Travelling With Watches: How to Keep Them Safe

Travel is one of the best times to wear a watch and also one of the riskiest. A little preparation protects both the watch and your peace of mind.

Choose the right watch for the trip. A rugged, water-resistant watch with a bracelet or a sturdy strap is better than a rare or delicate piece. Many collectors take a favourite everyday watch and leave the valuable ones at home.

For transport, use a padded watch roll or a small hard case. Wrap each watch separately so they do not rub, and keep them in your carry-on rather than checked luggage. Avoid leaving them in a hotel room visible on a table.

Check your insurance. Many home policies exclude watches abroad or cap the cover for single items, so confirm whether yours is covered when travelling, and keep photos, serial numbers and receipts in a separate digital copy.

At security, a watch is usually fine to wear through the scanner. If you take it off, put it in your carry-on bag, not a tray where it can be left behind. Be discreet in busy areas and avoid wearing valuable watches in places where theft is common.

Finally, mind the environment. Beaches, saunas and hot tubs can stress seals and straps, and extreme cold or heat can affect lubricants and battery life. A water-resistant rating is a good guide, but do not push it.