If you’ve ever taken your watch off before bed and hesitated for a moment, wondering where exactly to place it, you’re not alone. For any collectors and enthusiasts, watches are more than just timekeeping tools - they’re investments, heirlooms, or simply daily companions that deserve care. The way you store your watch at night can have a direct impact on how it looks, how it performs, and even how long it lasts.
Some people casually drop their watch on a bedside table. Others carefully tuck it away in a watch storage unit, or use a winder to keep it running. But is there really a “best” way? The truth is, it depends on your collection, your lifestyle, and the type of watch you own. Let’s explore the options and considerations in detail and find the perfect place to store your watch.
Mechanical watches are intricate machines made of hundreds of parts. Over time, how they’re handled and stored makes a difference. Even quartz watches, though less delicate internally, still benefit from proper care to avoid scratches, magnetism, or unnecessary stress on bracelets and straps.
Proper storage also helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of the watch, keeping the case, crystal, and strap looking as pristine as the day you bought it.
Nightly storage also matters for convenience. When you wake up in the morning, the last thing you want is to waste time looking for your watch or resetting it. A consistent storage habit not only protects your watch but also builds a small ritual that keeps your collection organised.
When it comes to storing your watch at night, there are several approaches depending on convenience, security, and the type of watch you own. Many people simply place their watch on the bedside table. It’s convenient, within arm’s reach, and doesn’t require any extra equipment. However, placing a watch directly on wood, marble, or glass surfaces can risk scratches or dings. Using a microfibre cloth, a leather valet tray, or a soft pouch provides a simple cushion and creates a dedicated spot for your timepiece.
For those seeking a more secure and elegant solution, a watch box is ideal. These boxes are designed with padded cushions that cradle the watch and keep it free from dust. They also prevent accidental knocks from nearby objects such as phones or glasses. For collectors, a well-organised watch box not only protects each piece but also makes selecting a watch in the morning a pleasure. Some people opt for the original box that came with their watch. While these boxes are often beautifully finished and lined with leather or suede, they can be bulky and may wear down if used every night. They are best reserved for long-term storage or travel, while a practical tray or box serves better for nightly use.
Automatic watches present another consideration. A watch winder gently rotates the watch overnight, keeping the movement running and ensuring the watch is ready to wear in the morning without resetting. Winders are particularly useful for watches with complex functions, such as annual or perpetual calendars, where resetting the date and moonphase can be time-consuming. That said, not every automatic needs to be on a winder. Constant motion adds wear to the movement, and some collectors prefer to let their watches rest when not in use. For those who rotate through multiple automatics, however, a winder can be an excellent tool to keep everything running smoothly.
Finally, security-conscious owners may choose to store watches in a safe or lockbox. Modern safes can be customised with padded trays or even integrated winders, offering both protection and functionality. Fireproof and humidity-controlled safes provide long-term safety, guarding against theft, accidental damage, or environmental factors. Even if you only store your daily watch inside overnight, this extra layer of protection ensures peace of mind while you sleep.
Interestingly, how you leave your watch overnight can influence its accuracy. Because mechanical movements are sensitive to gravity, resting the watch in different positions can change how the balance wheel behaves. Collectors sometimes use this to their advantage, adjusting accuracy between services:
Crown up: May cause the watch to lose a small amount of time.
Crown down: May cause the watch to gain a little time.
Dial up: Often keeps the most neutral and balanced rate.
Dial down: Can vary depending on the movement but sometimes slows slightly.
If you notice your watch is running a few seconds fast or slow, try experimenting with these positions. While it’s not a replacement for regulation by a watchmaker, it can help keep your timepiece more accurate day to day.
Just as important as knowing where to store your watch is knowing where not to put it. A few common mistakes can cause unnecessary damage:
Bathrooms: Humidity from showers can introduce condensation into the case, especially if seals aren’t perfect.
Direct sunlight: Leaving a watch in sunlight can fade dials, age watch straps prematurely, and even damage lubricants inside the movement.
Electronics: TVs, speakers, laptops, and phones can emit magnetic fields that affect mechanical watches, potentially causing them to run erratically.
Hard surfaces: Dropping a watch onto a bedside table or letting it slide off can leave scratches or worse. Always cushion the surface.
Storing your watch properly at night isn’t just about convenience - it’s about care. The way you put your watch to rest after a day on the wrist has a direct impact on its longevity, performance, and even its aesthetic appeal over time. Whether you opt for something simple like a soft tray on your nightstand, a neatly organised watch box, or the added protection of a secure safe, the goal is always the same: protect your investment, preserve the delicate mechanics inside, and keep the case, crystal, and strap free from unnecessary wear.
It’s also about peace of mind. Knowing your watch is safely stored means you won’t wake up to find it scratched, misplaced, or stopped when you need it most. By treating storage as part of your daily routine, you build a small but meaningful ritual that respects the craftsmanship of your watch. Ultimately, proper storage ensures that when you pick up your timepiece each morning, it’s not just running and accurate - it’s ready to be enjoyed exactly as its makers intended.
If you’re searching for a pre-owned luxury timepiece, browse our online inventory to see our carefully curated selection. We carry most models in a variety of dial colours, and if the one you want isn’t in stock, we can source it for you. For a more personalised experience, we also welcome you to visit our luxury showroom, where our team can guide you in finding the perfect watch. We stock all the top brands such including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier and Breitling.
At BQ Watches, we're here to help you find your perfect watch. If you don’t spot your ideal timepiece in our current inventory, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. With our extensive sourcing services, we’re dedicated to helping you track down your dream watch. Get in touch with the BQ Watches team today and let’s talk watches!
