WAX Guide to Insuring Luxury Watches: Safeguarding Timepieces as Investments

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WAX Guide to Insuring Luxury Watches: Safeguarding Timepieces as Investments

Insurance, Luxury Assets & Collectibles

Published on: Oct 31, 2025

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The global watch market reflects a blend of tradition and technology. Global watch sales were worth roughly $75.8 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $116.7 billion by 2034 and an annual growth rate of around 4.5 %. Smartwatch shipments exceeded 150 million units in 2023, and more than 200 million smartwatches are in use worldwide, with the U.S. accounting for 45 % of wearable tech users. Despite this surge, the luxury segment remains strong—rare Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet watches routinely fetch seven or even eight‑figure sums at auction; the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A‑010 sold for US$31.19 million in 2019.

“Every timepiece is a masterwork of engineering. As watch enthusiasts, we created WAX coverage to respect their intricacies and honor the horological craft.”
Angel Garcia, Customer Success Lead


Why watches need specialized coverage

  • Portability and theft – Fine watches are small and easy to steal, making them prime targets for burglary and opportunistic theft.

  • Mechanical complexity – High‑end mechanical movements can be damaged by drops, magnetism, or improper servicing. Replacement parts may be scarce or discontinued.

  • Water and environmental damage – Vintage pieces often lack water resistance. Even moisture, humidity or extreme temperatures can corrode metals or degrade gaskets.

  • Transit exposure – Most damage and disappearances occur while shipping watches for servicing, trade shows or private sales; standard shipping insurance is based on weight, not value.

WAX Collect’s watch coverage

  • A WAX watch policy provides worldwide, all‑risk protection for both vintage and modern timepieces:

  • High limits and agreed values – Schedule individual watches or insure a blanket collection. WAX pays the agreed value or current market value (up to 150 % of agreed value) to reflect appreciation.

  • Worldwide transit coverage – Nail‑to‑nail protection for shipment to service centers, auctions or private sales. Coverage applies whether you use FedEx®, armored carriers or hand carry.

  • Automatic coverage of new pieces – Newly purchased watches are covered immediately up to 25% of the category limit; simply notify WAX within 90 days to update your schedule.

  • Claim separation – Claims won’t affect your homeowners insurance.

  • Expert valuation and repair – WAX partners with watchmakers, auction houses and authorized service centers to ensure proper valuation and restoration. If a vintage chronograph can be repaired, WAX pays for authentic parts and certified watchmakers.

Real‑World Case Study

A collector wore their vintage chronograph to a wedding, where it was discreetly stolen. WAX reimbursed its full auction value and connected them with dealers to source a comparable replacement. Another watch enthusiast knocked a box of watches off a shelf; their WAX policy covered the repairs and polished out scratches. In contrast, an uninsured watch lost in a burglary was reimbursed only at minimal personal property limits.

Tips for collectors

  • Keep documentation – Maintain purchase receipts, certificates, service records and photographs. Provenance increases value and eases claims.

  • Invest in storage – Use a safe, watch winder and humidity‑controlled environment to mitigate theft and environmental risks. Consider a bank safe deposit box for particularly rare pieces.

  • Service regularly – Mechanical movements need periodic lubrication and inspection. Document service dates and watchmaker details.


Ready to protect your collection?

Collectors can request a quote in minutes through WAX’s digital platform, and brokers can contact us to design policies for high‑end timepieces.

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved