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How to Store Vintage Watches

Vintage watches may keep time, but they also take time to be properly cared for. Whether the watches are stored in a case, a safe, or a cabinet, these antiquities need the utmost of attention to be stored properly. Vintages watches must be kept away from everyday harmful conditions such as heat and humidity to be maintained. Direct sunlight will degrade the varnish and paint on dials, so watches should be stored out of direct light. Therefore, the watches must be stored in a secure, dry, cool, and dark place. Many creative options can help achieve this type of storage.

Instructions

Ideal Storage Conditions
- 1
  Store your vintage watch out of direct sunlight, which will adversely affect the watch's outer varnish.
- 2
  Store your vintage watch out of humidity, which can damage the movement of the watch.
- 3
  Keep vintage watches away from magnets. Strong magnetic fields may affect the accuracy of your watch since some vintage watches were made with iron-based components.
Watch Storage
- 4
  Store your vintage watch in the original watch box it came in and keep the box in a drawer or cabinet. This will protect the watch. However, if you have many vintage watches, this might not be the best option for you.
- 5
  Store your watch in a cigar humidor box. This type of box has a constant humidity and temperature, so you can control the settings under which your watch will be stored.
- 6
  Store your vintage watch in a quarter or half-ton safe. Make sure the safe is not a fire safe, as these types of safes are fire-resistant because their walls are made of a moist cement-like filling which promotes moisture buildup within the safe. Even regular safes can require some de-humidifying, such as electric heaters or low wattage bulbs.

Antiques