Embarking on a journey with your treasured luxury watches can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with potential risks and challenges. To ensure your timepieces remain secure and in pristine condition throughout your travels, it’s crucial to adopt a set of precautions and follow expert advice.
Whether it’s a brand-new luxury watch or a pre-owned luxury timepiece, traveling with these precious objects demands a certain level of diligence. High-value luxury watches are frequently targeted by thieves and can easily be damaged if not properly cared for during travels.
In light of the importance of protecting luxury watches and in response to instances of high-value watches being stolen, we will share five essential tips from Watch Exchange to help you safely travel with your luxury watches.
Choosing the Right Watch
When planning for a trip, it’s important to think about the purpose of your journey and what activities you’ll be participating in. Are you going on a business trip, attending formal events, or exploring city streets? Knowing the purpose of your trip will help you choose an appropriate luxury watch that complements your attire and offers the necessary functions.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Expense: High-end watches such as Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe may attract attention and expose you to potential targeting for theft. It is advisable to strike a balance between your desire for luxury and your personal safety.
- Robustness: The watch you choose should be able to handle the rigors of your planned activities. If you anticipate participating in sports, hiking, or swimming, opt for a luxury watch designed to withstand physical activities and various environmental factors.
- Movement Type: You may also want to consider the watch’s movement type—whether it is a mechanical, automatic, or quartz movement. Mechanical and automatic watches may require extra care during travel, while quartz watches are generally lower maintenance.
Airport Precautions
Avoid Checking Your Watch in Baggage
Although you technically can put watches in checked luggage, it is strongly discouraged. Watches, especially luxury ones, are valuable and potentially fragile items. It’s best to keep them with you in your carry-on luggage or on your wrist, to ensure their safety and security. This means avoiding checking your watch in your baggage. By doing so, you reduce the risk of theft, loss, or damage during transit.
Wear It on Your Wrist or Use a Protective Case
One of the simplest ways to keep your favourite luxury watch safe while traveling is to wear it on your wrist. This guarantees its security and allows you to keep an eye on it at all times. However, if you prefer not to wear your watch, use a protective case, such as Scatola del Tempo. This type of case is designed to secure each watch snugly and provide some peace of mind throughout your journey.
Security Screening Tips to Minimize Risks
During airport security screenings, you’ll want to minimize the risks associated with handling your luxury watch. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth security experience:
- Place your watch in a protective case, such as a small padded bag or pouch, before placing it in the screening bin. This will prevent scratches or damage while it goes through the X-ray machine.
- If you’re wearing your watch, remember to remove it and place it in the same protective case or pouch before entering the metal detector or body scanner.
- Keep an eye on your watch as it goes through the security screening process, and promptly collect it once you have cleared the security checkpoint.
- If you have any concerns or questions about the handling of your luxury watch, don’t hesitate to ask airport security personnel for assistance.
Selecting a Protective Case
When traveling with luxury watches, it’s essential to protect them from potential damage. One of the best ways to achieve this is by investing in a hard-shell case. The rigid structure of these cases provides superior protection against impacts and harsh conditions during your travels. Hard-shell cases can also prevent scratches, dust, and moisture from reaching your precious timepieces, ensuring they stay in pristine condition.
Recommendations for Quality Travel Cases
There are plenty of watch cases available on the market, but here are some recommendations for quality travel cases to help you safely transport your luxury timepieces:
- Cheopz Travel Watch Case: This affordable watch roll option offers great value with its removable foam inserts for storing watches of different sizes and a tough hard-shell design. However, this case can only hold one watch at a time.
- ADPT EDC Watch Fold by Worn & Wound: A simple and stylish choice, this watch fold features soft neoprene pouches for two watches and a durable 1000D nylon exterior. To keep your timepieces secure, it comes with a 550 paracord closure.
- Scatola del Tempo: A brand originating from Italy, Scatola del Tempo is recognized for its high quality and sophisticated design. Perfect for holding multiple watches, their cases are often made of leather or carbon fiber, ensuring maximum durability and resistance to impact. Inside, your watch is nestled in plush, protective padding that safeguards it against scratches and shock.
Insurance Coverage
Consider Taking Out Insurance for High-Value Watches
Traveling with luxury watches can pose risks, so it’s crucial for you to consider taking out insurance for your high-value watch collection. Before you leave, contact your insurance agent or broker to confirm the coverage you have in place. For instance, your homeowner’s policy may provide coverage for your watch but only up to a certain limit.
If the coverage amount is not enough, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage specifically for your luxury watches.
While on your trip, make sure to have copies of your watch insurance policy and important documents, such as receipts or appraisals, in case you need to file a claim. Keep digital copies stored securely online, so you can access them from anywhere.
Specialized Insurance Companies for Jewelry and Watches
There are specialized insurance companies that cater to the needs of jewelry and watch owners. One example is Chubb’s Jewellery & Watch Cover, which offers:
- Loss and Accidental damage cover
- 125% coverage on repair and replacement
- Worldwide Cover
It’s essential to compare different insurance providers and their policies to ensure you choose the best coverage for your needs. Factors to consider include policy limits, deductibles, and any exclusions or restrictions related to traveling. When selecting an insurance provider, also pay attention to their claims process and how efficiently they address any issues or concerns.
Ensuring Safety at Your Destination
- Utilize the Hotel Room Safe: Most hotel rooms offer an in-room safe for their guests, which can help protect your valuables from potential theft. It’s wise to store your expensive watches in the safe whenever you’re not wearing them, and always double-check the safe’s locking mechanism before leaving the room.
- Avoid Unnecessary Flaunting of Expensive Watches: Excessive display of wealth can make you a target for thieves, so be mindful of when and where you choose to wear your expensive watches. Limit wearing them to appropriate events or settings, such as formal gatherings or private parties.
- Be Cautious of Your Surroundings: Take notice of the people and environment around you, especially in unfamiliar locations. Here are a few tips to remain vigilant:
- Be aware of potential pickpockets in crowded areas like markets or tourist attractions.
- Keep your wrist hidden or covered when walking in less secure areas to avoid drawing attention to your expensive watch.
- If you feel uneasy in a particular location, trust your instincts and immediately leave the area.
By following these essential tips, you can safeguard your luxury watches and enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Taking the proper precautions when traveling with luxury watches can make all the difference in ensuring their safety. By following these essential tips, you are better equipped to minimize risks and protect your valuable timepieces throughout your journey.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s best to keep your luxury watch with you in your carry-on luggage or on your wrist, to ensure their safety and security to maintain control over their whereabouts and security.
- Invest in a travel case designed specifically for timepieces to keep them securely stored and safe from potential damage.
- Carefully select which luxury watches to bring along, taking into consideration your destination’s safety and appropriateness for the particular timepiece.
- Stay mindful of your surroundings and keep your luggage within sight at all times.
- Lastly, never leave your watches unattended, as this can make them vulnerable to theft or loss.
