Shipping a high-value watch doesn’t have to be stressful. If you are a seasoned collector or you’re simply looking to sell or secure a loan against your timepiece, there may come a time when you need to send a watch by post or courier. Given the financial and often sentimental value of luxury watches, it is entirely reasonable to seek assurance that your item will be handled with the utmost care. Regardless of whether the watch will be returned following a valuation or servicing, or you are completing a sale, safe and secure transit is essential.
This guide will outline step by step how to send a watch in the post or by courier, providing clear, professional advice to help ensure your timepiece reaches its destination safely and without complication.
Step 1: Confirm The Shipping Process
Before you begin packaging your watch, take a moment to clarify the shipping process. The steps involved may vary depending on your reason for sending the watch and the party receiving it.
If you’re returning a watch to a manufacturer, sending it for repair, or completing a sale through a specific platform, the recipient may already have a preferred courier, insurance arrangement, or detailed shipping instructions in place. Always check this first, as following their guidance may simplify the process and offer additional protection.
However, if you’re arranging shipment independently—whether for a private sale, loan valuation, or trade-in—this guide will walk you through what to do. Begin by confirming the key details: the recipient’s full name, the correct shipping address, and what exactly they expect to receive.
Blue Santos De Cartier
Step 2: Prepare Your Watch
Before packaging your watch, take a moment to ensure it is ready for transit. In most cases, your timepiece will already be in the receiver’s agreed condition—particularly if it’s being sent for sale, servicing, or restoration. However, a final inspection is always advisable.
Unless the watch or its original packaging is especially delicate, consider giving it a gentle clean using a soft, lint-free cloth. This not only presents the piece well but also allows you to check for any existing marks or damage before shipping.
Step 3: Gather Original Papers And Accessories
If available, include any relevant documentation that supports the provenance and value of your watch. This may include the original box, purchase receipt, and service history. The warranty card is one of the most important documents associated with a watch, serving as proof of authenticity and often enhancing resale value—especially in the case of Rolex warranty cards. These items can help verify authenticity, support a valuation, and enhance the resale value of the timepiece—particularly in the case of luxury brands or limited-edition models.
Unless it is a pre-requisite for your buyer, or you’ve already agreed to an informed transaction, if some of these documents are missing then there is no need to worry. Simply include what you have, ensuring everything is carefully placed and protected within the parcel.
Step 4: Create A Visual Record Before You Pack
Before you begin to pack your watch, take clear photographs of everything you plan to send. This should include multiple angles of the watch, close-ups of any visible wear or damage, and images of supporting documents and original packaging. It’s also advisable to take a final photo showing all items together—giving a clear overview of exactly what the recipient should expect to receive.
For added peace of mind, some individuals choose to record the entire packing process. Whether through photographs or video, this documentation can be invaluable in the unlikely event of a dispute or insurance claim.
Chopard Happy Sport Quartz Steel Watch, Box & Papers
Step 5: Pack Your Watch Securely
The most important step in this process is packaging your watch correctly. Damage during transit is the worst-case scenario—and if your item isn’t packed to a reasonable standard, any insurance policy may be void. With that in mind, use protective materials generously. When it comes to bubble wrap, more is more.
Firstly, If Your Watch Has Its Original Box
Begin by ensuring the watch is secure within its original box. Double-check that it’s firmly mounted in place and add soft padding—such as bubble wrap or foam—to prevent it from shifting during transit.
Next, wrap the entire box in protective material and place it within a larger, rigid shipping box. This adds another barrier between your watch and the outside world.
Or, If You Don’t Have The Original Packaging
Wrap the watch itself carefully in multiple layers of bubble wrap, taking extra care around the case and bracelet. Then, place it inside a small padded box or a tamper-evident envelope. Add more padding inside to stop the watch from moving around.
Secondly, Use The Double Boxing Method
Whether or not you have the original box, we strongly recommend placing your prepared parcel inside a second, larger box. Fill any empty spaces with additional protective material to prevent any internal movement. This technique ensures that only the outer box absorbs the impact if the parcel is dropped or mishandled.
Then, Seal Everything Securely
Once packed, seal the parcel thoroughly. Reinforce all edges, joins, and flaps with strong parcel tape—don’t just tape the main opening. This adds a layer of tamper resistance and helps protect against accidental opening and potential
Optional: Additional Protection
You may wish to mark the parcel with “Fragile” tape or directional stickers such as “This Way Up.” While these can prompt couriers to handle the package more carefully, they may also draw unwanted attention, so use them at your discretion.
If you’re especially worried about your watch getting damaged or posting overseas, it’s also worth wrapping the inner box in a waterproof layer, such as a sealable plastic bag, to guard against potential water damage during handling.
