How to Store Watches Properly: Protecting Your Timepiece Collection

So I’ve got this confession to make—I used to just toss my watches in my sock drawer. Yeah, I know, watch enthusiasts everywhere are probably cringing right now. But hey, we all start somewhere, right? It wasn’t until I scratched my favorite Seiko against a belt buckle that I realized maybe—just maybe—I needed a better system.

The thing is, proper watch storage isn’t just about preventing scratches (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about protecting your timepieces from humidity, dust, magnetism, and all the other sneaky things that can damage watches when they’re not on your wrist. Whether you’ve got one special watch or you’ve fallen down the collector rabbit hole, knowing how to store them properly will keep them ticking beautifully for years—maybe even generations.

Let’s talk about all the options, from DIY solutions that cost almost nothing to fancy watch winders that might cost more than your first car. I promise to keep it real and focus on what actually matters for keeping your watches safe.

Basic Watch Storage Essentials: What Really Matters

Before we get into specific storage solutions, let’s cover the fundamentals of what your watches need (and don’t need) when they’re not on your wrist:

Protection From The Elements

Watches have a few natural enemies that good storage should address:

• Moisture/Humidity: Can cause corrosion inside the movement and damage dials and hands
• Dust: Gets into the movement and causes wear or affects accuracy
• UV Light: Can fade dials and damage straps, especially leather ones
• Magnetic Fields: Can seriously affect the accuracy of mechanical watches
• Physical Impacts: Obviously, dropping or knocking your watches around isn’t great

The ideal storage solution addresses all of these factors. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to tackle most of them.

To Wind Or Not To Wind: That Is The Question

One of the most common questions about watch storage is whether automatic watches should be kept wound when not being worn. There are two schools of thought:

The “Keep It Running” Camp

• Keeps the lubricants in the movement distributed
• Prevents them from hardening in one position
• Convenient—watch is ready to wear anytime
• Typically requires a watch winder

The “Let It Rest” Camp

• Reduces wear on movement components
• Extends time between services
• No extra equipment needed
• Most watchmakers actually recommend this approach

Personally, I’m in the “let it rest” camp for most watches. Unless you have a complicated watch with a calendar that’s a pain to reset (looking at you, perpetual calendars), it’s usually better to let the watch wind down when not in use. When you’re ready to wear it again, a few gentle shakes or some winding will get it going.

Watch Storage Solutions For Every Budget

Now let’s look at specific storage options, from budget-friendly to “I should probably discuss this purchase with my significant other first.”

Budget-Friendly Watch Storage Options (Under $50)

Individual Watch Pouches

• Cost: $5-15 each
• Best for: Small collections, travel, or supplementing other storage

These simple fabric or leather pouches are fantastic for preventing scratches and can provide decent dust protection. I keep a couple in my travel bag at all times—they’re perfect for bringing an extra watch on trips without risking damage.

The microfiber ones are my favorites since they also help clean the watch a bit as you slip it in and out. Just be aware that they offer zero protection against impacts and limited protection against humidity and magnetism.

DIY Watch Rolls

• Cost: $0-20
• Best for: Budget storage with a bit of style

If you’re even slightly crafty, a DIY watch roll is super easy to make. I made one from a felt sheet and some elastic that honestly works just as well as the fancy leather ones you can buy. All you need is:

• A rectangular piece of fabric (felt, canvas, or leather works well)
• Some elastic bands
• Basic sewing supplies

There are tons of tutorials online, but the gist is that you create individual compartments with elastic to hold each watch in place, then roll it up when not in use. It’s like a burrito for your watches. Mmm, watch burrito.

Repurposed Containers

• Cost: $10-30
• Best for: Creative types who enjoy customization

Before I invested in “proper” watch storage, I modified a cigar box with some foam inserts to create individual compartments. It worked surprisingly well and had a cool vintage vibe. Some other options:

• Tackle boxes with customizable dividers
• Small pelican-style cases with foam inserts
• Wooden tea boxes with DIY padding

Just make sure whatever you use is clean and dry, and add some silica gel packets to control moisture.

