Watch Boxes: Storage, Value, and Collector Habits

JToddH · 2018-02-11T17:19:16Z

Collectors discuss the role of watch boxes in ownership, storage, and value. JToddH shares his unique acquisition of Alex Rossi's Indy 500 TAG Heuer Carrera box.

JToddH

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

22 replies4530 views10 photos

JToddH sparks a fascinating community discussion about the often-overlooked role of watch boxes in collecting. He shares a unique personal anecdote about acquiring the box for Alex Rossi's Indy 500 Carrera Heuer 01 LE, prompting collectors to reflect on their own practices regarding storage, display, and the perceived value of original packaging.

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Last month, I was perusing a popular auction site, not looking for anything particular. While browsing, I came across a watch box – no watch, just the display box, outer box and warranty card. That this particular box would end up on the market without a watch seemed a bit unusual.

Beyond the box and auction, I started thinking about the role boxes play in various aspects of watch ownership. As my modest collection builds, so does the plethora of boxes in all shapes and sizes. I’m curious how other people view these vessels that house and deliver some of our most valued, or at least coveted, possessions.

So I pose the following questions to see how others feel about…“the boxes.”

1. Do boxes play any role in your decision to purchase a particular watch?

2. Do you use the boxes to display your watches?

3. When you receive a watch, what do you save?

4. How do you manage boxes?

I’ll start by saying that:

(1.) For new watches, the design of the box doesn’t impact my decision as long as the set is complete. For pre-owned watches, a box/set is preferred, but not mandatory. Obviously, box and papers will influence the amount I am willing to pay for a pre-owned or vintage piece.

(2.) A lot of watches look really nice in their display boxes, but my guess is that most people, like myself, keep the watches in the safe and boxes (even if in the safe as well) simply get stored away.

(3.) When I receive a new piece, I save everything but the shipping box it arrived in. I save all stickers, hang tags and any labels or paperwork associated with the watch or the transaction.

(4.) I’m careful to put something inside each box to ensure I don’t get things mixed up. I have several pieces that came in identical boxes, but often hang tags or booklets may vary slightly. In any case, I make sure I can always reconstitute the complete set.

So What About that Auction?

Well, much to my surprise, my auction browsing lead me to a listing for a complete box set for TAG Heuer’s 100th Indy 500 Carrera Heuer 01. It was complete, minus the watch. With only 100 made, I was surprised to see the box set available for sale.

Keep in mind, I already have the complete set for a 100th Indy 500, including the watch. I was even fortunate enough to have my box signed by Alexander Rossi, who won the race. Still, this auction intrigued me.

I finally emailed the seller for more info about the box set. As it turns out, it was the box that originally contained the watch presented to Alex Rossi following his historic win.

What?

LEFT: Alex Rossi presented a Carrera Heuer 01 LE after winning the 100th Indy500. RIGHT: Myself and Alex sporting our 100th Indy 500 Carrera Heuer 01 LEs.

At some point prior to the race, the watch was placed in a larger presentation box, no doubt because it shows up better in promotional photos. The original box set was simply discarded, eventually making its way to the auction site. None of this information was disclosed during the auction, except in response to the questions that I emailed the seller.

As for provenance, part of the set included the warranty card that lists TAG Heuer Marketing in the area typically reserved for dealer information. I’m confident the seller’s story is accurate and that this is the box that originally housed the Heuer 01 presented to Alex Rossi upon winning the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

I don’t know if this box will ever be considered “collectible” or not, but it makes a great addition my Indy TAG SWAG, and has a cool story behind it. If all else fails, I have a backup to my original box set.

I guess ultimately, boxes are somewhat like the watches we collect. They each have their own unique significance that varies from person to person. How we view, save or manage them plays at least some small role in the passion we all have for our watches.

I know what my boxes mean to me, but I’m curious to read about others’ thoughts on this topic.

Key Points from the Discussion

Many collectors, especially of vintage pieces, store watches in secure, humidity-controlled environments like zip-lockers and waterproof containers in bank safety deposits, keeping original boxes separate in dry, dark places.
The design of a watch box rarely influences a purchase decision for new watches, but a complete set (box and papers) is highly preferred for pre-owned or vintage pieces and significantly impacts the perceived value and willingness to pay.
Most collectors do not use boxes for display, preferring to store watches in safes or dedicated watch boxes, while the original packaging is often stored away in a separate, organized space.
A common practice is to save every component received with a new watch, including all stickers, hang tags, labels, and paperwork, often with methods to prevent mixing up identical boxes.
The evolution of watch boxes from utilitarian devices to elaborate works of art is noted, with some brands now offering practical travel boxes that collectors can actually use.
Some collectors find elaborate boxes to be 'just a box' and do not feel they add significant value or display appeal, even from high-end independent brands.

The Discussion

VintageAlex (aka AlexKontiki)

Feb 11, 2018

First I’ve to say that I always think in boxes, papers and guaranty. 1. The boxes, to me, doesn’t play an important role in my decision to purchase a watch but the full set is very important to me. 2. I have the boxes always apart, honestly a just have three watches in the safety box. 3. Exactly the same. 4. I have a big closet full of boxes, and also a lot of similar Eterna’s boxes. And two identical Tag Heuer. I was thinking if it was a good idea to build a room specially for my boxes, and I t

Watchonthewrist

Feb 11, 2018

I also label my boxes ( because i have more watches with a similar box ) so i dont mix things up later 😬.

HSTE

Feb 12, 2018

......and in most of the cases the boxes and papers have gone. I keep the vintage boxes separate from the watches as the watches live quite a dull life if not on my wrist: they are in zip-lockers and then again in waterproof tupperwares. That is how they disappear in the safety deposit of the bank. Takes little space and keeps humidity away. The original, vintage boxes are in a separate place, dry, no sun-light. Cheers, HSTE

Alkiro1

Feb 12, 2018

Well, to answer to your questions: 1/ Boxes (design, size...) have absolutely no impact on my purchasing decision. 2/ I never use my boxes to display my watches as they are all in a safe in two dedicated boxes in order to be tidy. 3/ When I receive a watch, I save absolutely everything. 4/ All my boxes are tidy in a dedicated space. Best wishes Alkiro

JToddH

Feb 12, 2018

Your first photo is quite telling in that it reminds us how much boxed have changed over the years. Like the watches themselves, the boxes have evolved from utilitatarian devices to works of art. Your second photo reminds me of a friend who has an extensive number of vintage Heuers and also keeps them secured at the bank. Very practical process. Thanks for sharing!

JToddH

Feb 12, 2018

I seriously regret not doing better in French in high school and college!

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Watch Boxes: Storage, Value, and Collector Habits

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