Tested: The 8 Best Watch Boxes For Collectors

Odds are that if you’re into watches, you probably own more than one. And since you can only wear one watch at a time (or rather, since you should only wear one watch at a time), you’re going to need a place to store the pieces of your collection when you’re not wearing them. And since just leaving them in a pile on your nightstand or in your sock drawer is far from ideal, you’re going to need to get a watch box. The best watch boxes offer not only a place to securely store your watches but also act as an attractive complement to your home decor. So take a look below where we tested our favorite storage solutions for your collection.

How We Tested

For our guide to the best watch boxes, we’ve gathered a diverse collection of timepiece storage solutions at a wide variety of price points, styles, and sizes. So whether you have a collection of four watches or forty-eight, whether you favor traditional or modern designs, and whether your budget is $100 or $700, you’ll find something that works for you here. That’s because every item on our list of the best watch boxes is at the top level of quality for its price and is well-suited to perform its task, i.e., they’ll all keep your watches safe while looking good doing it.

Creating a shortlist of watch boxes based on some of the most respected brands in the industry and some new favorites, we looked at features like visual aesthetic, capacity, price, materials, and other extra features. From there, we sourced our boxes and got hands-on with each, trying an array of watch sizes, both big and small, inside each one. We also tried both strapped and fixed bracelet watches to see how they fared with each one. The results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Aesthetic: Whether you’re putting this box on your shelf or keeping it in a drawer, you’ll likely want it to look good. As such, we’ve focused on premium-looking boxes for this list.

Size: Aside from how it looks on your shelf, a major component of a watch box is its capacity. And this won’t be the same for everybody. Some collectors might relish in their large, 20-watch collections (or more) and will want a box to house and/or display them all. However, we also acknowledge the value in a small 4- or 5-watch collection of quality timepieces that you may be constantly trading up or out, keeping a good rotation without inundating yourself with too many options.

Materials: All options in this guide are premium by nature. That means good, sturdy materials and soft interior lining, often made with microfiber or velvet. The tops can be either see-through glass or opaque, depending if you want to display your collection or not.

Extra Features: While some watch boxes might have some built-in features like a valet drawer or a compartment for straps, this isn’t a requirement. In fact, some of our favorites only house watches and watches alone.

Nalpak Pelican 1170 Watch Case

Best for Travel: An age-old trick among watch collectors is creating bulletproof watch boxes out of Pelican storage cases. The travel-ready cases are crush-proof, waterproof, and dust-proof, making them an attractive option if the safety of your watches is your top priority. Nalpak, an authorized Pelican dealer, has done the work for you with their line of Pelican watch cases. The cases feature precise cutouts of the Pelican foam, creating ample room for your collection without you having to lift a finger — or a blade. You can also lock up the box with your own TSA-approved lock to ensure the safety of your timepieces in transit.

the Good

More than any other box on this list, the Nalpak Pelican watch box is probably the least likely for actual countertop display. And that’s because it’s built like a tank for traveling. Incredibly robust, the box has its definite charms. For one, I loved how each of the 4 interior pads had an open back. This allowed me to fit the watch however loose or tight I wanted, which was especially useful for clasp bracelets with a fixed size. I was initially worried about closing the box since the watches seemed to rise too high above the lip. However, the pads are highly squishy and give. Likewise, they’re protected by the heavily padded lid as well.

As for the front compartment for extras, or even extra watches, there’s a foam divider that can be moved around easily while still remaining in place.

The Not So Good

Aside from the fact that the watches stick up above the lip a bit, my biggest issue with the Nalpak Pelican is that the lid doesn’t open more than 90º. And while I was impressed with its ability to stay open (i.e., not close by itself), I would’ve much rather preferred it to open flat. However, this design might have more to do with retaining the case’s ability to keep out moisture and other elements due to the hinge design.

Another thing to mention is the front compartment, while perfect for extra straps, tools, and even flat-lay watches, didn’t accommodate larger case watches or watches that don’t lay flat. In terms of the case itself, I found it difficult to keep it standing on its side when I set it down. With watches inside especially, the box tended to fall over after I put it on the ground.

