Any serious watch collector knows the importance of having at least one dedicated case or watch box to keep their watches safe, organized, and secure. The best watch boxes solve lots of common watch-related problems, whether you are traveling or need a spot at home to prevent watches from getting misplaced, dusty, or damaged in transit. If you’re collecting watch boxes, you want the right one for each situation. Hence, our list of the best watch boxes for every collector, for every situation.
Now, could you protect your watches with a makeshift container? Perhaps. But that’s not ideal for you or your watches. A well-picked watch case has the same aesthetic appeal as your watches: careful design, quality components—and it’s got to look damn good in a room. And that drives the choices on today’s list.
We’re dividing our choices into three main categories of watch cases: hard cases, soft cases, and display cases. As you’ll learn, each has different benefits to specific situations, at home or on the go. Beyond that, we’re looking for quality materials, capacity, portability, and security features as our ranking factors. Those that shine in one or more area will surely make our list. So let’s get started with our favorite hard watch cases.
Hard Cases
Durable and secure, hard watch cases offer the ultimate protection for your watch collection. But their benefit is two-fold. While they protect your watches with a hard exterior and soft, unshakeable interior, they can also take a beating. If you are a serious traveler, you know the road is long and hard. These hard cases hold up for the long haul.
Pelican 1200 Case
The Pelican 1200 Protector Case is at the top of our list for an all-purpose, ready-to-go travel watch case that’s not necessarily a watch case. You’re getting a Pelican case that’s the perfect size to carry small personal items on an ultra-protected bed of soft foam. Works great as a watch case.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: Unknown
- Interior: 9.31” x 7.13” x 4.12”
- Exterior: 10.67” x 9.75” x 4.86”
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
- Material: Polypropylene, foam
Pros
As someone who owns this case, I can speak to its lightweight durability. The hardware feels sturdy and cinches down well. Once you’ve closed the lid, you get a great seal, which actually equalizes air pressure with the automatic purge valve. All of the color options are fantastic.
Cons
The aesthetics of the Pelican 1200 case are those of a roadie or a field scientist: this thing is all business and very little play. Capacity-wise, this is not designed for watches specifically, so you don’t have any customized, form-fitting holders for your watches—a significant downside.
Case Club Waterproof Watch Case
In the same vein as the Pelican 1200 comes a more watch-forward case with the Case Club Waterproof 8 Watch Case.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: Up to 8 watches
- Interior: 12" x 9" x 4.50"
- Exterior: 13.25” x 11.25” x 5.25”
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Material: Plastic, foam
Pros
Like the Pelican 1200, the Case Club waterproof 8-watch case is a beast for travel. We think this ranks slightly higher than the Pelican because of the dedicated watch compartments, which could offer a safer storage situation.
Cons
This is a bit of a weighty watch box for travel. While this is certainly durable enough for travel, four pounds is a significant add, and that’s before you add eight watches to the inside.
TechSwiss 18 Travel Watch Case Alluminum
We’re upping the capacity and the style points with this 18-watch aluminum case from TechSwiss. This will turn some heads, will take up quite a bit of room in a suitcase, and will have enough space for over two weeks’ worth of watches.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 18 watches
- Interior: 3.5" x 2" x 2.75
- Exterior: 13.5" x 12.5" x 3.25"
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Material: Aluminum, foam
Pros
If you need to transport a significant collection of watches to the next destination, this is a great option. We like the capacity, the watch-specific compartments, and the two-keyed entry for extra security. You’ll also look like a boss with a suave metal briefcase right out of a movie.
Cons
As with our previous option, the greater the capacity, the greater the weight. This is a hefty six pounds. This case likely isn’t meant to be packed into a backpack, nor would you want 18 watches for a weekend trip.
Soft Cases
For stylish, lightweight watch storage, there’s nothing better than a soft case. What you lose in hardback durability, you gain in elegance and portability—at least with our list. These watches are great for the quick trip where you want a few watch options and don’t want to overpack. Meanwhile, you keep them secure and prevent any scratches during travel. This is a must for anyone who never wants to worry about their watches when on the go.
Drake Leather Travel Watch Case
Now here’s a watch case you’ll want to pack, zip up, and open again and again, because it’s as enjoyable to pack and open as it is functional. The Drake Leather Watch Case from Bey Berk is lightweight and convenient and damn cool.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 4 watches
- Interior: N/A
- Exterior: 7.75 x 6 x 3.5
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Material: Leather
Pros
This case is just easy. Easy to pack, easy to fit, and easy to carry. At only a hair over a pound, this won’t add any strain to your travel. It also has the perfect aesthetic for a weekender needing to keep their watches safe.
Cons
We could see an increase in watch movement once located inside this case. It should keep your watches perfectly safe, but this is less protective than, say, the Pelican 1200. We’re not worried about capacity as this is a travel case.
WOLF Blake Single Watch Roll
If you are going the minimalist route, the WOLF Blake Single watch roll is a must-have. Elegant, stylish, and handy, you’ve got one slot, one thing to keep track of, and one place to store your watch.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 1 watch
- Interior: N/A
- Exterior: 4.25" L x 3.25" W x 3.25" H
- Weight: N/A
- Material: Leather, suede
Pros
Alright, for a single watch? This is great. Fits anywhere, doesn’t weigh much, and is a cool eyepiece for anyone around. You could likely even fit this in your toiletry bag without much issue.
