If you own a collection of fine watches, you understand they require optimal protection against daily threats such as scratches, impacts, and humidity. This guide offers practical solutions to safeguard your timepieces, ranging from storage boxes and tempered glass screen protectors to specialized insurance. Discover how to maintain their pristine condition and intricate mechanisms with expert advice and accessories tailored to every lifestyle.
1. Store Your Watch in a Watch Box
Watch boxes with individual compartments provide optimal protection against impacts and scratches. Each dedicated space isolates your watches, whether a classic model or a substantial piece. Explore our range of watch storage solutions tailored to each of your timepieces.
Prioritize soft materials such as interior velvet and microfiber dividers. These textures prevent micro-scratches on metal bracelets that might rub together. The 6-compartment fabric Marmotte perfectly exemplifies this anti-scratch solution with its spaced slots.
2. Avoid Risky Activities
Intensive sports and DIY activities expose your watches to impacts, dust, and water. Here are some recommendations:
- Always remove your timepiece before swimming if its water resistance is below 10 ATM (100 meters). For water sports, it is advisable to choose watches with a water resistance of 20 or 30 ATM.
- When engaging in vigorous sports or DIY activities, such as tennis, it is advisable to remove your mechanical watch, as they remain vulnerable to repeated impacts.
- After exposure to water, particularly seawater, remember to clean your watches with soapy water following contact with saltwater or sand.
3. Screen Protector Films
0.3 mm tempered glass films protect screens from scratches without compromising touch sensitivity. Hydrophobic plastic models are suitable for water sports, offering an average lifespan of 6 months.
Apply a protective film to your smartwatch by following these key steps:
- Prepare the environment: Choose a dust-free room and use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen.
- Precisely align the tempered glass film, starting from the top edge of the screen.
- Remove air bubbles with a plastic card, moving from the center outwards.
- Check the cutouts around the buttons and sensors for optimal watch screen protection.
- Allow 24 hours before use for perfect adhesion of the protective film.
Specialists are available who can apply these films, making them almost invisible.
4. Avoid Wearing High-Value Watches Casually in Crowded Areas
Especially during summer, exercise caution when wearing highly recognizable luxury watches (e.g., Rolex, AP, Patek, or even Cartier or Omega) in major cities and crowded public areas (such as public transport, bars, etc.).
This will significantly reduce the risk of theft directly from your wrist. Secure clasp systems are also available to further minimize such incidents.
5. Opt for a Safe
Several solutions are available:
- You can rent a safe deposit box at a bank. You can store watches you do not wear for approximately 10 euros per month. The caveat: the bank’s reimbursement covers the value of the safe, not its contents.
- Alternatively, you can install a safe at home, but ensure you select an appropriate model. It is advisable to choose a sufficiently heavy safe, securely anchored to a load-bearing wall, among other considerations.
6. Specialized Watch Insurance
Standard home insurance policies typically limit coverage to 20% of the value of personal property. For watches valued over €2000, specialized insurance offers comprehensive coverage for theft and damage, along with worldwide protection.
For any claim, prepare the purchase invoice, certificate of authenticity, and detailed photographs. Retain maintenance records and the police report in case of theft to expedite the compensation process.
7. Beware of Magnetism
Mechanical movements are sensitive to magnetism; if exposed to an excessive magnetic field, they can experience a daily deviation of up to 15 seconds. Keep your watches away from electronic devices.
If you work in environments with strong magnetic fields, it is advisable to opt for anti-magnetic watches.