Verdict: Easily the most durable on this list, the Nalpak Pelican 1170 Watch Case is a perfect option for travel for its crush-proof and waterproof design. We loved the flexibility of the pads and the bonus front compartment for accessories and extra watches. While this extra space won’t accommodate larger models as easily, it’s adjustable in terms of length. Best of all, the box clocks in at just over $100 despite its super construction and capability.

Holme & Hadfield Watch Deck Pro

Best Valet: You’ll notice that there are plenty of watch boxes –– especially budget watch boxes –– on the market but not all of them are good. With a high perceived value, the Holme & Hadfield Watch Deck Pro is one of our favorite low-end picks. Sporting a vertically-oriented display that holds four timepieces on wooden pillars, the wooden box also boasts a 360-degree design that allows your watches to be visible from all angles. For straps, tools, and any extras, there’s a drawer at the bottom, which also includes slots for rings and coins.

the Good

In terms of looks, the Holme & Hadfield Watch Deck Pro is one of the most attractive for displaying on your shelf. I love the 360-degree design and the vertical orientation –– whereas most windowed watch boxes are only visible from the top when closed. For first impressions, it’s one of the most eye-catching on this list. In fact, it’s a major reason why we picked it for contention in the first place. Both the top section and the lower drawer come with a leather mat with the brand’s name on it in a classy way. I opted to keep these in, even though you can easily remove them if you’d like.

I love the look of the cover, which isn’t made of glass but a hard plastic that’s surprisingly thick and doesn’t look cheap at all (assemblage is a different story –– more below). The plastic is also very heavy and shuts much more firmly than I expected. The size of the wooden pillars themselves aren’t tiny but accommodate fixed clasp bracelets for smaller wrists. Meanwhile, the wood finish is classy and doesn’t look like you’ve purchased a $100 watch box at all.

The Not So Good

While the box ships fully assembled, it also has an interesting quirk in that the entire hinged plastic lid can be removed. In other words, nothing attaches it to the wooden base. This allows you to take it off easily for cleaning, sure, but I also found it too easy for it to lift up when I simply intended to open the lid. Another mark of the cheaper design is the drawer itself, which is very rickety when you open it. It almost always opens at an angle and will slide open very easily if you need to move the box for any reason –– make sure you put a finger in front of it!

Verdict: Despite its rickety construction and assemblage, the Holme & Hadfield Watch Deck Pro has a very high perceived value despite the $100 price tag. Its plastic lid is heavy and feels dense, while the wood has a classy finish. We loved the 360-degree vertical-oriented watch display, which was a unique touch from the competition. If you’re on a budget and want something to display in your home, this is a great pick.

Mainspring London Monte Carlo 5-Slot Collector’s Box

Best for Tool Watches: If you’ve got a collection of tool watches, then why not store them in a tool watch box? Blending a toolbox aesthetic and motorsport inspiration, this Monte Carlo from Mainspring London blends elegance and ruggedness for a surprisingly classy vibe that lets you display your watches with the lid open or closed. With room for 5 watches, the medium-density fiberboard exterior comes in three different colors (orange, black, or blue) and has an interior that features velvet pillows for keeping your timepieces protected. If that’s not enough, the lid locks with a key as well.

the Good

Featuring a clean, even construction, the Mainspring London Monte Carlo simply does not rest on its laurels. While this box is highly attractive –– featuring a perfectly matte finished exterior without a single flaw, paired with contrasting interior hues. The beige pillows are matched with teal surrounds and dividers. You can tell there was a lot of thought put into the visual design and colors of the box. Also, the glass window happens to be smudge-resistant. I tried to put my fingerprints on the glass and it wasn’t having it.

As far as storage is concerned, I appreciated that there was an extra inch or two of space between the tops of my watches and the window lid above, ensuring me that this can close properly without the watch crystals getting touched. This was even the case if you had the pillows standing up in a display orientation. All around, I truly felt like my watches were safe inside, thanks to the felt pillows, but also because of the sturdy construction of the box itself.