Discretion Is Key
Crucially, the exterior of your parcel should never indicate what’s inside. Avoid referencing watches, jewellery, or luxury items anywhere on the packaging. A plain, unmarked box helps protect your shipment by not attracting unnecessary attention.
Rolex Submariner
Step 6: Select A Trustworthy Shipping Service
In many cases, the courier may already be arranged—especially if you’re sending the watch for repair, authentication, or sale through a specific platform. However, if you’re arranging the shipment yourself, selecting the right delivery service is key to ensuring your watch arrives safely.
Specialist couriers exist for transporting high-value items, but they aren’t always necessary. Well-established courier companies with experience handling valuable goods can also be suitable—provided they meet a few essential criteria:
- Detailed tracking
Choose a service that offers full tracking from dispatch to delivery. This allows both you and the recipient to monitor the parcel’s journey, and provides vital evidence if a delay or issue arises. - Proven reliability
Look for a provider with a strong record of delivering items safely and on time. Independent reviews and customer feedback can give you a sense of how well a courier handles luxury shipments. - Signature on delivery
Always select a shipping option that requires a signature upon receipt. This ensures the parcel is handed directly to the intended recipient, adding another layer of security. - Fixed time delivery
For an additional layer of security, you could also choose a courier that offers fixed time delivery. This adds another level of control during the shipping process ensuring the watch is received in a timely and direct manner.
If in doubt, speak to the courier directly about the nature of the item you’re shipping. Most major providers offer specific services tailored to higher-value parcels—sometimes with additional insurance or handling protocols available on request.
Step 7: Protect The Value With Proper Insurance
When sending a high-value watch, it’s essential to make sure you’re adequately insured. Even with the most secure packaging and a trusted courier, unexpected issues can occur in transit. Insurance offers vital protection and peace of mind should the item be lost, damaged, or stolen.
Start by reviewing the insurance policy provided by your chosen courier. While most reputable services include some level of cover, it may not reflect the true value of your watch. Always verify that the declared value matches the watch’s current market worth.
If the included insurance is insufficient, consider arranging additional coverage—either through the courier or a specialist third-party provider. Having the right insurance in place ensures that, should the worst happen, you’ll be fully compensated for the loss. This is where your thorough photography will be beneficial, supporting you in any insurance claims or investigations.
Step 8: Dispatching Your Watch Securely
With everything packed, documented, and insured, you’re almost ready to send your parcel. But before handing it over, take a moment to double-check the essentials—this is not the stage to rush.
Ensure the shipping address is 100% accurate and matches the details provided for your insurance cover. Any discrepancies could complicate a potential claim. It’s always recommended to print the shipping label rather than writing it by hand—this reduces the risk of smudges, misread addresses, or courier error.
Confirm that all components—watch, documents, and original packaging—have been included, and that your outer box is properly sealed. If you’re sending the parcel as part of a sale, double-check your listing to ensure nothing has been overlooked.
Many couriers require high-value items to be dropped off at designated service points, rather than collected. Not all drop-off locations are equipped to handle valuable packages, so it’s worth checking ahead to confirm where you need to go. Planning this step in advance helps avoid last-minute stress or unnecessary delays.
Omega Speedmaster
The Final Steps
Once your parcel has been sent, share the tracking number, estimated delivery date, and—optionally—a photo of the receipt or handover with the recipient. This helps reassure them, especially in the case of a transaction, and offers you additional security by creating a clear record of the dispatch.
When you receive notification of delivery, follow up to confirm that the item has arrived safely and in the expected condition. If any issues arise, this is the point to raise them with the courier or, if needed, your insurer.
Ideally, this marks the completion of a smooth transaction—or the beginning of your watch’s next chapter, whether that’s a valuation, service, or sale. Either way, by following a secure and careful process, you’ve protected both your timepiece and your peace of mind.
Ship Your Watch For Loan Or Sale With Suttons & Robertsons
If you’re planning to sell your luxury watch or secure a loan with your timepiece, Suttons & Robertsons offers a safe, straightforward postal process designed to bring you peace of mind while unlocking the value of your luxury assets.
Once you’ve been in touch and agreed to proceed with a sale or loan, our team will guide you through each step of securely packaging your watch. For all sales and short-term loans, we offer Royal Mail Special Delivery, with insurance coverage of up to £20,000 during transit—ensuring your timepiece is protected every step of the way.
If you’re based in London and looking to unlock the value of your luxury items, you’re welcome to visit us at one of our Suttons & Robertsons locations—Edgware Road, South Kensington, or Victoria. For those outside the capital, simply get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
