Straps, Winders And Travel Cases: The Watch Accessories Your Collection Needs

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Straps, Winders And Travel Cases: The Watch Accessories Your Collection Needs

Words by Ms Laura McCreddie-Doak

27 July 2023

What is art without a frame? A classic car without a tool kit and chamois leather? Wine without temperature-controlled storage, the finest glassware and, at the very least, a waiter’s friend? What we’re getting at is that once you have a watch collection, you will inevitably find yourself in need of any number of accessories to go with it.

There are straps ripe for swapping, leather cases in which to transport your precious cargo, winders so your watches don’t seize up while you’re not wearing them and beautifully appointed tool kits should you need to embark on a little at-home maintenance.

We’ve selected 10 tempting additions to your watch wardrobe, luxuries that will make any watch collection just that little bit more complete.

01.

The Rapport London double watch case

Rapport London has embraced its summery side with its latest range of travel cases. Clad in its distinctive cross-grain leather, they leave the more predictable, muted tones of luxury watch accessories at home in favour of bright oranges, greens and blues. With soft, suede-lined space for two watches, this is the perfect travel case for a weekend getaway, or an eye-catching option for storing your heavy-rotation favourites at home.

02.

The Scatola del Tempo leather watch box

You might be the kind of person who travels with eight watches – if so, more power to you. Or you might be looking to keep the growing collection organised (storing all those original boxes is the definition of a first-world problem). Either way, we recommend the Scatola del Tempo Valigetta in one of its larges versions, capable of holding eight watches in individual leather-lined spaces. There’s a real “business on the outside, party on the inside” character to it, with the distinctive turquoise lining that’s echoed in subtle stitching around the outer edge.

03.

The Rapport London + George Cleverley watch winder

Exclusive to MR PORTER, this watch winder deserves to wind only your most precious timepieces. It has been designed by storied British watch accessories and leather goods designer Rapport London, in partnership with the shoemaker George Cleverley and is made in the UK. The result is a rich, black and brown mottled outer, a door that looks like an old-school loudspeaker and a soft leather cushion, which spins at three different speeds, to cosset your prized grand complication.

04.

The Scatola Del Tempo one watch winder

Looking for a watch winder you can squeeze into your hand luggage? This sleek Scatola del Tempo design is just the ticket. The front looks remarkably like a bi-colour bezel made famous by a certain coronated brand, it runs on batteries and oscillates at 1,600 turns per day. It’s a classic combination of Swiss engineering and Italian style, which is why it looks great and runs like clockwork.

05.

The Globe-Trotter watch box

Since 1897, Globe-Trotter has been synonymous with the more elegant side of travel. So, it comes as no surprise that its watch cases are the last word in streamlined. The outside resembles a simple travelling case, albeit one made from its signature lightweight vulcanised fibreboard, with leather corners and handles. Open it and there’s space for three timepieces, which means you can take a versatile selection with you. And maybe, even leave a space to fill on your travels.

06.

The laCalifornienne yellow strap

Nothing transforms a watch as quickly and easily as a change of strap. A different colour can make a background detail, such as lume, really pop. A style swap can take a design from dress to sporty with the twist of a screw. laCalifornienne is the brand you turn to when you want to add some much-needed sunshine to your wrist. Renowned for its brightly coloured stripes painted on pale tan leather, they are guaranteed to make you smile.

07.

The Horus Watch Straps camo strap

The 1990s have been back for a good minute. And, apparently, the Boyz II Men uniform of blazers and baseball caps is suddenly de rigeur. We’re not sure whether camo trousers are going to make a full comeback, but you can give your watch a touch of retro flair with a camo strap from Horus Watch Straps. Made from durable rubber and easy to fit, you can switch up your watch in seconds. Just leave the wallet chain at home.

08.

The WOLF triple watch winder

Indecisive much? Why not keep three watches wound and ready to wear at a moment’s notice? WOLF’s three-watch winding case has individual settings for each position (different watches should be wound at different speeds) and even better, space in the top compartment for a further five watches to be stored, plus straps, tools and other bits and pieces. The glass front allows you to admire your collection as it’s being maintained – three watches spinning in unison is something of a spectacle, after all.

09.

The Charles Simon travel watch case

You don’t have to be called Christian to appreciate complimentary shades of grey. He would definitely appreciate this minimalist bull leather-covered case by Charles Simon with three removable cushions and an interior lined with Alcantara, a sustainable synthetic textile manufactured to mimic suede. Designed by two Canadian engineers, it is a well-crafted, classic travel case that would make an excellent foil for your more colourful timepieces. Or your grey ones.

10.

The Bamford Watch Department watch roll

It might seem like a watch collector must live their life in shades of brown, grey and navy. And to be fair, there’s nothing wrong with subtle, sophisticated colours, but some of us live life a little louder than others and for that, we have this camo-print Bamford Watch Department canvas roll. Ideal for grabbing three or four watches for a quick getaway or heading to a collector get-together.