Mid-Range Watch Storage (Under $100)

Watch Boxes & Cases

• Cost: $30-100
• Best for: Collections of 5-12 watches that don’t all need winding

This is where most collectors should start, in my opinion. A decent watch box provides individual compartments, some padding to prevent scratches, and a lid to keep dust away. The better ones include glass tops so you can admire your collection without opening the box (though be careful about placing these in direct sunlight).

Look for features like:

• Soft pillow cushions that don’t stretch your bracelets
• A design that allows watches to be stored flat or slightly curved (not vertical)
• A secure latch or closure
• Interior lining that won’t scratch case backs

I’ve had a 10-slot watch box from Amazon for about three years now, and it’s held up great. Nothing fancy, but it does the job and looks nice enough to leave out on my dresser.

Travel Watch Cases

• Cost: $25-100
• Best for: People who frequently travel with multiple watches

If you travel with watches, a dedicated travel case is absolutely worth the investment. They’re typically more padded and secure than regular watch boxes, with features specifically designed for being on the move.

I learned this lesson the hard way after traveling with two watches loosely wrapped in socks (don’t judge me). After finding them banging against each other in my luggage, I immediately ordered a proper travel case. Look for one with:

• Individual, secured compartments
• Substantial padding
• Zippered or very secure closure
• Compact design that doesn’t waste space in your luggage

High-End Storage Solutions ($100+)

Watch Winders

• Cost: $100-1000+ (yes, really)
• Best for: Automatic watches that you rotate through regularly

Watch winders keep your automatic watches running when they’re not on your wrist. They basically simulate wrist movement by slowly rotating the watch according to programmed settings.

A good watch winder will have:

• Multiple rotation settings (TPD or “turns per day”)
• Direction settings (clockwise, counterclockwise, or both)
• Quiet operation (cheap ones can sound like a blender)
• Individual controls for each winding position

I have mixed feelings about winders. They’re definitely convenient—grab and go without having to set the time and date. But they also keep the movement constantly running, which some argue increases wear and tear.

If you do want a winder, don’t cheap out completely. The $30 ones are often noisy and can actually damage watches by over-winding or rotating too aggressively. You don’t need to spend $500 either—there’s a sweet spot around $150-200 for a decent quality single or double winder.

Luxury Watch Safes

• Cost: $500-several thousand
• Best for: Valuable collections that need security as well as proper storage

Once your collection reaches a certain value, a dedicated watch safe starts to make sense. These combine proper watch storage features with genuine security.

The best ones include:

• Watch winding mechanisms built in
• Humidity control
• LED lighting for visibility
• Serious security features
• Fire protection

I don’t personally own one of these (yet!), but a friend has a WOLF safe for his collection that includes some pretty high-end pieces. It’s basically a tiny vault specifically designed for watches, and I’m not gonna lie, it makes me a little jealous every time I see it.

Addressing Specific Storage Challenges

Different types of watches and different environments create unique storage challenges. Here’s how to handle some common scenarios:

Storing Watches With Leather Straps

Leather straps require extra care in storage:

• Don’t compress them tightly around storage pillows for long periods
• Do allow air circulation to prevent mold and mildew
• Don’t store in high humidity environments
• Do consider strap-changing tools so you can remove and store valuable straps separately

I learned through sad experience that expensive leather straps can develop permanent creases or even crack if stored improperly. Now I keep my watches with leather straps on slightly smaller cushions and make sure they’re in the driest part of my watch box.

Dealing With High Humidity Environments

If you live somewhere humid (hello, Florida friends), you’ll need to take extra steps to protect your watches:

• Add silica gel packets to your watch box (replace or recharge them regularly)
• Consider a small electric dehumidifier for your watch storage area
• Use airtight storage containers with moisture absorption
• Check watches regularly for early signs of moisture issues

I spent a summer in Singapore and was shocked at how quickly moisture became a problem for my watches. I ended up getting an airtight case with rechargeable silica gel packs that made a huge difference.

