Taking care of your luxury watch when travelling

Visiting new destinations around the world is an exciting and unforgettable experience but can be daunting when travelling with a treasured item like a watch.

If you’re fortunate enough to own a quality timepiece from a reputable brand and are keen to take one or a select few with you on your travels, there are some things to consider to avoid the item from being damaged or stolen. Here we’ll discuss some of the main steps to help keep your watch safe when travelling.

Is your watch suitable for travelling?

Before we delve into how to properly take care of your watch, it’s important to consider what types of watches are best suited for travelling.

What is the purpose of the watch? Is it able to manage the difference in time zones? Is it resistant to water? These are particularly useful features if you plan to travel to the other side of the world or be active during your break.

It’s also worth taking into consideration how robust the watch is in certain climates. As an example, some watches do not fare well in high heat. It’s therefore best to leave any of these models safely at home.

How should you carry your watch when travelling?

Whilst it may sound bizarre, there is a correct way to handle your watch during your travels. You may wish to keep the watch on your wrist at all times, however it’s possible this could attract unwanted attention in certain areas or could become damaged when handling luggage.

You’ll instead want to invest in a specially designed watch case that’ll help keep it looking box-fresh for when you’re settled in your accommodation.

What are good practices for taking your watch overseas?

• Make sure you’re covered – By insuring your watch, you’ll have peace of mind when you’re out and about. If anything does happen to your trusty timepiece when abroad, you’ll have some coverage.
• Keep the watch locked away – If you’re staying in a hotel or other accommodation, try to find a secure location with a lock to keep your watch. That way, you know it will be safe even when you’re out for the day.
• Keep the watch on your person – Instead of leaving your watch in luggage that will be placed in the hold, try to keep it within your hand luggage or bag. That way you know where it is at all times, especially if your luggage gets misplaced.

Is there anything I need to do before departing?

Before jetting off on your travels, it’s good practice to have your watch serviced, especially if you haven’t done so for more than 24 months. That way, you ensure that it’s in tip-top condition for the trip. A mechanical watch will require a tune-up, whereas a quartz watch may need a new battery.