When private individuals sell watches, the first step is to find a buyer and negotiate a price that both parties can agree on. But the next step shouldn't be forgotten: shipping. There are a few things to consider here, as watches are usually relatively expensive items.

In this article, we've summarized the most important information about shipping timepieces and explain what's important when it comes to packaging and hiring a shipping service provider. We also address the topic of insuring high-quality items and offer practical tips to ensure a smooth watch shipping process.

The most important things in brief

This article covers, among other things, the following topics:

• Packaging: To optimally protect watches from transport damage, they should be packed in boxes padded with bubble wrap, ideally two or three layers. Depending on the shipping service, the packaging may also need to be specially sealed or placed in a secure bag.

• Delivery service providers and insurance: Watches can be shipped via traditional parcel services, such as DHL and UPS, or via valuables shipping companies (e.g., INTEX and Galle). The liability limits are among the most important information for customers. For example, DHL only insures watches up to a value of €500 and is not liable for any excess. Therefore, more expensive timepieces should be entrusted to valuables shipping professionals to ensure they are insured against damage and loss.

• Shipping costs: Shipping costs depend on the package size, destination, selected parcel service, and the insurance amount. They may increase if additional options are booked (e.g., precise pickup time or recipient ID verification) or if customs clearance is required.

Processing: What needs to happen before watches are shipped

A prospective buyer has chosen the watch, the price has been agreed upon, and the buyer can hardly wait for delivery of their new jewel. But before the watch can make its way to its new home, a few things still need to be taken care of.

First, the seller obviously needs information about the desired delivery address to even know where the package should be sent. Furthermore, both parties must clarify who will cover the shipping costs, how the goods will be insured, and who will pay any associated fees and customs duties. Typically, the buyer covers all costs added to the price of the watch, but individual solutions can be found here. It's important that both parties know exactly who is paying which amounts.

Once all this information has been exchanged, the sender is strongly advised to hold the package until the money has been credited to their account. Even if you have a "good feeling" about a customer and the transaction has gone smoothly so far, you can never be sure that you're not dealing with a fraudster. The golden rule is: The sale is only complete once the goods have been paid for, and this should definitely happen before shipping.

How to pack watches properly for shipping

To ensure the watch survives its transport to its new owner undamaged, it must be packaged appropriately. Here, it's better to be safe than sorry: Expensive items, which luxury watches clearly fall under, should be packaged a little more carefully and securely than absolutely necessary, so that even rough handling of the package won't harm them.

These instructions and recommendations should be heeded:

• Send watches (if available) in the original box

• If the original box is missing, wrap the watch with at least two layers of bubble wrap and secure it with strong adhesive tape

• Also wrap the original boxes in a layer of bubble wrap

• Choose boxes without damage (tears, creases, unstable sides, etc.)

• Prefer smaller boxes in which the watch can slide around less

• Place the padded watch with all accompanying documents (warranty certificates, service booklets, invoices, brochures, certificates, etc.) in the box

• Fill empty spaces in the box generously with bubble wrap

• Carefully seal the box with parcel tape

• Optional: Line another, larger box with bubble wrap and use it as additional outer packaging for the already packed parcel

Transport service and insurance: Selecting a delivery service for the watch shipment

There are various delivery options available for shipping watches:

Classic shipping services (DHL, UPS, Hermes, etc.)

In principle, the package can be handed over to a conventional delivery service. This refers to common shipping services such as DHL, DPD, UPS, Hermes, or GLS. These generally accept slightly more expensive items for shipping, thus also offering so-called valuables shipping.

However, insured shipping of watches via traditional providers is only possible up to a certain value, which varies from company to company. Providers differentiate between two types of valuables: Class I and Class II. Watches are assigned to Class II, which means that liability for watch shipments is limited to goods with a comparatively low value.

