Top 5 Watch Travel Tips

Planning a vacation in the near future? You don’t want to forget your watch when you travel, and we’ve got a few things for you to think about:

1. Check Your Itinerary

While you’re packing, ask yourself, “What will I be doing? Are there any big events on the schedule?” If there’s an occasion that calls for something more formal, you’ll want more than your everyday watch on hand. Likewise, if you’re spending time on the beach and in the water, a water-resistant watch will be your safest bet. (Read: Traveling Soon? Here’s the Watch to Bring With You)

2. Consider Bringing a GMT

More than likely you’ll be hopping through more than one time zone, so it would be worth it to wear a watch like the Rolex GMT-Master II, which allows you to set the time for the time zone you’ll be in and reference what time it is back home. That way, you aren’t calling to check in when everyone else is fast asleep.

3. Pack a Watch Roll

If you do need to bring more than one watch with you, pack them in a watch roll. And remember—if you’re flying, never check your watches. Always carry them on the plane with you.

4. Protect Your Watch in Airport Security

When going through airport security, remove your watch and put it underneath your bag in the tub to help protect it from X-rays. It may not be 100% effective though, so think about getting it de-magnetized to make sure your watch is running accurately.

5. Keep Your Watch Safe

To keep your watch secure when not in use, lock it in the hotel safe. And if you’re out sight-seeing, keep aware of your surroundings—you don’t want someone to walk off with your watch when you’re not paying attention.

 

And an extra tip for Rolex owners, especially those traveling out of the country: Previously, Rolex USA had limitations on importing Rolex watches into the country, which required that if you were coming into the U.S. with a Rolex, it needed to be on your wrist. Although these restrictions have since been lifted, save yourself the hassle and wear your Rolex when going through U.S. Customs just in case.

 

 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 23, 2015. We have updated it for clarity.