Finding Storage Options
Keep your watches in a storage case if you want to keep them in sight. These cases are similar to a jewelry box, but the compartments are designed to fit watches. They are often lined with felt or another plush fabric that will prevent your watches from getting scratched or dented. Watch boxes often have glass tops, allowing you to see your collection. This is a good option if you like to wear a different watch every day.
Use an insert to keep your watches in a dresser drawer. You can purchase special trays which are made to fit inside of a dresser drawer. These usually have square compartments to hold watch boxes as well as long, narrow compartments so watch bands can lay flat. If the trays you are using are not lined, you may want to add a non-slip drawer liner to the bottom of the tray so your watches don't shift around when you open the drawer. Just use scissors to cut pieces of the liner to fit the compartments. If you like, you can glue them in place. You can use pieces of foam pipe insulation to hold watches which don't have a box. The insulation is already round and is similar to the size of a person's wrist. Just cut the insulation to fit in the compartment, then slide the watch onto the foam.
Keep your watches in a cigar humidor to keep them dry. Humidors are designed to protect cigars from humidity and temperature, both of which can be damaging to your watch. Whether you need a quick storage option or you just like the look of a humidor, this is a popular option for keeping watches safe.
Use a watch roll if you need to travel with your watches. A watch roll is made of a flexible material like leather or soft fabric. Place your watches in the pouch, then roll it up so they are cushioned by the fabric. Watch rolls are perfect for packing in a suitcase or overnight bag, but some of the pouches are so nice, you might want to leave your watches in them all the time!
Keep automatic watches in a watch winder. Automatic watches don't need to be wound manually, because they use the natural movement of your body to harness energy. A watch winder turns your watch for you, keeping it ticking even when you're not wearing it. Automatic watches perform best if they keep running, so a watch winder will help prolong the life of your timepiece.
Place valuable watches in a safe. You can find safes in all shapes and sizes, so whether you have one special family heirloom or a wall full of timepieces, you can find a safe that will suit your watch collection. Some safes even come with special trays designed to hold jewelry. If you just have 1 or 2 watches you want to protect, keep them in a small safe under your bed or in your closet. You can even get a safe designed as a book or other inconspicuous item so it won't draw attention. Watches are a common target for thieves because they are valuable and easy to carry.
Storing Your Watch Safely
Store your watches face up. If you place them face down, even in a plush case, the crystals can become scratched, dulled, or even cracked. Whether your watches are laying flat or wrapped around a holder, the face should always be upwards.
Leave gaps when placing watches in a case. If you place your watches in the case so that they're touching each other, they can be easily damaged. Leave at least a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) gap between the watches so they don't bump against each other. Ideally you should use a case or tray with dividers to hold each watch individually.
Use silica gel to protect your watches from humidity. Moisture and condensation can cause the oil in your watch to coagulate, damaging the gears inside. You can purchase silica gel packets to keep in the case with your watches, or you can just reuse the packets that come in food and electronics packages. You can purchase silica gel at craft stores, home improvement stores, or online. Depending on the quality of the gel and the amount you buy, it should cost around $5-$20 USD.
Remove the batteries if you'll be storing your watches long-term. Quartz watches have batteries, and over time, these batteries can corrode and leak, causing irreparable damage to your watch. To make sure this doesn't happen, remove the battery before you place the watch in storage. To take the battery out of the watch, pry off the back with a small screwdriver, then pop the battery out of its compartment. If you can't access the battery compartment, take your watch to a jeweler and ask them to do it before you put the watch into storage.
Keep all of your paperwork in protective bags in a safe place. If you decide to resell your watches, all of the original packaging will greatly increase the value of your sale. Keep the original box, seal all of the paperwork in a plastic bag, and place it somewhere that it won't be disturbed. If you have multiple watches, separate the paperwork into an individual bag for each watch so it will be easy to find.
Take your watch out of storage at least once a year and wear it. Only the rarest watches should be kept in storage and never worn. Most watches benefit from being taken out, wound, and worn once in awhile. Even if you're collecting watches to eventually resell, try to wear each watch in your collection once or twice a year.
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