With the sheer variety of watches available in the modern marketplace, there are lots of options that all have their own unique looks and benefits. When you are traveling you want to ensure you have taken the right steps to pack, protect, and care for your watches. Whether you are looking at buying a watch when you are overseas, picking the right ones to take with you, or are interested in purchasing a watch at the airport, this guide is for you.
While I haven’t been traveling much this past year due to the current situation, I just booked a summer trip through Europe. I’ll be taking a few of my watches along, and most likely buying a couple of new watches for my collection while I’m there, so I thought I’d share these useful tips with other globetrotting watch aficionados.
We will be running through some tips, FAQs, and other information you need to know when traveling with watches. This will be a quick overview of the topics around travel and watches to give you a good grounding before you fly.
Tips For Traveling with Watches
In this section, we are going to be looking at some tips for when you are traveling with your watches. Some of these may be fairly obvious but you would be surprised at how many people overlook the importance of your timepiece when traveling.
Consider Taking a Durable Watch
Most people who have an interest in watches will have a few different watches so they can dress up or dress down with the right timepiece. When you are going on vacation, it is a good idea to have a more durable watch in your collection.
This does depend on where you are going and your reason for traveling but as a rule of thumb a rugged watch such as G-Shock or Garmin, two brands renowned for their sports and outdoors markets.
We would tend to recommend wearing a bulkier watch on the plane and at the airport as you are more likely to be in situations that might scratch or damage a lighter watch, such as moving your baggage around and negotiating crowds.
Only Bring What You Need
Regardless of how much of a watch connoisseur you are, there is often no need to bring more than 2-3 watches when you are on a trip.
Do not overcomplicate your packing by trying to transport your whole watch collection just in case you want a specific model for something.
Instead, think about packing a watch for informal and one for more formal occasions. Pack for the trip you are doing, it may sound simple, but you would be surprised how many people take their family heirloom or prized watch on a backpacking trip around Europe.
Protect Your Watches
If you are serious about your watches you will not let your nice timepieces rattle around loose in your baggage.
You should always think about how to protect your watches when you are traveling, this does not have to be a costly solution, and often using the box it came in is the simplest.
In addition, you want to think about what watch you wear to the airport and when in transit, to keep your more high-end watches for the right occasion.
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- BEST PROTECTION - This travel watch case has a 'donut' shape & hard shell made by 6mm Ballistic 1680 Denier Nylon, which enables it to be crush & spill-proof and portable. The high-quality YKK zipper keeps it securely closed.
- SOFT TOUCH FOR WATCH - The interior of this single watch box lined by 230g high quality black velvet protects the wristwatch from any scratches. An included soft microfiber cloth can be used to clean & wrap the watch.
- FIT SZIED 35-50MM WATCHES - With two removable foam inserts - one 20mm thickness & one 5mm thinness, Cheopz watch case can hold any small or large wristwatches or smart watches of men or women, up to 50mm, like Rolex, Omega, even jewelry.
- A NECESSARY WATCH ACCESSORY - With a carabiner, this single watch pouch is easily carrying in a suitcase, gym bag or backpack. The pocket compact design makes it one of the best accessories for traveling, biking, even safe at home.
- GIFT IDEA & 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - This storage watch box with multi-functions turns to be a great gift idea for groomsmen, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, etc. Cheopz travel watch case has one-year warranty.
Consider One Watch for Many Occasions
No, we are not talking about committing a fashion faux pas, and there is definitely an occasion for every watch, but when traveling sometimes you want to pack light and multiple watches might not make the cut.
If this is the case, you could consider taking a watch that is versatile and can work in a few different situations. If you add in one with easily interchangeable straps you can change your look on the fly and adjust to the environment. Check out our favorite Everyday Carry Watches.
Be Careful at the Airport
Be aware of carrying watches with you and keep a close eye on your carry-on baggage and who is around you when you take off your watch at the security gates.
There are always cases of people being targeted in the airport due to carrying recognizable watch brands; these are often luxury watches such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe, any watch that has a high resale value.
Customs and Watches
Understanding how to approach customs when entering or exiting a country will help you have a much smoother traveling experience. So let us look at a few things you can do when traveling with your watches.
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- The watch case is divided into 2 watch slots, which can accommodate watches of various sizes. Each slot has a detachable pad, which can fix large and small watches in appropriate positions.
- The watch case is an ideal choice for storing your valuable watch when you travel.
- It is made of high quality PU leather and lined with popular suede interior. It feels very soft and comfortable and protects your dial from friction.
- The travel watch roll is easy to travel, portable, unique design to prevent watch and bracelet from sliding left and right.
- Great Gift- AN IDEAL GIFT for yourself or Valentine's Day, Father’s Day, Anniversary, Birthday or Christmas, this Luxury Watch Box makes the perfect gift for any watch-lover in need of a comforting dose of excellent quality.
Honesty is the Best Policy
A good rule to have regardless of what you are doing, but especially when traveling and speaking to customs officers.
It is always best to be honest and declare any watches or jewelry you have purchased overseas. if you do not you may incur fines, jail time, or be indirectly smuggling.
Always Be Upfront
If you are unsure you can always ask the officers, they are there to keep everyone safe and to help keep the borders running efficiently.
There is a common misconception they are there to trick you, but they are just doing their jobs, so be upfront and transparent.
Do Your Research
Each country has its own set of rules and regulations for how their borders work and how their customs enforce different items coming from overseas.
If you are looking at buying a watch abroad make sure you have done your research on both your home country and the one you are visiting. This will put you in a better position and you won’t be surprised by either country’s rules.