The Not So Good

My biggest gripe with the Monte Carlo is its inability to fit fixed bracelet watches. A couple of my go-to watches are clasp bands that connect all the way around, and the pillows did not even kinda accommodate these. Larger dial watches, while fitting fine in the center three compartments, didn’t go well on the ends, preventing the lid from closing. Nevertheless, if you’re going for something that will draw attention when people come in the room, this is a really well-priced watch box with different display options.

Verdict: Perfectly blending classy appeal with a sleek style, the Mainspring London Monte Carlo is a superb watch box at a fair price. We loved everything from the material finishing to the color design to the fingerprint-resistant glass. Our watches felt safe inside, especially with the key lock features. We had some slight issues with clasped bracelets fitting around the pillows and larger watches fitting in the end slots but this is still one of our favorites.

Rothwell 12-Slot Watch Box with Valet Drawer

Best for Jewelry: If we’re really boiling it down, a wristwatch is certainly a piece of jewelry. However, it’s still in a category all of its own and would look wrong inside of a box mixed with rings, necklaces, and the like. Highlighting your watches first and foremost, this Rothwell watch box is a fantastic choice for both large collections and those who tend to wear a lot of jewelry (or share a room with someone who does). Sporting a PU-leather-wrapped wooden frame, this box holds a dozen watches inside, protected by its micro suede pillows and lining. Even if you don’t have 12 watches in your collection, you might aspire to have options when you go out. And if you have more, you can put some in the spacious valet drawer underneath, which has designated compartments for rings and coins but can perfectly fit sunglasses, knives, and other EDC gear.

the Good

I’m the type of guy who likes to collect, and even though I don’t personally have a dozen watches in my collection, I can appreciate the room to grow. Just like when I bought my bookshelf, I wanted to make sure two rows were empty for when I buy more. Anyway, the Rothwell 12-Slot is just my speed, but it’s more than just a useful watch box with extra room for gear in a valet tray. With a classy look that aims to get every square-inch on the same level, the box has an exquisite interior as well, with uber-soft pillows for my watches. Unlike some other boxes in this guide, the pillows were perfectly sized for all of my timepieces. I have a fixed-bracelet watch that could fit around the pillow without me having to unclasp it first, while my large-dial watch fit like a glove between the dividers –– and there was plenty room on the outer perimeter so that the watches on the ends don’t look cramped beneath the window.

The clear window, while definitely a plastic-base material, is very sturdy and doesn’t look cheap at all. If Rothwell used this as a way to cut costs, I don’t blame them! Likewise, the window resists fingerprints fairly well, although not as good as the glass on the Mainspring above.

I love how much I could fit inside the valet drawer, including a couple pairs of sunglasses, some extra straps, pens, an earbud case, and even a pocket notebook. The coin tray is concave to make collecting your coins incredibly easy when you’re in a rush. And best of all, the side compartments and ring cubbies are also lined with the same micro suede as the watch pillows.

The Not So Good

One thing I really liked about the Mainspring London box above is its ability to stand the watches in a vertical orientation with the lid closed –– that way, you can display the watches when the lid is open but don’t have to lay each one down to close it. The Rothwell box doesn’t do this. While the lid stays open with ease, the pillows won’t hold the watches inside in a vertical orientation when the lid is closed, which is a bummer, especially since laying 12 watches down can become a nuisance. Nevertheless, some people might not ever feel the need to display their watches like this. And in that case, forget everything I just said.

In terms of objective complaints, I didn’t love how easily the drawer could come all the way out. This can be useful when if anything falls in the back or if you need to clean it for some reason. However, if you accidentally pull too hard, you could actually yank the whole tray out and potentially spill everything inside.

Verdict: For both large collections and collectors who aspire to have one, the Rothwell 12-Slot Watch Box is a classy option that will look fantastic on any dresser. The intuitive, thoughtful design of the valet tray only adds an extra layer of utility. While we felt the drawer opened a bit too easily and the lid closed a bit close to the pillows, we can’t deny how much we loved this box, especially at under $150.