This table shows exactly where the delivery services draw the liability limit for insured watch shipping in their shipping conditions:

The value of the items is not determined by the RRP, but by the price at which the goods were sold. If this price exceeds the respective liability limit, DHL, GLS, and others are not liable for loss or damage, despite supposedly insured shipping.

An additional note: The above-mentioned upper value limits apply to the shipping of watches within Germany. Different regulations may apply for international shipping. For example, with DHL: The provider takes care of the insured shipping of watches up to a value of €25,000 internationally. Therefore, DHL is more suitable as a transport service for international shipments than for shipping watches within Germany.

Specialized companies for valuables and valuables shipping

If you want to ship watches with a higher value with national insurance, it is recommended to use specialized shipping companies. These providers focus entirely on valuables shipping and can easily insure goods whose price exceeds the €500 DHL threshold against loss and damage.

Among the best-known providers for valuables shipping in this country are INTEX and Galle, with whom many customers report very positive experiences. Obtaining transport insurance is straightforward with these valuables shipping specialists. Transport can be conveniently ordered online and paid for in advance, for example, by bank transfer or by invoice afterward.

Such valuables shipping service providers often also distinguish themselves by their ability to receive shipments particularly quickly—sometimes as early as the morning of the day after booking. The package is then usually picked up from the customer and sent directly to the recipient.

Specialized delivery services charge more than DHL and similar standard providers, both in terms of shipping costs and transport insurance. However, the more expensive the contents of the package, the more worthwhile it is to accept the slightly higher shipping costs for a fully insured valuables shipment. This is almost always the case with watches.

Criteria for evaluating transport service providers for watches, jewelry, etc.

In addition to Galle and INTEX, there are several other companies that handle insured high-value shipments. When choosing a provider, watch sellers should keep these criteria in mind:

• Delivery area: Especially when shipping watches abroad, it's important to check whether your preferred delivery service even serves the destination country. After all, some companies only offer services to Germany and neighboring countries.

• Tracking: Can the package be tracked? The answer to this question should definitely be "yes." After all, when shipping valuable goods, both sellers and buyers want to know where they are and when they will reach their destination.

• Insurance: Of course, the respective company must offer the option of insuring the goods against loss and damage up to their full price. Customers should definitely read the "fine print" here to avoid overlooking any limiting liability limits.

• Delivery time: While there is often no guaranteed delivery date by default, most providers provide information on average expected delivery times. This factor plays a crucial role in selecting a shipping provider, especially for shipments that must arrive by a specific date. For an additional fee, you can often book express delivery with next-day delivery.

• Shipping costs: It's also worth comparing shipping costs. However, you should consider not just the price, but also the value for money. Cheap shipping with gaps in the insurance coverage of the goods is of no use to anyone.

• Experience: In addition, sellers should look at online reviews and ratings from other customers. While these don't necessarily reflect reality 100%, they can provide valuable information and help assess the company's credibility and professionalism.

• Additional services: If necessary, you can request that the service provider offer special additional services (e.g., preferred delivery time, weekend shipping, cash on delivery, personal delivery, or identity verification upon receipt). Such options can be booked directly online with INTEX, Galle, and others – if available – but will increase the shipping costs.

Overview of liability, value of goods and damage cases during valuables transport

When transporting valuables, especially luxury timepieces, clear liability regulations are crucial. Even before the order is placed, any inquiries regarding the maximum liability amount, the value of the goods, and potential damage claims should be answered transparently – both by the transport company and specialized freight forwarders. If a threshold is exceeded, special security measures such as interim storage or special parcel procedures are often implemented.

It is essential for the client to clearly link the shipment of valuables to a binding payment, the correct numerical value, and a precise shipping destination. In the event of loss or damage, documentation of all data relating to logistics, the shipping location, and delivery is essential. This is the only way to ensure liability – regardless of the freight forwarder involved.

Drop-off or collection: Handing over the goods to the transport company

When shipping watches, handing over the goods to the shipping company is another step, and several things must be taken into account. There are basically several ways to send the goods to the delivery service.

