasions.
So, keep these practices in mind and your watches will not only maintain their precision, but their charm as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to store a watch when not in use?
The best way to store a watch when not in use is to use a purpose-built watch box, roll, or display case. Keep your watch in a cool, dry place away from electronics. For automatic watches, consider investing in a watch winder to keep them running.
Should watches be stored flat?
Absolutely. Storing your watches flat or on a padded watch pillow is always recommended, as this mimics wrist wear and prevents scratches on the dial or unnecessary stress on the bracelet and case.
Where is the best place to store watches?
A drawer away from light exposure and humidity, a watch safe, or a display cabinet away from humidity and magnetism are all ideal options.
How to store daily watches?
For watches that you wear very frequently, you can always use a watch tray or an open compartment with soft lining. This will protect your timepieces while also ensuring a convenient way to pick them up every day.
Is it OK to store a watch on its side?
You can store your watch on the side as long as it is supported well and there’s no risk of falling or scratching. However, always make sure to avoid leaving it on hard surfaces unprotected.
What is the best material to keep watches in?
Soft, non-abrasive materials such as suede, leather, or velvet are best. These materials are ideal as they help prevent scratches and absorb excess moisture.
Do watches lose time if not worn?
Automatic watches will stop running if left unworn for too long. That’s why it’s always recommended to use them periodically or keep them in a box-winder when needed.
How can I save my watch battery when not in use?
If you have a quartz watch, always make sure to pull out the crown slightly to stop the movement. Then, store your watch in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
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