Wrist Assured: How to Travel Smart and Stay Safe with Luxury Watches and Jewelry

Dedicated to protecting the timepieces, jewels, and treasures that matter most, Wrist Assured is your bi-monthly insider’s guide: the place where we break down everything you need to know about insuring, safeguarding, and servicing your collection. Because luxury is more than what you wear—it’s what you protect.

Whether you’re rolling with a Cartier Crash, a Birkin bag, or a diamond tennis bracelet, feeling safe while traveling with luxury goods is essential. Let’s be honest, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Rainbow” isn’t suitable for every trip, but that doesn’t mean you have to swap to a Casio either. When traveling with valuables, it’s critical to plan ahead: track them, insure them (adequately), and research local risks.

Standardize Your System. Whether skiing in Argentina or bachelor-tripping in Miami, create a system and standardize it. “Travel is when most of my clients lose their pieces because they’re taking them on and off outside of their normal routine,” said Hannah Florman of Hannah Florman Jewelry. Adopting a routine and creating a designated place for storing your watches and jewelry is a great way to protect them when traveling. A good watch roll goes a long way! 

Store Safely. Always secure your valuables in hotel rooms. Chubb recommends calling ahead and making arrangements to store higher-value items in the hotel’s main safe rather than in the room safe. Remember to remain discreet and discuss your pieces with as few people as possible, preferably only those in management roles. Packing and storing your watches in a designated, secure place is an important way to protect your property while traveling. 

Get Insured. This should go without saying, but prior to departure, double-check that your coverage is up to date. As a rule, all luxury goods should be appraised every three to five years and specifically covered in a Valuable Articles Policy. It’s also worth noting that a Homeowners Policy on its own is not enough. Generally speaking, a Homeowners Policy has a sublimit (a limitation on the amount of coverage available for a specific type of loss or expense) of $1,000 to $5,000 for personal property and may not cover you while overseas. A Valuable Articles Policy will ensure that your luxury goods are itemized and covered against loss, theft, and damage.

Travel Lightly. European Watch Company’s CEO, Joshua Ganjei, takes no more than two watches with him when traveling. For daytime, he defaults to something vintage and more difficult for the untrained eye to spot (read: a lesser-known Rolex or Patek Philippe model). “Wearing watches you love should always make you feel good, it shouldn’t be about making a scene or impressing others,” said Ganjei. After the sun sets, “when I will most likely be wearing a longer-sleeved shirt, then I may choose something from one of the big brands, maybe something a little more flashy,” he added. Most importantly: leave the sentimental items at home. Only travel with what you need for the trip. Less packed = less to lose. 

Remain Discreet. “Know your crowd, survey the city and its crime rates, and plan accordingly,” said Ganjei. As reported by The Watch Register’s 10-Year Anniversary Report, the stolen watch market exceeded $1.6 billion in 2023. This means that thieves are doing their research, too. A real-life example from one of my clients (who is now insured): He had the window down in a rental car, someone walked up and stole his watch off his wrist at a red light. Although the possibilities are endless, knowing the most common places and situations where theft occurs is the first step in protecting valuables while travelling – both on and off your wrist.

Watch What You Post: Social media is a public, real-time window into your life. Posting with location tags hands thieves a bullseye: where you are and what you are wearing is broadcasted. The same goes for posting what hotel you are staying at. According to Robb Report, a UK-based gang, known as the “Rolex Rippers,” targeted celebrities by using their social media posts. Unfortunately, these organizations exist globally. All the more reason to avoid unwanted attention. If you must post, consider Close Friends only, or use a time delay that posts once you’ve moved locations. It could make all the difference.

Before you head off on that bachelor trip, fly south to catch the fresh powder, or simply head to the beach with your family, let’s make sure that your insurance is current, correct, and meets your needs. Send me a note insurance@europeanwatch.com.