Protecting Watches From Magnetism

Modern life is full of magnetic fields that can affect mechanical watches:

• Keep watches away from speakers, magnetic closures, and electronic devices
• Consider a dedicated demagnetizer if you have valuable mechanical pieces
• Some high-end storage options include magnetic shielding

If your watch suddenly starts running way too fast, magnetism is often the culprit. I once left my Seiko next to a laptop overnight, and it started running about 30 seconds fast per hour until I had it demagnetized.

DIY Storage Enhancement Tips

You don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your watch storage. Here are some tricks I’ve picked up:

Moisture Control Hacks

• DIY Moisture Absorption: Place ordinary white rice in a small fabric pouch as a budget-friendly moisture absorber
• Rechargeable Silica Gel: Instead of disposable packets, invest in rechargeable silica gel that can be “reset” in an oven
• Humidity Indicators: Inexpensive humidity indicator cards will tell you when moisture levels are getting too high

Customizing Watch Pillows

The pillows that come with watch boxes often aren’t great—they’re either too big (stretching bracelets) or too firm (not accommodating different watch sizes).

I’ve had success making custom ones using:

• Memory foam cut to size and wrapped in microfiber cloth
• Small travel neck pillows cut down to size
• Pool noodles (seriously!) cut into sections and covered with fabric

The perfect pillow should support the watch without stretching the bracelet or strap.

Proper Storage Routines: Creating Good Habits

Beyond having the right equipment, developing good storage habits will keep your watches in top condition:

Before Storage Checklist

Get in the habit of checking these things before putting a watch away:

• Is the watch clean and dry? (Especially if worn in sweaty conditions)
• Is the crown properly pushed in/screwed down?
• Does it have enough power reserve if you want it to keep running?
• Is the strap/bracelet fastened or left open? (I prefer fastened for shape retention)

Regular Collection Maintenance

Even stored watches need occasional attention:

• Every 3 months: Check each watch briefly, wind manuals slightly
• Every 6 months: Refresh moisture absorption materials
• Yearly: Full inspection for any issues, rotate storage positions

I have a calendar reminder set for these check-ins—seems obsessive, but it’s prevented problems more than once!

Storage Don’ts: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made pretty much every watch storage mistake possible. Learn from my fails:

• Don’t stack watches on top of each other without protection
• Don’t store automatics crown-down for long periods
• Don’t leave watches in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
• Don’t use regular household polish or cleaners on watch boxes (they can damage both the box and your watches)
• Don’t forget about watches in storage for years without checking on them

The worst mistake I ever made was forgetting about a watch in a drawer for about two years. When I found it, the oils had completely gunked up and it needed a full service. An expensive lesson in proper storage!

When To Consider Professional Storage

For most collectors, home storage solutions work perfectly fine. But there are some situations where professional storage might make sense:

• Very valuable collections: Some insurance policies may require secure storage
• Extended absence: If traveling for months or longer
• Truly rare pieces: Watches that need specific humidity/temperature conditions

Professional storage usually means a bank vault or specialized secure storage facility. They typically charge monthly fees and may or may not have watch-specific storage features. If considering this route, make sure to ask about:

• Climate control specifications
• Access procedures and hours
• Additional insurance requirements

Final Thoughts: Balance Protection With Enjoyment

Here’s my overall watch storage philosophy: protect your watches adequately without going so overboard that you never enjoy them.

I’ve seen collectors become so obsessed with “perfect” storage that they rarely wear their watches for fear of damage. That seems like missing the point entirely! Watches are meant to be worn and enjoyed. Good storage just ensures they’re ready to go when you want them and protected when you don’t.

Start with basic protection—a decent watch box and maybe some silica gel packets. Upgrade as your collection grows or includes more valuable pieces. But always remember that even the most carefully stored watch is ultimately meant for your wrist, not permanent display behind glass.

And if you’re currently storing watches in your sock drawer? No judgment here—we all start somewhere! Just maybe wrap them in something soft until you get a proper setup. Your future self (and watches) will thank you.

How do you store your watches? Have you found any creative solutions or learned any hard lessons about proper storage? Share your experiences in the comments!

SEE also

Rolex
Omega
Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
TAG Heuer
Seiko
Longines
Tissot
Casio
Citizen