Shinola Watch Collector’s Box

Best for Small Collections: Built from the ashes of a fallen shoe polish brand, the Americana-inspired Shinola is mainly known as a watchmaker, but the brand makes lots of other goods, too. This watch box blends both sides of Shinola’s business beautifully, offering a well-made and attractive storage option for a four-watch collection. No corners were cut on this watch box, as it’s made of sturdy oak with supple real leather lining and pillows. There’s even a sizable leather panel on the top of the box that’s meant to be monogrammed, allowing you to personalize your collection’s beautiful home.

the Good

As stated above, a four-watch collection is perfectly respectable and a solid goal for many collectors. Often, collections imply large amounts but this isn’t always the case. If you’re more into leveling up your small rotation of watches over time, this Shinola box is a great choice. The leather top adds a subtle level of class to the overall aesthetic, and also a splash of contrast to the lighter colored wood. This box also comes in black but we felt the oak variant was much more classic. The personalization feature is a great touch; I can see this being a fantastic groomsmen gift perhaps.

I also loved the tension hinges on the box lid, which wasn’t a feature on many boxes we tested. This prevented the lid from closing too quickly, loudly, or hard, which isn’t ideal when putting something on top of your timepieces. While the leather pillows and interior top lining might be take some collectors aback because it’s not microfiber, they must realize that suede (a popular lining material) is also typically a type of leather. Leather is a fine solution for protecting watch dials and cases and won’t scuff your timepiece –– as long as the leather itself is not damaged and rough.

The Not So Good

As classy of an option as this Shinola box, I did have some issues with the actual usability of the box. If you’re sporting a collection of strapped dress watches or even reasonably-sized divers, this box will work 99% of the time. However, if you’ve got fixed bracelet watches in your collection, the pillows won’t really accommodate them, and there’s no real “squish” to the pillows that could make them work even if you forced it. Of course, if you happened to swap out the pillows for smaller ones, you could rectify this but it could also be quite the hassle. Likewise, one of the watches I used for testing had a larger, bulkier case, and the lid wouldn’t close all the way.

I should also mention that $300 is quite a lot for a watch box and most who are willing to spend this much would likely shell out a bit more for a box from WOLF or Scully & Scully (below). That said, this Shinola box might just speak to you and your tastes, so we can’t fault you there either.

Verdict: A beautiful, classy box that could make a great gift with its personalization option, the Shinola Watch Collector’s Box is perfect for smaller collections and will look nice on any countertop with its leather-lined top. While the pillows weren’t great for bulky watches or fixed-bracelet watches, it can still be a nice option for some, despite the lofty price point.

WOLF Windsor 10-Piece With Drawer

Best Overall: Out of all the brands on this list, WOLF is by far the most synonymous with watch storage. The company has been around since 1834, and they offer premium watch storage solutions at practically every level. The Windsor is one of their most classic designs, and it will work for almost any collector whose collection consists of ten watches or less. Constructed of vegan leather with a locking glass top and chrome-finished hardware, the Windsor features an additional valet drawer for accessories in addition to its ten-watch main level that’s locked with an included key.

the Good

If you want the best, most thoughtfully designed watch box out there, look no further than WOLF, who’s the king of this space for a reason. And their Windsor 10-Piece is a perfect example of why. Starting with the outside, the vegan leather looks incredible and will shine on any countertop you put it on. Beneath the glass window, there are ten pillows. It’s unclear what material the lining is, but it feels like a soft nylon. But unlike a standard-shaped pillow, the ones in the Windsor are more narrow so that they can accommodate a wider range of sizes, from both chunky cases to fixed bracelets –– both of which are Achilles heels for many storage solutions (begging the question of why others don’t just do the same). Likewise, the glass lid is plenty far from the pillows themselves, allowing you to stand them up inside for a more vertically-oriented display. There’s even a ventilation hole in the back of the box to prevent moisture build-up or fogging.

