How do I store Watches?

[*crikey*mate*]

It seems that i have accumulated quite a few collectible watches in the last few months. Most of them have arrived without boxes and just wrapped in bubblewrap. So what is the best way to store these watches in order to look after them as best I can?

Two of them have the tins they were originally sold in, would this be the right way to store them as I have found a place where I can buy more of the tins.

Alternatively, my local watch shop sells this "special" jewellery box made specifically for watches (It hold 12 watches, and costs $250) I like it as it has a glass top and I would be able to see my collection at a glance, but it also means storing them with the bands and clasps done up, so they are shaped round iykwim, not stored flat. I like the idea of storing them flat better. (They all have leather bands)

I do intend to wear them, I am not a collector per se, I just liked these watches, so I bought them.

Thanks

[bsal6160]

Crikey, what a good question.

Firstly, they should be stored fully unwound. This takes the tension off the springs thereby making the watch movement last longer.

secondly, the leather bands should be treated with a leather wax. If treated it should not matter if they are laid flat or not, just make sure the leather is treated.

To store, a dust free case is best. What that looks like is up to you whether you simply want to store or be able to view them as a whole collection. If you are simply going to store them, wrap them in a lint-free clothe first. Again this will keep the dirt and grime out of the movement.

Oops almost forgot, I hope we are talking about antique (or old) watches and these new cheap battery operated ones? If they are then just chuck 'em in a box and away you go.....

[bsal6160]

should have said NOT these new cheap ........

[kopenhagen5]

But if some of them have a battery, make sure to remove the battery as it will corrode the movement if stored over a long period of time.

[siddieswans]

Alternatively, my local watch shop sells this "special" jewellery box made specifically for watches (It hold 12 watches, and costs $250) I like it as it has a glass top and I would be able to see my collection at a glance, but it also means storing them with the bands and clasps done up, so they are shaped round iykwim, not stored flat. I like the idea of storing them flat better. (They all have leather bands)

You can buy this sort of thing much more cheaply on Oz eBay.

[siddieswans]

try looking

Rowling Black 20Slots Faux Leather Watch/Jewelry Display Storage Box/Case BG-033

or

Luxury Black High Glossy Piano Finished collection Wooden display Watch Box case

[*crikey*mate*]

Folks, thank you so much for all of your help!

Firstly, the watches are mainly between 30 years old to now, all except one has a battery (sorry bsal) and one of them is a wind up one (it hasn't arrived yet, so don't know if that means it has a battery or not) the one without the battery is called automatic and apparently winds itself with your kinetic movement as you wear it (it's still in transit too)

As I said, I bought these watches simply because i liked them and want to wear them - I guess I will rotate them depending on my mood LOL, so I can't really remove the battery to store them, as a) I don't know how to, and b) it will annoy me if I decide to wear one of them and it's not ready to go LOLOL.

so Kopen, how do I get around that?

They are collectors watches, so no doubt there are many collectors shaking their heads in dismay right now that I don't intend to hide them away for many years, but intend to wear and enjoy them....

But I still do like to look after my things - and bsal, you will be proud of me - I have already polished the leather bands of the watches I have .

and Siddie - I'm looking for those suggestions now - so thanks heaps for that.

[*crikey*mate*]

try looking

Rowling Black 20Slots Faux Leather Watch/Jewelry Display Storage Box/Case BG-033

or

Luxury Black High Glossy Piano Finished collection Wooden display Watch Box case

Holy Dooly - They're heaps cheaper than my watch store is selling them, and the second one looks as if it is the same thing!

Thank you so much!

But until then, I will just wrap them in lint free cloths, eh? I'm guessing that the plastic bubblewrap will make them "sweat"?

[kopenhagen5]

It's good they will be enjoyed.

The auto watch winds a spring so no battery.

If you are going to wear them rather than storing them, that's fine as you will prob change the batteries as they stop. It's not advisable to store them for many years with a flat battery as that can cause problems.

Wrapped in any clean cotton is ok for now until you get your watch case.

Enjoy. 🙂