Watch collection security??? experiences and opinions wanted

[adair.m]

Hello to all my fellow watch collectors.

Over the last 14 years I have collected a modest collection of watches ranging from a 1920's gold pocket watch, my grandfathers Tudor Oyster (which has a cracked glass so if anyone can point me in the right direction to get a replacement I would be dead pleased) to a Breitling Bentley motors. At the point I obtained the Breitling I realised that my collection had now reached a point where it had 'real value' and I wanted to protect it, I contacted specialist collection insurers but when I told them I wanted to have them in a display cabinet they were not willing to insure my collection. I have subsequently modified an 'off the shelf safe' to try and make it aesthetically pleasing when closed and to display my watches when open it also winds them as they are automatic or kinetic. I can only assume that other watch collectors have encountered the same problem I had, and I guess their solution was the same as mine initially - to bury their collection away in a safe when not being worn.

I am as you can see a newbie to this forum and if I am honest I am not very forum/social networking savvy so I do hope I am not breaking any rules with this post (I don't think I am).

Based on the above I am considering making and selling 'watch winder display safes' but would like the feedback of other watch collectors about what they think of the idea, their experiences of securing/insuring their collection and what they would like to see available for displaying/securing their watch collections.

I have attached some pictures of the safe I modified for myself, they are not very good quality pictures but it gives an idea. The watch winder holder is actually a draw and pulls out slightly to reveal a hidden compartment which I use for small jewellery items, there is also a larger pull out tray which is used for bigger items (paperwork, watch links etc), it also has LED lighting which turns on automatically when the door is opened, the colour of the LED's lighting can be selected between red, green, blue, yellow, purple, aqua, and white they can also be set to cycle through the colours but thats a bit too 'disco' for me!

I would be very grateful for comments and feedback on the modified safe.
Thanks for reading/looking.

[Thomas]

If you don't want something stolen don't put it on display, and the fewer people you tell you have something the better off you are.

[Aivas47a]

I agree the best security is to keep the collection tucked away out of sight.

[Wrist Candy]

Wonderful work on your part. That is a really sharp looking unit and very versatile.

It does a shame to hide it away, but the comment from Thomas is certainly valid however, so you might want to think about setting up the safe in a less public area of your home to 'view by you only' to further secure your investments.

I would think that it would be marketable item.

How does your electrical power source enter the safe and does it jepardise the fire or water resitance of the unit?

[Numismatist]

Also, what pricing range were you thinking?

[adair.m]

Thanks you for all the feedback thus far. I wasn't expecting such a fast response.

Re the security related comments;
1. the safe would need to be located in a suitable area within the home but as long as it not in plain view from outside then in real terms it makes little difference as if a theif breaks in to a home they will normally ransack the house to find all the goodies and whether the safe is on view or hidden it is no easier to lift it or break in to it. Also I personal don't invite toe-rags into my home so the only people that see my safe are those I am happy to see it + I have 5 dogs so it is highly unlikely my home wou;d be targetted!!
2. the idea is that when your at home (or in the room where the safe is) you open it and ta da there are your watches and when you go out you close/lock it and then ta da your insurer is happy. FYI I have done my work here too I have already agreed with a broker that they will cover the display safe up to its rated cash/jewellery value.

Regarding the other questions;
1. Yes unfortunately the entering of the electrical power will have a small effect on the fire/water resistance as there is a single twin core cable that enters the safe. I cannot give difinatives as I am not in a position to invest the massive sums involved for fire testing, but as my major concern is security and this would be the main focus as well as the display element I am not too worried.
The power is supplied by a mains adapter converting to 12V. Only 12V enters the safe therefore no risk of electricusion.
2. Regarding price, things have moved on somewhat since I posted this on here as I had very good feedback from some other forums. I have therefore taken up a suggestion to put it on eBay.
3. Regarding the cost of subsiquent custom display safes it really depends on what people want it to look like and what materials they want used, so agian those of you who have been kind enough to leave feedback please tell me what you would want.

Many thanks to all that have replied it is greatly appreciated

[oo7]

I like the idea but most of the heavy hitter collectors I know just leave their watches about. The home alarm is where they comply with their insurers policy requirements. If a thief is determined to get in the house, the safe doesn't matter and they have other things to worry about. I wish you luck and it may be something to look at for condo dwellers where a concierge or tradesmen can access a unit. I'd market to urban dwellers first. See what the feedback is. Good luck!

[Widows Son]

You'd be surprised at how many people know about your collection. Friends, their friends, the guy working on your furnace, the guy fixing your air conditioning, extended family, all their friends.....you get the picture. The best security is a closed mouth, security system, and a safe bolted to the ground. Anything of real value at my house is locked up.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

You'd be surprised at how many people know about your collection. Friends, their friends, the guy working on your furnace, the guy fixing your air conditioning, extended family, all their friends.....you get the picture. The best security is a closed mouth, security system, and a safe bolted to the ground. Anything of real value at my house is locked up.

Wearing long sleeve shirts doesn't hurt either.

[Zed Homme]

Safety deposit box for me. The safe debate drove me crazy as the safe being a safe makes it a natural target for a more professional thief....

[Dr.Brian]

It's interesting that in the US, I have no trouble insuring all my valuable watches and jewelry. They don't care at all where they are stored and don't even ask. I've read similar vault requirements for insurance on another web site I frequent based in the UK. Strange.

[gmh1013]

SDB for us.....I like to keep them off sight...watches
The safe would make my house more of a target IMHO
I have a Browning gun safe bolted in garage and worry about that.....its a light 1100 pounds....so something you cant pick up and throw in a truck.
I keep some of the cheaper watches in it....Omega etc...