Traveling with watches, whether they are luxury timepieces or everyday wristwatches, necessitates special care to ensure their safety, performance, and appearance are preserved. Collectors, dealers, or simply watch aficionados may have unique needs when it comes to packing their precious timepieces. This guide provides you practical tips on how to handle watches during travel.
Firstly, understanding the kind of journeys you’re undertaking is crucial. Factors involved may include the transport mode, duration, destination’s climate, activities planned during the stay, etc. For instance, if you’re plane-traveling, pressure changes could potentially impact some watches. Or if you’re going to a humid location, it might affect leather straps. Select watches appropriate for the travel conditions.
Consider investing in protective travel cases for watches. Such items provide cushioning and reduce the chances of physical damage. They range from single-watch carriers to buffet-style cases, hosting a series of timepieces. Many are hard-shell, offering superior security, while some come as soft, fold-up pouches. Notably, certain watches might come with designated travel cases.
Some travel cases might include compartments for spare parts (extra bracelets, links, or straps). Depending on the journey’s length, you may need additional straps. Also, pack a strap-changing tool if you plan to replace straps. However, be cautious with travel cases; while they provide protection, they may also signal thieves, so discretion is needed while using them.
Next, traveling prompts you to a security routine, where your luggage goes through X-ray scanners. You might wonder if these scanners could harm your watch’s functionality. However, you don’t need to worry as typical airport X-ray scanners do not damage quartz or mechanical watches. More advanced watch mechanisms like Seiko’s Spring Drive might get affected, but instances are rare. As a precaution, you might want to hand-carry your watches rather than putting them in checked luggage to prevent theft or misplacement.
Regarding handling watches during flight, remember that certain high-complication watches or vintage pieces can be sensitive to pressure changes. Though modern luxury watches are designed robustly, take precautions with older or ultra-complicated mechanical watches. Either leave them at home or, before taking off or landing, unwind them and pull out the crown, stopping the watch and reducing the strain on its components.
When you’ve arrived at your destination, the need to adjust the watch for the new time zone may arise. For this, you may need to manually stop and reset your watch. However, some watches come with a ‘jump hour’ or GMT complication, enabling you to adjust the time without stopping the watch.
Remember to consider the climate and activities planned during travel. It’s sensible to bring watches that align with planned activities. If you are going to participate in water activities, a diving watch is perfect. Simultaneously, if you plan to attend formal events, a sleek dress watch would be more suited. Avoid leather-strapped watches in very hot or humid conditions as moisture can damage them.
While pushing the boundaries of adventure, bear in mind the water-resistance levels of your watches. Watches labeled as ‘water-resistant’ can handle splashes, while those marked ‘waterproof’ or with specific depth resistance should be selected for swimming or diving.
Realize that controlled environments can create their challenges. Air-conditioned rooms or hotel safes can cause condensation, potentially causing internal damage to watches that aren’t adequately sealed. Always let your watch gradually adjust to temperature changes, and avoid drastic temperatures.
Regularly cleaning your watch, especially after exposure to sea water or sweat, helps maintain it. Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush and fresh water for cleaning. Ensure to keep the crown and caseback fully shut while cleaning.
Lastly, ensure that your watch is insured, especially for luxury or vintage pieces. Traveling can bring about unpredictable situations, and insurance can provide the much-needed cushion in times of misfortune.
Handling your watches right during travel not only extends their lifespan but also ensures your perfect companion to time is always with you. Follow these guidelines diligently to ensure the safety of your watches in transit. With good planning, right preparation, and correct handling methods, you take the stress out of the equation, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your travels.