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- The watch travel Extreme Protection for Your Watch: Made from durable, impact-resistant hard shell material, this case shields your valuable watch from shocks, drops, dust, and water during travel, sports, or outdoor adventures. It ensures your Apple Watch, smartwatch, or favorite wristwatch stays safe and scratch-free.
- Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit a wide range of watches, including Apple Watch Series 1-9/SE/Ultra, most smartwatches from Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and traditional wristwatches. The soft, form-fitting interior securely holds your watch and an extra band.
- Perfect Travel Companion: Compact, lightweight, and waterproof. Ideal for tossing into your gym bag, backpack, or suitcase. Its hard exterior prevents crushing, while the secure clasp ensures your watch stays protected and organized wherever you go.
- Convenient & Organized Storage: Features a sleek, portable design with a secure snap-lock closure. The interior includes a cushioned slot to keep your watch face and band neatly in place, preventing tangles and damage from loose items during daily use or on the go.
- Ideal for Active Lifestyles: Built for durability to withstand the rigors of sports, hiking, camping, swimming, and daily commutes. It offers reliable protection against moisture, sand, and accidental impacts, making it the essential accessory for anyone with an active lifestyle.
Know Your Market
As a follow-on from the above point, you do not want to look like you are part of something shady, so understand what does and does not look like a suspicious set of luggage.
Customs are on the lookout for stolen or counterfeit items, luxury goods smuggling operations, and evidence of money laundering. So try not to be carrying a lot of high-end items otherwise you will likely be stopped.
Watch Traveling FAQs
There are a lot of questions that people consider when they are traveling with watches. With this in mind, we have grouped some of the most common questions people ask when traveling for or with a watch.
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- HELMDY travel watch case designed for protection, it's sturdy and hard outside, tight and soft inside, excellent for storing watches and other jewelry at home, gym, and when traveling
- This single watch box made from crush proof hard shell with the high-quality pu leather exterior, include thick closing zipper and a metal carabiner, Perfectly strong yet compact that holds the watch securely, it is a very good option for safe storage and travel purposes
- The interior of the watch travel box is lined with a soft plush velvet protects your watch from any scratches and other damage. Removable soft foam padding built-in on both sides, flexible in terms of the various watch sizes it will accommodate
- The watch case 1 slot can accommodate watches within 50mm of the watch dial diameter, Available for men's or women's watches, smart watches, fitness trackers, luxury watches, even jewelry and accessories
- HELMDY has faith to present this watch storage box travel case to every watch owners, Perfect gift for Father's Day, Mother's Day, Birthday, Retirement, Christmas, and some other special days, Additionally our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have
Is it Cheaper to Buy a Watch at the Airport?
There is no quick answer to this, but there are often a lot more costs than people consider when purchasing a watch in an airport from duty fees and customs to travel costs, to exchange rates, to the local economy.
For a more in-depth analysis of this, check out this post – Are Watches Cheaper in Airports?
Are Certain Countries Cheaper to Buy Watches?
Similar to the airport question, there are a lot of factors that go into the final price you will pay for a watch and it can even end up being more expensive.
For example, a lot of people believe it is cheaper to buy a Swiss Watch in Switzerland while others think you can get watch deals in Dubai, but there is a lot more you need to think about.
You will need to consider things from the exchange rate to the local economy, to the cost of your trip to one of Europe’s most expensive nations.
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- 2 slot watch travel case is a good helper for your travel and business trip.It adopts 1680 denier nylon shell, which is sturdy and durable, can withstand drops and bumps, and ensure the internal safety of the watch.The inner lining is soft velvet material, it feels very soft and comfortable, and protects your watch dial from friction.
- The product size:5.9"L x 3.74"W x 3.15"H (15 x 9.5 x 8cm)It can accommodate watches within 58mm of the watch dial diameter. Available for men's or women's watches, smart watches, fitness trackers or luxury watches
- The pillow is made of sponge and fits watch straps up to 19cm in length.which can effectively prevent the watch from shaking in the watch box and effectively protect the watch from friction
- The watch travel case is the perfect gift for father, boyfriend, husband, son, colleague, friend or any other special person in your life.
- Besforu is committed to your satisfaction. If this watch travel case does not meet your expectations, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue promptly.
Should I Pack My Watch in My Checked Luggage?
The short answer is no, it is technically at your discretion but it is recommended to keep them near you for a few reasons. Some countries are less secure and cases may go missing either accidentally or on purpose.
Keeping your watches in your eye line and in your carry-on is always the best decision and limits the likelihood of theft or misplacement.
Where Should I Store My Watch on Vacation?
One disadvantage of the increase of Airbnb and other similar platforms is the lack of safes to store your valuables. This is why it is always good to stay at a hotel when you are traveling with your higher-end possessions.
Finding somewhere that has the security you need for your valuables is important, especially if you are shopping for luxury watches or timepieces.
Can I Fly With Multiple Watches in My Baggage?
Technically yes, but the more watches you have the more attention you will attract. If your case or carry-on is filled with watches you are fairly likely to raise a lot of eyebrows from customs.
There is no set rule, but it is down to the customs officers’ discretion to determine what is or what is not for personal use. As we said before, just be upfront about what you are carrying, and if you just love watches, try and bring evidence to prove they are for you.
Traveling with Watches Summary
Hopefully, now you have a better idea about traveling with watches. So whether you are just packing for your vacation or planning to buy watches overseas you have a good understanding of what to do and what not to do.
Always make sure you research before buying a watch or trying to travel with your personal collection. Knowledge is power, and as long as you abide by the rules and limits, you will be able to travel with ease wherever you go.