I also loved the drawer, which has one of those concave compartments for removing coins all at once. And there are designated ring slots and cubbies of different sizes for different needs –– longer thin ones are great for extra straps so that they don’t just get jumbled with your other gear. Also, the drawer has enough friction so that it doesn’t just slide open on its own –– I even turned it face down and it stayed put. It can pull all the way out but not without intent.

The Not So Good

There are so many superb traits on the Windsor that it’s nearly impossible to find its flaws. Even the flaws that did exist were hardly unnoticeable because I was so impressed with the box as a whole. The only real flaw I could find is that the lid closes loudly when you release it. For instance, the Shinola box has a tension lid that would close slowly and quietly when released. Again, this is hardly a complaint because the Windsor is worth every penny.

Verdict: Simply the best watch box for a reason, the WOLF Windsor is a 10-slot unit with an intuitive design and the capability of holding watches of virtually any size. The bonus drawer underneath is a superb addition and won’t come open on its own –– we turned it upside down to test it. With hardly a flaw at all, this watch box is priced at $369 and would be a great buy even if it were more expensive.

WOLF x Analog/Shift 1976 Collection 8-Piece Watch Box

Best for True Watch Nerds: Our second option from WOLF is a collaboration the brand did with vintage watch dealer Analog/Shift. The first thing you’re likely to notice is that the box is made of cork, a rather unusual material for a watch box. Unless you’re a vintage watch nerd, that is. This box is meant to invoke the quirky and extremely rare cork boxes that the original Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700 was packaged in, all the way back in the 1970s. It’s a very inside-baseball throwback, but if you love nerding out over this kind of attention to detail, then this is the box for you.

the Good

WOLF is back at it with all the things that make its Windsor an effective storage solution, such as the pillow shapes and size, which accommodate virtually any watch size and fixed bracelets. Also, the glass window up top is plenty far from the pillows to allow for some space when orienting them vertically. Speaking of which, there are now metal slots on either side of each pillow this time around, which help for some support if you’re standing them at a slant or vertically for display. Not necessarily a requisite for a good watch box but the glass window also seems to be fingerprint resistant.

Also, the WOLF x Analog/Shift box sports a highly unique and inspired design, as previously mentioned, and it will undoubtedly be a conversation starter for any horological enthusiasts you have over at the house. While the outside is made of cork with steel trim, the underside of the box features the same sort of ultra-suede as the lining inside.

The Not So Good

Along with the Windsor, the 1976 Collection box has very few flaws. Again, the lid closes pretty hard when released but luckily no watches are even close to getting in the way of it. Also, I can’t help but fear the short-lived lifespan of a cork-built box. It’s not nearly as durable as leather or woods like oak and might break away over time. However, we didn’t experience this firsthand. I should also mention that this box is almost $100 more than the Windsor above, so you’ll really want to be into the design before making the jump.

Verdict: The same great, thoughtful construction methods from WOLF, this Analog/Shift collab based on a Patek Philippe packaging from the ’70s is a deep cut for sure but looks fantastic even if you don’t get the reference (pun kinda intended). While the cork material might not stand up as long as something like oak or leather, the box is nevertheless a handsome way to display your watches, even if it’s quite a bit more expensive than the Windsor.

Scully & Scully Saffiano Leather Watch Case

Best Space-Saver: Scully & Scully make some really high-end watch storage solutions. For example, they offer a $180,000 facial recognition cabinet that looks like something Tony Stark would own. But since you’re not Tony Stark, this more modest offering of theirs should suit you just fine. Made of gorgeous scratch-resistant Saffiano leather, this stunner will seriously elevate the style of any room in which it finds itself. It also splits its 10-watch storage between pillows and a flat-lay arrangement, which adds a touch of customizable versatility to your storage setup. The color options are nice here too. Aside from the standard black (which has a green lining inside), there are orange and red leather options too.

the Good

If you want to house your watch collection in an efficient way, they can really take up a lot of room. However, Scully & Scully’s classy-looking Saffiano gets the job done without you needing as big of a countertop footprint. We tested the black variant, which was wrapped in aromatic leather. Inside, you get a green suede material (it’s gray in the other two variants). With its unique construction, the top lid has a buttoned-down flap, under which I could put my flat-lay timepieces. I have a watch that’s 40mm in diameter and it barely fit. Meanwhile, the bottom portion hosts five standard watches. While it appears like the wider pillows have been replaced from the website images, the new holders do have an opened back (like the Nalpak above) and can flex a little bit to accommodate different watch sizes. Above these pillows is a closed compartment for extra straps, tools, and perhaps thinner watches.

