If you’ve got a watch collection, then you’ve probably thought about the best way to display your collection tastefully and stylishly. In this post we’ll share some tips for displaying your watch collection, whether you just want to display one or two, or you own six or more.
Have you taken the necessary steps to secure and insure your watch collection? Our High Net Worth insurance team is always on hand to discuss how you can best protect your most valuable possessions, including your prized collection of luxury watches. If you want to discuss your needs, get in touch on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
How To Display Your Watch Collection
First, consider your needs. As you’ll see, there are plenty of options available for storing and displaying your watch collection. To help you determine what sort of display is best for you, first consider your practical and personal needs:
- Quantity – How many watches do you need to store or display? Don’t just think about how many watches you currently own. Also consider how your collection might grow in the coming years. And remember, you don’t have to display your entire collection all the time. You could ultimately have a system where you display a few watches from your collection at a time, on a rotational basis.
- Security – With watch thefts growing, keeping your watches safe from thieves is more important than ever.
- Protection – Your choice of watch display can also protect your watches from chips, scratches, and other signs of wear and tear. A hard case, for example, will protect your watches like they’re museum exhibits. On the other hand, a soft case will be cheaper and more accessible, but it might make your watches more vulnerable to damage.
- Portability – Will your watch collection stay at home? Or will it occasionally go travelling with you? If so, you’ll have to balance safety and security with portability and practicality. A hard case, for instance, will keep your watches safe, but it might not be very easy to travel with.
- Display – Do you just need somewhere to safely store your watch collection? Or are you looking to actively display your collection? This will help you decide between glass-top boxes and closed boxes, for example.
Once you’ve thought about your needs, it’s time to consider your options.
Watch Boxes
What could be better than a box specifically designed to store watches? They’re available in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials, often with space to store up to 12 watches snugly and securely.
Pros
- They’re versatile, with options to suit every taste and every budget.
- Available with glass-tops, if you want to display your watches, or opaque tops, if you just need some secure storage.
- They’re solid and robust, so they’ll keep your watches safe from minor damage and everyday wear and tear.
Cons
- Cheaper boxes can look… well, cheap. Tacky, even. Meanwhile, more expensive models can cost thousands.
- They can be big and bulky, making them unsuitable for travel.
- Their bulkiness also means they can take up a lot of space in your room.
Watch Rolls
They’re compact, they’re versatile, and like watch boxes, they come in a range of styles to suit every budget and every set of needs. Mainly, you’ll be choosing between a hard-case and a soft-case.
Pros
- They’re very compact, which is perfect if space is an issue.
- Their small size makes them ideally suited for travel. They’ll fit snugly in most suitcases.
- Watch rolls are generally much more affordable than watch boxes.
Cons
- Because they’re so small, they can generally only contain a small number of watches at a time – usually three or four. So this might not be the best choice if you have a large collection.
- These are designed to be tucked away, in a wardrobe, a safe, or a suitcase. So they’re not suitable if you’re interested in actually displaying your collection, instead of simply storing it.
- Rolls with softer cases will make your watches more vulnerable to damage.
Watch Racks
These provide immediate access to your watches, placing them on permanent display in your room. Plus, if you choose a rack with an elegant design made from a high quality material, every morning you’ll feel like you’re lifting your watch directly from the counter of a luxurious jewellers.
Pros
- They provide the most convenient and straightforward access to your watches.
- They can look very, very classy. But they can also be surprisingly affordable.
- They might provide a good “entry level” choice, if you’re just starting to build your watch collection.
Cons
- Your watches will be completely exposed to the elements, including dust and sunlight which can cause significant wear and tear in the long-term.
- On a watch rack, your watches may be hanging from their bands, which over time can cause them to stretch and weaken.
- Watch racks are wholly unsuitable for travel, and they provide nothing in the way of safety or security.
More Resources For Watch Collectors
- A guide to investing in watches – what makes a good investment?
- The best men’s watch brands for collectors.
- Luxury watch theft – how common is it, and how can I prevent it?
Our High Net Worth insurance team is always on hand to discuss how you can best protect your most valuable possessions, including your luxury watch collection. If you want to discuss your needs, get in touch on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