Cons
It’s possible to lose track of this due to the size. Make sure you don’t leave it in a hotel nightstand. We actually won’t complain too much about capacity. Wear one watch when traveling, and have the alternate in your carry-on.
Case Elegance Leather Travel Watch Case
A similar design to the WOLF single watch roll, this 3-slot Travel Watch Case from Case Elegance offers more capacity in a more substantial case. Simple, clean, and protective, it’s a great option for watch collectors.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 3 watches
- Interior: N/A
- Exterior: 7.9” x 3.8” x 3.8”
- Weight: N/A
- Material: Vegan leather, felt, polished crome.
Pros
The size and capacity of this roll is perfect. Not too much, not too little. You get a good selection while traveling with a case that’s protective and doesn’t take up too much room. Plus, we love the button snap.
Cons
As with any watch case in this category, there’s the possibility of your watches moving around. Protective but not indestructible.
Display Cases
At home, you can’t go wrong with a dedicated display case for your entire collection. Not only does this keep things organized, but it’s a treat for you to see them all in one place: clean, tidy, safe, and protected from scratches or dust. These cases make getting to your watches easy, so it’s no trouble when you’re in a rush. Here are a few of our favorite display watch cases.
Volta 8-Watch Case
Check out this standard display watch box with a 15-watch capacity with individual slots from Volta.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 15 watches
- Interior: NA
- Exterior: 13.5” x 14” x 7.5"
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Material: Leather interior, N/A
Pros
Sleek, stylish, and ready to impress, this is a great way to show off your collection of watches. We like the elegant design.
Cons
This is more a downside of the category, but these are bulkier cases, not designed at all for travel. And you’ll need a place at home designated for this.
Glenor Co Watch Box for Men
This 12-watch capacity watch box is great for those with a significant collection. This low-profile case is perfect to keep in a drawer at home.
Features & Specs
- Interior: 2” x 3.5” interior compartments
- Exterior: 14.25” x 8.5” x 3.5”
- Weight: N/A
- Material: Glass top, N/A
Pros
The vertical profile of this watch box is especially nice. It also receives style points for this clean, classic look.
Cons
A lot of watch cases in this category include an accessory drawer or additional storage. This would benefit from a little extra.
Case Elegance Black Edition Military Modular Watch Box
This is an ultra-unique watch box that has tons of style points that are only outmatched by its functionality. Modular in design, customizable, and including an excellent accessory drawer, this watch box has everything. See more about the Case Elegance Military Watch Box.
Features & Specs
- Capacity: 4-10
- Interior: N/A
- Exterior: 14.5” x 9.75” x 6”
- Weight: N/A
- Material: Gunmetal hardware, glass top, matte black exterior
Pros
Not only is this a stylish, durable watch case, it’s modular. Customize the interior space to fit other valuables beyond watches. The accessory drawer is a huge plus.
Cons
This is certainly an at-home watch box of considerable size. In fact, you need to have a place to put it.
Specialty Watch Cases
Watch Winder Cases
This type of motorized case winds your watch by moving it in a rotational spin. Not only is it functional, it’s an an eyepiece.
- Top Pick: The Benson Single Watch Winder
Anti-Magnetic Cases
An anti-magnetic watch case protects watches from magnetic fields, which can disrupt the accuracy and functioning of the timepiece.
- Top Pick: Scatola del Tempo Magnetic Shield Case
Travel-Friendly Cases
Travel-friendly watch cases will be lightweight, compact, and protective. Our top pick below is the most packable watch case we’ve seen.
- Top Pick: CaseBudi Small Watch Case
Custom Watch Cases
Custom watch cases allow you to design a piece that aligns perfectly with your aesthetic. From the choice of luxurious materials to the intricate stitching and monogrammed initials, every element reflects your personality. It’s tailored to complement the elegance of your collection.
No two watch collections are the same. Custom watch cases are designed with precision to accommodate the specific dimensions and features of each watch in your collection. A tailored case ensures that each watch is housed in a snug, secure compartment. A bespoke custom case offers the perfect balance of form and function, crafted to cater to the individuality of your collection.
Some custom watch boxes we recommend include:
- Louis Vuitton Custom Watch Trunks
- Orbita Custom Cases
Caring for Your Watch Cases
Just like your watches, your watch case should be routinely cleaned. While less so, the container will still collect dust and particles from day-to-day usage like your watches. Remove all watches and objects from the case and use a soft microfiber, lint-free cloth to wipe down any glass or glossy surfaces.
Humidity and natural moisture in the air can be harmful to your collection. Place a moisture-absorbing packet, like silica, in your watch box to prevent any potential for rusting. You should also keep your watch box in a dark, dry area away from windows.
Budget Considerations
Watch box prices range anywhere from $20 to over $500. What you spend on watches ought to inform what you spend on a watch box, though you surely aren’t limited to that equation. After all, there are many high-quality, highly durable watch cases that don’t break the bank and that you’d still trust with some of your most expensive selections.
That said, don’t compromise on quality when shopping for a watch box to house your finest watches. You should have no concern about a watch case’s ability to protect the watches inside, regardless of aesthetics.
Summary
We hope you’ve found something on this list that fetches your fancy. A watch box is an important tool, and if you have been unhappy with your current choice or have been slumming your watches in a drawer or armoir, it’s time to graduate to the real deal. Your watches deserve a dedicated place the ensures they are clean, protected, and organized.
