Rob’s Top 3 Watch Storage Solutions For Christmas
As the festive season approaches, many of us are gearing up for some serious gift-giving. But before you get to give those gifts, you’ve got to decide what to buy! If there is a dedicated watch nut in your life, I’ve got a few slick storage suggestions for him or her. And if you feel you’ve been particularly good this year, but doubt Santa cares given you’re the distinguished side of 40, feel free to treat yourself. No one’s going to hold it against you. It’s been a rough year, after all…
Despite the madness of this pandemic, I’ve had a pretty fun year. Sure, I miss my family, my friends, and my home, but I’m happily settled in Germany with my girlfriend and (most crucially) my watches to keep me company.† The problem is, as I’ve been expanding my collection, I’ve simultaneously had to source new storage solutions to keep my babies safe. I know, right? Talk about first-world problems…
But you’re busy. I get it. Really, I do. I don’t want you to spend as much time, effort, or money as I did, cycling through a series of disappointing options until you happen upon the sweet glory I eventually did. Included in this article are three great options for different kinds of watch-buyer.
† She’s been busy at work recently so I’m hoping she won’t read this. If I suddenly drop off the radar, you’ll know she did. Send help (and more watches).
For the tough guy/gal
If you didn’t know this already, I love Pelican cases. I love all Peli products, to be frank. For years, when my collection comprised fewer than 15 pieces, they all lived in a beautifully-lined case I bought from a now-defunct company called BlackSteel Watches (a terrible name if you want to google them, by the way).
I bought that case back in 2016 and (and its remarkable foam insert) served me very well. When the time came to expand my storage options, I discovered a company in the UK outfitting Peli cases with their own style of foam inserts. The Case Farm has expanded its range to now feature multiple sizes and colors. I currently have a black 10-watch case from this company and I’ve been rather satisfied with it for the price.
The Peli Ruck and Air
I doubt there is anyone that would dispute the amazing functionality of Pelican products, but the trick is ensuring the foam that fills the cases is fit for purpose. Sometimes, that means you need to source custom-cut foam. Although that sounds like a lot of legwork, it’s actually not so tough. Have a quick search on google for a local firm that can take care of high-density foam cutting on your behalf. You’ll probably be surprised how many options there are out there.
The Air, on the other hand, is ideal for traveling to fairs, retailers, and enthusiast events…
Why am I telling you this? Well, beyond the Case Farm’s products, more Peli cases exist. Some of these are really darn cool. My two favorites? The Peli Ruck Case (in small) and the Peli Air. Both are awesome designs meant for very different things. The Ruck provides fantastic protection for one or two watches (although it will need custom cut foam for the task). The Air, on the other hand, is ideal for traveling to fairs, retailers, and enthusiast events if you have a bunch of watches to move in one go. Again, custom foam is the best way to make use of the space available here, but the exterior build quality is absolutely nuts. I would recommend them all in a heartbeat.
For the debonair gent
My collection has spiraled out of control a little bit… In the last five years, I went from fewer than 15 watches to something just north of 70. Although I plan on giving away several pieces I no longer wear, I can’t see my collection dipping below the 40-mark any time soon. As such, I needed some serious volume storage options. But the thing is, I must admit to having reached the stage where the idea of “temporary” storage solutions no longer cut it. I wanted to find my “forever case”. And then Bosphorus Leather dropped into my life and everything got better.
Who knows which watch was on my wrist when I took this shot? Guesses in the comments section below…
Bosphorus trunk and case
I’m a real sucker for old school luggage. You know the stuff. Monogrammed Louis Vuitton suitcases with a single handle, brass hardware, and no wheels. When I think of luggage in this style, I think of Ernest Hemmingway lighting a cigarette in a train compartment and staring out the window, watching the world whistle by…
I wanted to feel like Ernest Hemmingway. Well, I wanted to feel how I would like to imagine he felt in those moments. The watch trunks and cases from Bosphorus Leather do that for me. Better still, they could theoretically do that for anyone thanks to the fact they can be heavily customized.
The 15-watch collector case I have is available on the website exactly as I have it here (for €945). The same is true of this Saffiano brown trunk (around €1,720). Furthermore, the trunks can be customized to take either 30 or 36 watches. The two leather-topped compartments on the top level are optional. Despite having a ton of watches that could have called those extra six slots home, I actually went for the 30-watch option because the total storage number of 45 across both cases appealed to my position on the spectrum more than 51. True story…
You can change the leather color and style, the hardware, the locking mechanism, the lining color, and the cushion count. Reach out to the team. They will be happy to make you something truly exceptional that meets your storage needs with aplomb.
For the frequent traveler
Okay, so these options are hardly exclusive to the stay-at-home kind of collector, but they are a bit bulky for the man or woman that likes to grab and go in a flash. For these guys and girls, I would recommend something lightweight. For this kind of frequent flying, one needs a reliable wrap or roll. Luckily, I know just the company to satisfy your needs…
Sprezzi Fashion
If you’re getting the sense of Deja Vu, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I swear I’ve seen this style of roll pop-up on more than one luxury watch accessory site in recent times, but that’s hardly surprising. A lot of companies — even major brands — use the same suppliers working from the same templates. Oftentimes, the main difference is the branding and/or the colors and materials offered.
This style of “button-up” roll is becoming increasingly popular and I can see why. These rolls are incredibly structured and feel really secure when everything is fastened together. They are not the smallest rolls in the world but that means they can comfortably hold bigger watches. They are also pleasingly versatile. By that I mean the width of each supplied cushion is such that they can be quite significantly “squashed” in the middle, which is useful if you’ve got a tiny wrist like me, and you want to transport your bracelet watches in this way.
Probably the best thing about this piece of kit is the price. I’ve seen watch rolls that are basically identical to this one ship for €400. Here, the asking price is just €189 with free shipping to a huge list of countries. That makes it a really great present for yourself or the watch lover in your life. This storage solution is available from Sprezzi Fashion in black, brown, and blue leather.
Wild card — Rimowa jumps the shark
Let me make this clear: I am not recommending you buy this Wild Card option. This thing is kind of crazy. I just wanted to draw your attention to it so you can look at it, consider it, and discount it. Unless you are an absolute Rimowa-brand-fiend, this is just a terrible, terrible buy. It looks fine. No doubt it works as it should. But the price is truly heinous. There isn’t the craftsmanship you’ll find with Bosphorus Leather products, nor is there the rough and ready cool of Peli. Instead, this is the sign of a brand that might be getting a little too big for its boots and feeling itself a wee bit much.
Still, if you’ve got a spare €1,560, and three watches that fancy living inside a limited edition aluminum shoebox, by all means. Knock yourself out. In a weird kind of way, I guess I’d respect you for consciously making such a bonkers decision. I’d assume you were either dangerously insane, had deep pockets and a brilliant sense of humor, or took sadistic pleasure in annoying me. All of the aforementioned would get you off in my book…
