Travelling with a Luxury Watch: The Ultimate Guide to Safe Timepiece Adventures

Customs and Proof of Ownership: Paperwork That Pays Off

The golden rule: If you’re taking your luxury watch abroad, you must be able to prove at any time that it was already in your possession before the trip. Otherwise, you risk high customs duties and fines.

For travel outside the EU, strict duty-free limits apply: €430 when arriving by plane or ship, €300 by car or train. If the value of the watch exceeds this limit, you’ll have to pay 19–20% import VAT on the total value. Without proper proof, the watch may be considered “newly purchased,” leading to additional customs fees and penalties.

Our tip: Always carry a copy of the original invoice with you (keep the original safely at home). Even better: Obtain proof of ownership from customs before departure using form INF 3. Important to note: Duty-free purchases are not automatically duty-free upon re-entering the EU.

Transport and Packaging: Safety First

Carry-on is key: Luxury watches should never be placed in checked luggage, where they’re exposed to temperature fluctuations, rough handling, and, in the worst case, theft.

The safest place for your watch is on your wrist. Alternatively, use a padded watch roll in your hand luggage. At airport security, keep the watch on your wrist whenever possible. If you must remove it, wrap it in a jacket rather than placing it loose in the security tray.

Beware of magnetic fields: Metal detectors can magnetise mechanical watches, affecting their accuracy. Whenever possible, have the watch scanned via X-ray instead.

Insurance and Protection: Prepared for the Worst Case

Standard home contents insurance often only covers robbery involving physical force – not trick theft. For valuable watches, consider a dedicated watch or travel insurance policy. Leave original papers at home to avoid the risk of losing them.

Safety and Theft Prevention: Staying Low-Key

Discretion is everything: Don’t flaunt your luxury watch openly. Keep it hidden under clothing or a sleeve, especially in known watch theft hotspots. Exercise extra caution at airports, train stations, ferry terminals, and tourist hubs.

Recognise common tricks: Be wary of seemingly harmless incidents, such as “accidental” ice cream spills, unwanted physical contact, or fake offers of help. Professional thieves use such distractions to strike unnoticed.

In hotels, use the safe – but with caution. The quality of hotel safes can vary greatly. For particularly valuable pieces, it’s often safer to keep the watch with you.

Water, Beach, and Temperature: Natural Challenges

Water resistance is essential: Only watches rated at least 100 metres (10 bar) are suitable for swimming. After contact with salt or chlorinated water, always rinse the watch thoroughly with fresh water.

Sand is the enemy of every watch: Fine grains can damage the crown, bezel, or case. Extreme heat – such as in a sauna or direct sunlight – can harm the watch’s seals. Vintage watches are usually no longer waterproof and should be handled with extra care.

The right strap: Leather straps suffer from moisture and saltwater. For holidays, stainless steel, rubber, or NATO straps are the better choice.

Preparation Is Everything

With the right preparation, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable holiday with your luxury watch. Remember the necessary documents, transport your watch safely, stay discreet, and adapt it to your holiday activities. That way, your watch becomes a stylish companion and an unforgettable part of your travel memories.