The Not So Good

Despite its attributes, there are a few things we’d like to change about the Saffiano. Notably, there’s no window on top, which would be a nice addition for displaying, if that’s what you desire in a watch box. However, my biggest issue is that the lid is difficult to open. While there are certainly boxes on this list that have key locks, this one also has a push-button latch which prevents you from opening the box without literally picking it up or holding it down with your other hand. Perhaps the folks and Scully & Scully desired this to be more of a literal storage solution, hence the lack of window and non-button opening.

Also, in terms of watch size accommodation, I had trouble with my chunkier watches. While the lid would still close on top of it, thanks to the malleable “pillow,” I felt like it was being squished underneath the lid. Likewise, my fixed bracelet watches could technically fit but it took some warping of the watch holder. I’m honestly not sure why the brand decided to go with much thinner pillows here but I’m not so sure they’re better –– maybe they’re easier to adjust?

Verdict: A bit pricier than the competition, the Saffiano from Scully & Scully is a classy-looking watch box that can hold 10 watches, and then some, in a much smaller compartment, in part thanks to a bonus flat-lay section buried in the lid. We loved the color design and the durability of the leather but didn’t love the pillow construction or how specific the box was when it came to the size of your watches. Also, the pillow images on the website didn’t match the ones the box actually came with –– something to keep in mind!

Watch Box Comparison Chart

Why Buy A Watch Box?

If you’re spending thousands of dollars on quality timepieces, you won’t want to just leave them lying in some random drawer in your bedroom where they can get damaged and disorganized. Watch boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but owning one is crucial if you want to protect and/or travel with one or a select few of your favorites.

Likewise, watch boxes are a great way to show off the highlights of your collection to those who come into your abode. After all, you’re only going to wear one on your wrist. These displays let you show off multiple references at once.

Watch Box Vs. Watch Winder

As you probably know, an automatic watch will stop ticking after the power reserve runs out (i.e., after you stop wearing it). While most watch boxes simply store your timepieces, certain models double as winders — devices that will keep your watch’s power intact when idle. For the sake of this guide, we’ve focused on watch boxes, with a single watch winder thrown into the mix.

Honorable Mentions

If you don’t have the budget to buy an expensive vertical winder from Wolf, this 12-watch wooden box from Songmics has a glass front, a drawer below for tools and straps, and a hidden compartment in the back for sunglasses.

Not every collector just has a handful of watches. There are some serious enthusiasts with dozens of watches, all of which they’d like to keep in a safe place and maybe even show off from time to time. If this is you, you’ll love this Stanley 48-Watch Box from Bey-Berk for its ability to display a good number of your favorites.

You don’t have to spend more than $50 on a watch box if you just want something simple for displaying your budget-friendly collection. This watch box from Glenor Co. can hold 12 watches for just $45.

If you like Wolf’s Windsor but don’t want to spend as much, check out this similar 12-Slot option from Tawbury, an Australian brand who finds ways to imbue luxurious elements on a budget, including vegan leather and chrome-finished hardware. It also has additional storage room.

Some collectors won’t be looking for a simple watch box but a way to keep all of their watches wound for instant use and should look to WOLF to for the best options, such as this Axis 6-Piece Winder. Watch winders can be controversial. However, there are some who insist on displaying their watches in this type of way. Also, regardless of the winding function, this is a super attractive (albeit expensive) display box.

I mean, if you really want the most Tony Stark-worthy watch box, this $110,000 Armoire from Scully & Scully is the creme de la creme. It uses biometrics and face recognition to grant you access and even provides you with user access history. 

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