We are often asked whether one can take a watch with them on holiday. Of course you can! But which watch do you take with you, and how do you keep it safe? In this article we discuss some things you can take into account, so that you can travel stress-free with your trusty watch!
Tip 1: Only take the watches you really need
Not many people take multiple watches with them when they go away for a long weekend. One watch is usually sufficient for a 3-day city trip. Although there are of course also ladies and gentlemen who want a different watch to wear with every outfit.
But if you are going away for a longer period, it is wise to first check which activities you are going to undertake. Swimming during the day and dancing in a trendy club in the evening? Or backpacking through multiple countries and time zones? Which watch functions do you really need? Is the travel destination safe?
We do not recommend taking more than two watches with you. Be choosy and look critically at what you take with you on your trip.
Tip 2: Good travel insurance provides security
When you travel with expensive items, it is always good to take extra care of your belongings. This applies to the preparation, but also the trip itself. Anything can happen along the way. With travel insurance you can go out with peace of mind. Check in advance whether watches and jewelry are covered.
Tip 3: Customs is extra alert to luxury watches
If you go on holiday with several luxury watches, take (a copy of) the proof of purchase with you. When you return to the Netherlands, customs automatically assume that the watches were purchased on holiday, especially when you return from countries such as Dubai, Switzerland or tax-free locations such as Tenerife. If you cannot prove that you already had the watch in your possession before departure, you run the risk of it being (temporarily) confiscated or having to pay import duties.
Are you buying a watch on holiday? Then be extra careful for imitations and first check the rules for importing luxury products on the Customs website before departure.
Tip 4: Transport your watch on your wrist or in a travel 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 plane it is better not to check them in. It is not often that airlines actually lose luggage, but if you are unlucky, it is very unfortunate. To avoid evil, it is useful to take your watch with you as hand luggage.
Airports and planes are chaotic places with thousands of fellow travelers, 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 them.
Furthermore, a travel pouch or roll is a good idea. This way you can safely transport your watch in your hand luggage.
Tip 5: Don’t forget your charger!
Many people nowadays have a smartwatch that needs to be charged regularly. So don’t forget to take your charger with you!
But even if you take a ‘normal’ quartz watch with you, it is wise to check in advance whether the watch is still keeping time or whether the battery needs to be replaced. Especially with watches that you do not wear every day. And before leaving, place a solar watch in the sunlight or under a lamp to ensure that it is fully charged and all functions work properly.
Tip 6: Take good care of your watch on holiday to ensure it stays beautiful
When you arrive at your holiday destination, you naturally want to start enjoying it straight away; Put on your swimming trunks and go to the beach! However, we advise you to take a few minutes to choose the right watch.
Is the watch waterproof?
First of all, it is important to keep your 5 ATM (= 5 bar, = 50 meters) waterproof watches dry. 5 ATM means that the watch is splash-proof, so a splash in the water with such a watch on your wrist is not wise. Then store the watch properly before going swimming; for example in a hotel safe or in the trunk of your car.
With a 10 ATM watch you can swim, snorkel and do other water sports, but you cannot scuba dive with it. The test standard for this is a minimum of 20 ATM.
Are you unsure whether your watch is waterproof? Then read this article.
Avoid significant temperature differences
If you are basking in the sun, it is not wise to immediately take a jump into the tempting blue water. Allow the watch to cool down before going swimming. Otherwise, there is a chance that the materials will expand too quickly due to the temperature shock, causing the watch to lose its water resistance. And before you take the plunge, check whether the crown of the watch is properly closed.
Rinse the watch well after swimming
If you cool off in the sea with a watch with a rating of at least 10 ATM, it is important to rinse the watch thoroughly with fresh water afterwards. Salt and fine sand are disastrous for moving parts such as the crown and bezel.
The last thing for the checklist: sit back and enjoy!
Now that you are ready for your trip, you can enjoy it without any worries.
Are you still looking for a waterproof watch for the holidays? Techzle has a wide range of watches that you can wear during water fun! Find your perfect 10 ATM watch here. Are you going diving? Then take a look at our range of 20 ATM watches,