How to Store Your Stone & Browne Watch Safely When Not in Use

At a glance

• Use a soft-lined watch case or the original box to protect it from dust, scratches, and impact.
• Always store watches face up on a soft surface, and wipe them down before storing to avoid gradual wear.
• Select a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat, and magnetic fields to maintain accuracy and preserve materials.
• Check your stored watches every few weeks for signs of strap wear, condensation, or time drift, as these can be early signs of issues.

Storing your Stone & Browne watch correctly keeps it ready for years of wear. These timepieces are crafted to be worn and enjoyed as a part of your everyday style, and the right storage habits help protect their finish, accuracy, and reliability between wears. With a few simple practices, you can ensure your watch stays in peak condition, whether it’s on your wrist or waiting for its next outing.

In this guide, you'll get practical tips on how to store your Stone & Browne watch, whether you wear it daily or only occasionally. From strap care to placement, each habit plays a role in preserving its look and performance over time.

Use the Original Box or a Watch Case

The box your Stone & Browne watch comes in isn’t just packaging; it’s carefully designed to keep your timepiece safe when it's not on your wrist. Its padded interior absorbs impact, shields the watch from dust, and prevents the face or strap from being scratched.

If you have several watches, a dedicated watch box can help you stay organised while extending the life of your collection. Look for one with individual compartments, soft protective linings like suede or microfiber, and a secure, well-fitted lid or clasp.

Avoid leaving your watch on open surfaces. Even a clean table or shelf can expose it to sunlight, moisture, or accidental bumps that can gradually damage its finish and performance.

Always Store Watches Face Up on a Soft Surface

Make sure to store your watch face up to avoid unnecessary wear. Even with Stone & Browne’s scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, placing the watch face down can lead to fine marks over time, especially on hard or uneven surfaces.

Resting your watch face down also puts pressure on key areas, such as the bezel and case. Even though Stone and Browne’s 316L stainless steel construction is built to last, good habits extend its lifespan. If you must place the watch face down during a strap change or quick inspection, use a soft cloth or padded surface as a buffer.

As a general rule, face-up storage is best to keep the crystal protected and ensure your timepiece remains in pristine condition between uses.

Store It Clean

Gently wipe your Stone & Browne watch with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any sweat, dust, or moisture before storing it. Even light traces of residue can gradually wear away the finish, particularly on the strap, if left untouched.

If your watch has a leather strap, avoid using plastic bags or sealed containers, as they can trap moisture and encourage mildew growth. Instead, choose a dry, well-ventilated spot, like a fabric-lined watch box or a soft compartment in a drawer.

For stainless steel bands, fasten the clasp before storing. This simple step helps maintain the band’s shape and reduces the likelihood of metal components rubbing against each other, thereby preventing marks.

Routine cleaning, along with proper storage and basic watch care and maintenance, goes a long way in keeping your timepiece looking sharp and functioning as it should.

Protect from Sunlight, Heat or Moisture

Environmental factors can quietly wear down even well-built watches. Sunlight may fade dials and dry out leather straps, while heat can weaken adhesives and finishes, especially when stored near windows or left in parked cars.

Moisture in the air can be just as damaging as direct contact with water. Stone & Browne watches are rated to 5 ATM, offering everyday protection against splashes or rain, but they are still vulnerable to prolonged humidity exposure.

Humidity can also harm internal components. Damp storage can cause condensation inside the case, leading to fogging, corrosion, or internal damage. It also increases the risk of battery leakage, especially in older or unused watches. Therefore, it’s best to remove the battery if you plan to store your timepiece for an extended period.

To protect your watch, avoid high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or damp closets. Instead, choose a cool, dry drawer or cabinet and add a silica gel packet to help absorb moisture. A stable environment with low humidity preserves both the appearance and performance of your watch over time.

Avoid Magnetic Fields

While Stone & Browne watches use quartz movements that are less sensitive to magnetism than mechanical ones, they can still be affected. Daily-use items like phones, wireless headphones, laptops, and magnetic clasps can still affect your watch’s accuracy when kept too close for too long.

Magnetic interference can disrupt timekeeping, leading the hands to pause, jump, or misalign. Most watches reset once moved away from the source, but frequent exposure may gradually affect long-term performance.

To protect your watch, store it away from electronics and items with magnetic fields. Even a small amount of distance helps maintain accurate timekeeping and reliability over time.

Inspect Your Watches Periodically

Even when a watch is not in regular use, it should still be checked occasionally. Check the strap for wear, look for any fogging beneath the crystal, and ensure it’s still keeping accurate time. These details, though easy to miss, can be early signs of moisture exposure or internal wear.

This kind of check-in matters most for watches you rotate less often. A brief inspection now can help prevent more issues later, keeping your timepiece in excellent condition and ready when needed.

Caring for your watch between wears takes little effort, but it makes a big difference. By keeping it clean, dry, and away from heat, humidity, and magnetic fields, you help protect its accuracy and finish for the long term.

If you’re building your collection or looking for a timepiece worth protecting, consider exploring Stone & Browne watches.