SME  /  E-COMMERCE

By FedEx | February 9, 2026

Shipping an expensive watch requires careful handling, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to ensure a smooth delivery process for your luxury timepiece.

• Shipping a luxury watch requires more than careful packaging: accurate paperwork and a reliable logistics provider are equally important.
• Accurate declarations and supporting documentation help to reduce the risk of customs issues and unexpected delays.
• A reliable shipping provider offers peace of mind through fast delivery and near-real-time visibility from pickup to doorstep.

When shipping high-value goods like luxury watches, concerns about damage or loss are often top of mind – whether you’re sending a prized timepiece or awaiting its arrival.

But physical protection is only part of the equation. It’s also important to watch out for less visible risks and pitfalls such as incomplete documentation and liability gaps. 

With the right preparation, these challenges are manageable. We’ve outlined a four-step guide on how to ship luxury watches across Asia Pacific (APAC) and beyond, helping to ensure that they arrive in the same condition they were sent.

Step 1: Pack your luxury watch securely

Proper packaging is essential when shipping a luxury watch. It helps protect delicate components from impact, prevents movement during transit, and shields against humidity. 

Use the following checklist when preparing your timepiece for shipping:

• Unwind the watch. Mechanical watches should not be left running during transit, as constant motion may place unnecessary strain on intricate internal mechanisms.
• Use the original box when possible. If you’re a collector or reseller, keeping the original box helps preserve the watch’s resale value. Designer watch boxes are also typically designed to fit the specific model perfectly, reducing wiggle room and offering protection for the crystal, bezel, and internal components.
• Add more layers. Your watch needs generous cushioning to absorb any unexpected shocks during transit. Cover the original box in bubble wrap, and place it inside a slightly larger cardboard box. Fill any empty space with cushioning materials – such as additional bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam fillers – to prevent movement.
• Seal the package carefully. All seams and flaps should be secured with high-quality packing tape. Consider using tamper-evident tape to provide your customers with added reassurance.

Protect it against moisture. In humid or tropical conditions, a silica gel packet inside the watch box can help reduce the risk of rust or mold.

Step 2: Gather all supporting documents and records

Before shipping a luxury watch, include all original accessories and documentation in the package. This typically means the warranty card, certificate of authenticity (if you have one), and any additional items included with the watch.

Take extra care if your designer watch features leather straps. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), watch straps made from certain species of crocodile, ostrich, or lizard leather may require documentation confirming their origin and compliance. Without the proper paperwork, such items risk being confiscated or destroyed at customs.

To further protect against disputes over damage or loss, it can be helpful to document the packing process. Take clear, close-up photos of the watch before packing, the packaging materials used, and the final sealed box with the shipping label attached. Just before you ship it out, photograph your package on a scale to record its weight.

These records will come in handy if questions about the watch’s condition or custody arise later.

Step 3: Get your customs paperwork and insurance in order

Shipping luxury watches across borders requires careful attention to customs regulations and import duties. Understanding these requirements in advance can help avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Many countries impose customs duties and import taxes on high-value products like luxury goods. In Australia, for example, goods with a declared or assessed value of over AUD 1,000 may be subject to import charges. Sellers should ensure that buyers are fully aware of potential fees they may need to pay before shipping their orders. Work with your logistics provider to understand customs clearance requirements and get estimates for any additional costs.

One way to minimize customs issues is to accurately declare the value of your luxury watch in your commercial invoice. This figure refers to your product’s sale price or market value, which is used by customs authorities to calculate the applicable duties and taxes.

Shippers must also provide the declared value for carriage. This represents the total amount it would cost to replace or repair the items in your shipment in the event of loss or damage – a necessary disclosure when shipping high-value items like luxury watches.

While carriers may offer limited liability coverage, reimbursement may not fully reflect the watch’s actual value. To give yourself peace of mind, consider getting a separate insurance policy that offers comprehensive coverage for high-value items.

Step 4: Choose a fast, reliable shipping service

Choosing the right logistics provider to ship your luxury watches is vital, as delivery speed and shipment visibility play a significant role in managing risk and shaping the customer experience. Look out for two key factors: reliable transit times and transparent, end-to-end tracking.

Speed matters when shipping high-value goods, as Singaporean brand Zelos Watches can attest to. Known for its innovative timepieces that draw on exotic materials, Zelos Watches works closely with FedEx for fast and reliable worldwide delivery. “Our target customers do prefer quicker shipping options, so it’s great to be able to deliver in that aspect,” says founder Elshan Tang.

Visibility is equally important. Given the value of luxury timepieces, customers expect to track their shipment from pickup to delivery. Choose shipping solutions that provide accurate, end-to-end tracking, so you can provide timely updates to your customers, as well as reassurance throughout the journey.

For especially critical or high-value shipments, enhanced visibility can offer an additional layer of confidence. FedEx Surround, for instance, provides near-real-time data about your shipments, including predictive delay alerts. Depending on the support tier you select, FedEx Surround includes 24/7 proactive monitoring, dedicated recovery and intervention teams, as well as lightweight sensors attached directly to your package, transmitting exact location updates every two seconds.

Keeping a close watch on your valuable shipments

When shipping luxury watches across borders, much of the real work happens before the box ever leaves your hands. The best way to ship expensive watches safely depends on careful preparation. With proper packing, accurate paperwork, and a reliable logistics provider, you can safeguard your luxury timepiece from key risks in transit.