Travelling with your watch(es)? 6 tips

We often get the question if you can take a watch with you to a holiday destination. Of course you can! But which watch do you take, and how do you keep it safe? In this article, we will cover some of the things you can consider, so you can travel stress-free with your trusty watch!

Tip 1: Only pack the watches you really need

Not many people take multiple watches with them on a long weekend getaway. One watch is usually sufficient for a city trip of 3 days. Although there are of course ladies and gents who want to wear a different watch with each outfit. 
But if you are going away for a longer period of time, it is wise to first check which activities you are going to undertake. Are you going to swim during the day and at night dance in a trendy club? Or are you going to backpack through multiple countries and time zones? Which watch functions do you need? Is your travel destination safe?

We do not recommend taking more than two watches. Be picky and take a critical look at what you take with you on a trip.

Tip 2: A good travel insurance offers peace of mind

When travelling with expensive items, it is always good to take extra care of your belongings. This applies to the preparation, but also to the journey itself. Anything can happen along the way. With travel insurance, you can set off with an easy mind. Check in advance whether your watches and Jewellery are covered.

Tip 3: Customs are vigilant when it comes to luxury watches

If you go on holiday with several luxury watches, take (a copy of) your purchase receipts with you. When you return to the Netherlands, Customs will automatically assume that you bought the watches on holiday, especially if you come back from Dubai or tax-free locations such as Tenerife. If you cannot prove that you had the watch in your possession before your departure, you run the risk that it will be confiscated.

Are you buying a watch on holiday? Please check the rules for import of luxury products on the gov.uk site.

Tip 4: Wear your watch or protect it inside a watch case

A good rule of thumb is to always keep your watch(s) as close to you as possible. This means that if you travel by aeroplane it's better to not check them in. It is not common for airlines to lose luggage, but if it does happen to you, it can definitely ruin the start of your trip (and that is putting it mildly). To avoid the worst, it is best to take your watch with you as carry-on luggage. Airports and planes are chaotic places with thousands of fellow travellers (especially this year), so be alert and try not to show off your watch too much. Pickpockets are deceptively sharp, so it is wise to be prepared for whatever might come your way.

A travel case is a good option, too. They come in different shapes and sizes. Take a look at the following model - the watch storage box - which offers space for two watches.

Tip 5: Don't forget your charger!

Many people nowadays have a smartwatch that needs to be charged regularly. So don't forget to bring your charger!

But even if you take an 'ordinary' quartz watch with you, it is wise to check beforehand whether the watch is still running properly or whether the battery needs to be replaced. Especially for watches you don't wear every day. And put a solar watch in the sunlight or under a lamp before leaving to make sure it is fully charged and all functions work properly.

Tip 6: Keep your watch in tip-top condition on Holiday

When you arrive at your holiday destination, you want to start the holiday fun as soon as possible. You can't wait to change into your swimwear and take a dip. However, we advise you to take a few minutes to choose the right watch.

Is your watch water resistant? 
First of all, it is important to keep your 5 ATM waterproof watches dry. 5 ATM (or BAR) means that the watch is splash proof. To actually go swimming with a watch like that is not a good idea. 

Store the watch well before you go swimming; for example in a hotel safe or in the trunk of your car. 

With a 10 ATM watch you can go swimming, snorkeling and do other water sports, but you cannot wear it to go diving. The test standard for diving is 15 ATM, but to err on the side of caution we'd recommend 20 ATM.

Not sure if your watch is water resistant? Head over to this article.

Avoid large differences in temperature
If you're sunbathing with the watch exposed to the sun, you'd best avoid going submerging the watch in water immediately. Let the watch cool off before you go swimming. Otherwise, the materials may expand and the watch could lose its water resistance. 

Rinse your watch afterwards
So, it's perfectly fine to go swimming with a 10 ATM watch. After swim it's important to rinse the watch afterwards - preferably tap or mineral water. Salt can be particularly damaging to watches. The last thing you want is for the materials and the delicate inside to corrode or rust.

One last thing to do: kick back and relax!

Now that you're all set for your trip, you can look forward to a carefree vacation. Are you still looking for a waterproof watch that suits your needs? Watch UK offers a wide variety of watches that you can wear while swimming? Find your perfect 10 ATM watch here.

Going diving? Then take a look at our selection of 20 ATM watches.