Watch Storage: Ziplock Bags for Your Collection

cazalea · 2016-10-28T09:09:14Z

Cazalea explores Ziplock bags for watch storage and selection. Discover this unconventional method, its pros, cons, and community insights.

cazalea

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies5306 views9 photos

Cazalea introduces a novel, yet surprisingly practical, method for watch storage and selection: Ziplock bags. This post details his experience using this unconventional approach for both vacation storage and a 'lottery draw' daily watch selection. His humorous and insightful account offers a fresh perspective on watch organization, prompting community discussion on its merits and drawbacks.

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I saw this with Bill and some others here. I've used bags for straps and bracelets, but never watches.

A few weeks ago when we planned our latest vacation, I went to the store, bought 100 sandwich bags, and bagged up all my watches.

Rather than insulating them in handkerchiefs or absorbent cloths, I put them into the bags.

I called out the name and model of each, which my wife wrote onto the bag with a marker pen.

Then we loaded them into the bag and off it went to the vault. Now that we are home, I faced the task of filling up the watch cabinet again. Not one to do a job without some ~~planning and consideration~~ procrastination, I kept the bag in the bedroom until finally I needed a watch. Viewing this as a great "lottery draw" opportunity, I have been reaching into the bag blind each morning and selecting a watch without previous visual scanning.

Today I decided to share this process. I first drew out a Sinn 656 but decided against it because "Do I really want black on black? I don't know ..."

The Omega f300 was rejected on the grounds that it's stopped, and that means a battery, or more likely a trip to the electronic watch expert for some minor service.

The Precision Pocket Watch - no, not a pocket watch today.

You can see the Omega in the background murmuring "Choose me, choose me!" but my hand fell on the Seiko Astron instead. I guess I do want a black on black watch today.

This is the high-end quartz-only Astron Seiko, which came long before the Astron GPS line arrived and took over the brand name. Because I haven't worn the watch for a few months, I had to move the date ahead one day, and now am wondering if I have to wait for the seconds to roll around and reset the time too?

First I put the watches away, move down to the office, took a couple phone calls and only then remembered to check it against the GPS clock. No, I guess no reset is necessary. It's right on the money.

I guess the overall evaluation of the ZipLock & Carrier Bag watch storage is positive so far. The biggest downside - it's a lot easier for someone to carry the whole collection away. My previous strategy of watch storage, in cabinet, boxes, scattered on tables, dressers and desks means no average thief would have the time to find them all ...

The things we do in the name of research ...

Cazalea

About the Horological Meandering Ref. Sinn656

The 656 model from Horological Meandering is recognized for its clear, functional design, prioritizing legibility and robustness. It represents a straightforward approach to a tool watch, focusing on essential timekeeping without superfluous features. This reference is often appreciated by collectors who value understated utility and a no-nonsense aesthetic, distinguishing it within the broader catalog for its specific design philosophy. It is a model that emphasizes practical application over decorative elements, aligning with a particular segment of the watch collecting community.

The watch features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 38.5mm in diameter, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. It is powered by an automatic movement, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The crystal is made of sapphire, offering excellent scratch resistance, a practical choice for a watch designed for everyday wear. The construction ensures a water resistance suitable for daily activities, reinforcing its character as a dependable timekeeping instrument.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a durable and highly legible watch for regular use. Its design language is consistent with the brand's commitment to functional timepieces. The 656 is available with a black dial, contributing to its high contrast and readability. Its position in the lineup is that of a foundational tool watch, often considered a gateway into the brand's more technically advanced offerings, yet standing strong on its own merits.

Specifications

Caliber: ETA 2824-2

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 38.5mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ziplock bag method is an effective way to store watches in limited space, though a thicker quality bag is recommended for better protection.
Some collectors take the Ziplock bag method a step further by vacuum-sealing the bags to remove air, potentially offering enhanced protection.
The author clarifies that the watches were stored in a vault during vacation, not taken on the trip, and the Ziplock method was for post-vacation organization.
The author's collection grew significantly after joining WatchProSite, illustrating the community's influence on collecting habits.
One contributor shared a personal anecdote about a near-flood incident at a bank vault, prompting them to reconsider watch storage precautions.
The Seiko Astron high-end quartz model, predating the GPS line, is highlighted as a favorite Seiko wristwatch.

The Discussion

Bill

Oct 28, 2016

That is a great way to store watches in limited space. But I do recommend a much ticker quality zip lok for better safety. Sounds like fun. Bill

ThomasM

Oct 28, 2016

And sealing them up. Sweat and skin oils can be very corrosive...

cazalea

Oct 28, 2016

so we did the regular bags for our test.

cazalea

Oct 28, 2016

I had them all in the cabinet to start with. It's just a big glass box with some desiccant, a winder, and a zillion watches. Nothing was fresh off-the-wrist. BEFORE WATCHPROSITE: AFTER GETTING INVOLVED WITH WATCHPROSITE: BTW - for those who thought I took them all on vacation - NO, I just took them to a vault. I'm just procrastinating about putting them all back in orderly rows again. Cazalea

Bounce781

Oct 28, 2016

So regular bags will have to do! Looks like you had fun with that

Bounce781

Oct 28, 2016

That is some collection. Let\'s hope the glass shelves bear up

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Watch Storage: Ziplock Bags for Your Collection

About the Horological Meandering Ref. Sinn656

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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