Key takeaways
- Store watches separately so they don't scratch each other.
- Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep watches away from magnets.
- Use a watch roll or travel case when you're on the go.
Where you put your watch at night matters more than you might think. Thrown in a drawer with keys and jewellery, it will pick up scratches fast. A few simple habits keep it looking new.
In this guide
At home
- Separate: give each watch its own spot, so cases and glass don't rub together. A Premium DIFFRNT Box or our watch case for eight watches keeps them apart.
- Dry and cool: avoid bathrooms and windowsills; humidity and heat are bad for seals and straps.
- Out of direct sunlight: strong sun can fade dials and straps over time.
Keep away from magnets
Strong magnets can affect the accuracy of mechanical watches. Don't store your watch on top of speakers, laptops, tablets with magnetic covers or magnetic phone mounts.
When travelling
- Use a padded watch roll, such as our leather watch roll, so watches stay separated in your bag.
- Keep valuable watches in your hand luggage.
- Wear your main watch during the journey: it is the safest place.
Storing for a longer time
- Clean the watch before storing it: see How to clean a stainless steel watch.
- Let an automatic watch simply run down; wind it again when you want to wear it. See How to wind an automatic watch.
- For a quartz watch you won't wear for a long time, a jeweller can remove the battery to prevent leakage.
Storing watches: a quick checklist
- Clean first: wipe the watch with a soft cloth before you put it away, so sweat and dirt do not sit on the steel. See how to clean a stainless steel watch.
- One watch per compartment: watches stored loose together scratch each other.
- Crown pushed in: always push the crown fully in before storing.
- Dry, steady temperature: avoid bathrooms, windowsills and cars.
- Away from magnets: keep watches away from speakers, tablets and phone cases with magnets.
- Bracelet closed: close the clasp so the bracelet keeps its shape.
Watch storage options compared
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Premium DIFFRNT Box | One watch, or storing a gift |
| Premium Leather Watch Roll | Travelling with one, two or three watches |
| Watch Briefcase | A collection of up to eight watches |
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to keep my watch in a drawer?
Not if it is clean, dry and kept separate from other items that can scratch it.
Should I store my automatic watch on a winder?
It is optional. A winder keeps it running, but letting it stop and winding it again later is fine.
How do I travel with several watches?
Use a padded watch roll or travel case so the watches stay separated, and keep them in your hand luggage.
What is the best way of storing watches?
Clean the watch, push the crown in and keep each watch in its own soft compartment, in a dry place away from magnets and heat.
