Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid when Storing Your Luxury Watches

At Rapport, we started out making clocks (grandfather clocks, to be precise), so that's why we really know how to take care of them. 

Naturally, we understand that a timepiece is much more than a watch, and therefore recognise the importance of safely preserving them. It’s often a representation of an achievement, of a special moment, of a memory of someone - a legacy in miniature. A watch is never just a watch. And for that reason, Rapport invests in creating watch storage and accessories worthy of the luxury timepieces you treasure. 

We’ve compiled a list of the biggest mistakes watch-owners usually make when storing their most loved pieces. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or a seasoned collector, have a read below to learn more. 

1. Failing to use a watch winder for automatic watches

Automatic watches are designed to keep moving - quite literally. Leaving them idle for extended periods without a watch winder can cause oils within the movement to settle, which impacts performance. At Rapport, we offer meticulously crafted watch winders that ensure your automatic watch is always ready to wear. Not only do they keep the movement in peak condition, but they also offer a display worthy of your investment.

2. Storing in humid or damp conditions

Moisture is a silent adversary for luxury watches, whether mechanical or quartz. High humidity levels can encourage rusting, damage the seals, and create condensation inside the watch. Opt for storage environments with controlled humidity levels. Rapport’s safes and storage solutions, designed with precision, provide optimal conditions for a safe and stable environment for your timepieces.

3. Overlooking temperature control

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can wreak havoc on a luxury watch. Hot environments may cause seals to expand and contract, risking water resistance, while cold temperatures can thicken oils, affecting movement precision. We recommend storing watches in a climate-controlled environment to ensure they remain unaffected by temperature shifts. 

4. Neglecting to lay watches flat

Avoid storing watches in such a way that one band or case scratches another. It’s all too easy to lay watches together in a drawer, but this can lead to unwanted abrasions. Rapport London’s handcrafted watch trays and roll pouches offer cushioned spaces for each timepiece, ensuring they remain pristine and free from unnecessary scratches.

5. Forgetting to wind mechanical watches before storage

If you’re storing a mechanical (non-automatic) watch for an extended period, wind it fully before putting it away. This prevents the lubricants from settling and keeps the watch running smoothly. Our watch boxes provide the ideal environment, complete with compartments that cater to your collection, whether it’s a small selection or a substantial portfolio.

6. Using low-quality storage solutions

While it’s tempting to use makeshift storage solutions, low-quality materials can expose your watch to abrasive surfaces, humidity, and dust. Instead, opt for purpose-made storage crafted from premium materials, like those from Rapport, which are lined with ultra-soft interiors and encased in quality wood or leather exteriors to protect your watches without compromising style. For example, why not try our Heritage Ten Watch Box (as shown below), which is finished with nine layers of hand-applied lacquer and has matching suede interiors.

7. Storing near magnetic devices 

Magnetism is an often-overlooked danger for luxury watches. Close proximity to phones, speakers, and other electronic devices can interfere with the precision of your timepiece’s movement, potentially causing it to run fast or slow.

8. Ignoring regular maintenance needs

Even while stored, luxury watches benefit from occasional servicing and maintenance. Allowing long gaps without inspection or winding can cause issues over time. We recommend a gentle routine: bring out each watch periodically, clean it with our cleaning kit, and check for any sign of wear. With the right care, a luxury watch is as timeless as the moment it marks.

9. Not investing in a proper safe for security

Storing luxury watches in unsecured locations is a mistake that no collector should make. Our watch boxes and winders are crafted with precision and enhanced security features, such as locks and keys, fingerprint access, and more, safeguarding not only the watch but the legacy that each timepiece holds. For the collector with precious investments, a secure, high-quality safe is essential.

10. Overlooking the importance of a proper display

Your collection deserves a worthy display. Tucking watches away in a drawer may protect them temporarily, but proper display storage not only keeps them safe but adds to the pleasure of owning these works of art. Rapport’s luxury watch winders, cases, and safes are designed not only to protect but to showcase your collection with finesse, giving you a refined display for your passion.

At Rapport London, we understand that a luxury watch is more than just a timekeeper; it’s an heirloom, a statement, and a companion through life’s most significant moments. Storing it correctly ensures that it remains in excellent condition, ready to be handed down to future generations. Whether you’re looking for a classic watch box, a handcrafted winder, or a secure safe, Rapport’s range has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the modern collector with the traditional British elegance that defines us.

With the right storage and care, you can safeguard your collection—and the legacy it holds—for generations to come.