Tips for Traveling with Luxury Watches

I’ve brought my Sea-Dweller and Speedmaster on trips from city weekends to two-week hikes through southern Europe. And every time, I’ve picked up something new, what to pack, what to avoid, and how to feel secure without turning my watch into a liability. Whether I’m crossing borders or just switching time zones, here’s how I travel with a luxury watch and still enjoy the trip.

Should You Travel With a Rolex or Speedmaster?

For me, this always comes down to a mix of practicality and peace of mind.

• Am I going to wear the watch during the trip?
• How confident do I feel bringing something valuable where I’m headed?
• What does the destination require; climate, formality, security?

My Sea-Dweller tends to make the cut more often. It’s easier to adjust, handles moisture without a second thought, and fits in just about anywhere. But if the trip leans more casual, I’ve taken the Speedmaster on a slim leather strap and worn it almost daily, especially in cooler weather or cities where I’m mostly indoors.

Choosing the Right Strap for Travel

I usually base my strap choice on the trip, not just on comfort, but on how visible I want the watch to be.

At the airport, you’ll likely have to remove your watch anyway, whether it’s on a strap or bracelet. I just make sure I have a soft pouch ready so it’s not rolling around in a plastic bin.

Here’s what I focus on:

• Durability: I only bring straps I’ve already worn for a few full days. Travel isn’t the time to test something new.
• Adjustment options: Bracelets with on-the-fly features (like Easylink on a Rolex) are great for warm-weather trips. For cooler destinations, I’ve also appreciated leather straps with quick-release spring bars, easy to swap without tools when the setting changes.

• Low profile: If I’m walking a lot or using public transport, I might choose a setup that feels more under the radar.

I bring one strap per watch, maybe a second if it fits the mood of the trip. But the simpler the setup, the less I think about it once I’m there.

How I Store Watches While Traveling

After trying cases, boxes, and every roll I could get my hands on, I’ve settled on two setups:

• For one watch: I wear it. At night, it goes in a soft leather pouch, inside my carry-on. Never the hotel safe.
• For two watches or extra straps: I use a slim 2-slot roll. It fits in a backpack without drawing attention and protects just enough without overpacking.

Hard cases look secure but tend to be bulky and obvious. And I try to avoid anything that signals value when going through customs or staying somewhere unfamiliar.

Airport and Security: What Really Happens

Despite what some advice columns say, I’ve almost always had to remove my watch at airport security.

• I take it off before the scanner, place it in a small zipped pouch inside the bin, and keep it close.
• I never hand over a watch to be screened separately.
• Whether it's on a bracelet or a strap, expect to remove it and plan for that moment.

Is It Safe to Travel With a Luxury Watch?

It depends on where you're going and how you travel. I always:

• Look up local safety tips or traveler updates
• Get a feel for what people actually wear on the street
• Go with my gut: if it feels off, I don’t bring the watch

Most of the time, a little research and basic awareness go a long way. And I never bring more than I’m prepared to wear and manage.

Where Our Straps Fit In

When I do travel with a leather strap, I often bring one from our collection, especially for the Speedmaster. Not just because it’s comfortable (which it is), but because it changes the tone of the watch. A few customers from Amsterdam told us their Rolex felt more discreet on the street with this combo; less shiny, less noticeable. That lines up with my experience too. In certain cities, it’s a nice way to blend in without giving up what you love to wear.

Our curved-end straps also keep the case snug, which helps when the watch is getting packed and unpacked often. And if I’m wearing the same strap for multiple days straight, I want one that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to impress anyone, just one that wears easy.

 

FAQ

Do I need to remove my (luxury) watch at airport security?

In most airports, yes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on a bracelet or strap, watches often trigger the scanner. I take mine off ahead of time and place it in a padded pouch inside the bin.

Is it safe to travel with a luxury watch?

It can be, but you need to be realistic. Always research the destination, look at how people dress, and listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the watch at home. In the end, it’s just a watch, and the goal is to enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s on your wrist. You don’t want it to be something you think about constantly while you’re trying to relax.

What’s the most practical strap for travel?

It depends on the trip. I’ll often go with a bracelet that offers easy adjustment, especially if I expect heat or long days. But for calmer destinations or city-based travel, I’ll pack a leather strap I know well, one that fits my wrist and the setting.

Naturally, I tend to wear leather straps from our own collection. Almost always, to be honest. They're ideal for travel, especially because of the quick release spring bars. I can swap straps in seconds without tools, which means I can change the look or feel of the watch without overthinking it, or overpacking

Final Thoughts

There’s no one right way to travel with a watch. For me, it’s about knowing my own habits and preparing for the trip I’m actually taking, not the one I imagined when packing. A comfortable strap, a secure storage plan, and a little situational awareness go a long way. I don’t take unnecessary risks, but I don’t leave the watch at home just out of fear either. If I’m bringing it, I want to enjoy it.

Have you traveled with a luxury watch recently? If there’s something you’ve learned, or a tip you swear by that I didn’t mention, I’d love to hear it. Always curious what other people pack, avoid, or rely on!