Do you know how to insure your luxury watch the right way?
Many people spend tens of thousands on a timepiece but forget the one thing that protects it — insurance.
A Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet is not just a stylish accessory; it’s a serious investment.
In this clear and simple guide, you’ll learn how to insure your luxury watch in five easy steps.
No jargon, no complex terms. Just what you need to know to keep your timepiece safe and covered.
Why it matters: protect your investment the smart way
Luxury watches are valuable, fragile, and often targeted by thieves. Accidents happen too.
You might drop your watch, leave it in a hotel drawer, or have it stolen from your wrist.
Without proper insurance, you’ll be left with a very expensive problem.
Instead of taking that risk, learn how to insure your luxury watch and gain peace of mind.
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Step 1: Get your watch appraised by a professional
To insure your luxury watch, you need to know how much it’s worth today. An official appraisal will give you that number. Make sure it includes:
- Brand, model, and serial number
- Condition and value based on the current market
- Clear photos
- Date of appraisal
💡 Even if you still have your original receipt, the market value may be much higher.
A modern Rolex Submariner, for example, often sells for double the retail price.
Step 2: Choose the right insurance policy for your timepiece
There are two ways to insure your luxury watch:
📦 add it to your home insurance
This is quick and cheap, but not always enough.
Most home policies have low item limits and won’t cover damage or loss abroad.
🔒 use a specialist watch insurance company
This is the best way to fully protect your timepiece. These companies understand watches and offer full coverage, including travel, theft, and damage.
Recommended providers:
- Jewelers Mutual
- Hodinkee Insurance
- Chubb
- BriteCo
Step 3: Send all required documents to your insurer
After you choose your provider, you’ll need to send them the right paperwork. This usually includes:
- The appraisal
- A copy of the receipt (if available)
- Photos showing the watch clearly
- Warranty card or certificate
- Any past service records
📎 Tip: Organize all documents into one PDF or folder to save time during claims.
Step 4: Check what your insurance covers
Before you sign anything, double-check the fine print. Your policy should include:
✅ Theft (even while traveling)
✅ Accidental damage (drops, scratches)
✅ Loss or disappearance
✅ Global coverage
✅ Full replacement with the same model
➡️ If any of these are missing, ask your insurer to include them.
That’s how to insure your luxury watch without gaps.
Step 5: Review and update your policy regularly
The final step is easy — but often forgotten. Over time, your watch’s value might go up.
You might also buy new timepieces. That’s why you should:
- Reappraise every 3–5 years
- Update after a major service
- Add new watches to your plan
- Review your coverage once a year
🧠 Example: A Rolex GMT-Master II bought for $9,000 in 2018 might be worth $20,000 today.
Insuring it for the old value could cost you big.
Summary checklist: are you covered?
Use this simple checklist to be sure your luxury watch is protected:
✅ I have a recent appraisal
✅ My documents are saved and organized
✅ I use specialist insurance, not just home insurance
✅ I checked for global and full-replacement coverage
✅ I review my insurance each year
Missed a box? It’s time to act.
Final thoughts: How to insure your luxury watch the smart way
It doesn’t matter if your watch is a daily wearer or lives in a safe — without insurance, you’re one bad moment away from losing it all.
Knowing how to insure your luxury watch is essential, and now you have a clear path to do it.
So insure it, wear it proudly, and sleep well knowing you’re covered.
🎁 BONUS: Want more?
Download our free guide:
Top 5 Investment Watches to Buy in 2025