Pick-up by Galle, INTEX and other specialized services

As mentioned above, specialized valuables shipping services usually pick up the shipment from the sender's home. A pickup appointment is scheduled for this, usually with a time window of between two and six hours. This means the seller must be at home for an extended period. Some companies, including INTEX and Galle, offer the option of a more specific pickup time for an additional fee.

Upon delivery, the delivery company's employee will check whether the goods have been packaged correctly. Depending on the provider, securely packaging the watch in a box may be sufficient; in some cases, sealing with security tape and a label, or placing the goods in a safe bag, may be required. This outer packaging is sent to the seller in advance and serves to ensure that the package is not opened between delivery and arrival at the recipient.

Handover of goods to DHL, UPS, etc.

Most conventional parcel services typically hand over goods at a parcel shop. For example, the packaged items are taken to a DHL branch and continue their journey from there. Alternatively, you can arrange for the parcel to be picked up or taken along when another shipment is delivered to your address.

One more note: Both valuables logistics companies and "regular" delivery services require a receipt for the delivery of the shipment. The sender receives a confirmation either in writing or by email, which they should definitely keep safe.

At a glance: The most important tips for shipping watches

Finally, we briefly summarize the most important tips for shipping watches:

• No shipping until payment is received: Every sold item should not be shipped until it has been paid for. This is especially true for higher-priced items like watches and jewelry.

• Clarify terms and conditions: Buyer and seller should clarify who will bear the shipping costs, any customs duties, surcharges for additional insurance, and similar fees related to shipping the watches.

• Pack securely: Since watches are delicate items, secure packaging to protect them from damage is of utmost importance. In addition to properly sized boxes, you'll need cushioning material, such as bubble wrap, and strong adhesive tape.

• Know the liability limits: One of the most important things for senders is the liability limits of the logistics companies. These limits are generally lower than you might expect with DHL and other conventional services. If the price of the watch being shipped exceeds the limit, you must use a specialized secure shipping company (INTEX, Galle, etc.). Otherwise, no insurance coverage is available.

• Have the handover acknowledged: The handover of the goods should be confirmed with a receipt, which should be kept safely until the watch has arrived safely with the buyer.

• Keep and forward the tracking number: The tracking number, which can be used to view information about the watch's location and estimated arrival time, should also be kept and forwarded to the recipient.

Conclusion: Send watches correctly

How do you ship watches correctly? The short answer: After receiving payment, securely package them, and use a suitable logistics company. If you have basic information and practical tips on packaging, shipping valuables, and liability, you can ship watches quite easily and, above all, with good insurance against damage and loss.

FAQ - Questions and answers about shipping watches

Can you ship expensive watches with DHL?

DHL classifies watches as Class II valuables, which is why they can only be shipped insured up to a value of €500. The same applies to other "regular" parcel services, such as GLS, DPD, and Hermes. Therefore, despite the temptingly reasonable shipping costs, it is not recommended to ship expensive watches with these services.

Who bears the shipping risk when shipping watches?

The shipping risk generally lies with the buyer, i.e., the recipient of the package. They usually also cover the shipping costs and any additional insurance, although this should be clearly communicated before the purchase is completed.

What does valuable shipping mean?

The term value shipping describes the shipping of high-value goods, known as valuables.

How much does it cost to ship watches?

Shipping costs depend on the size of the package, the delivery area (national or international), the insurance coverage, and the pricing of the parcel service. In comparison, shipping costs for non-specialized services (e.g., Hermes and DHL) are lower than for valuables shipping companies (e.g., Galle and Intex).

Are watches subject to customs duties?

Yes, watches can be subject to customs duties. Due to the fact that luxury watch smuggling remains a current issue, customs authorities may pay particular attention to such shipments. Therefore, it is essential that everything is handled properly.

What happens if a package containing watches is lost?

For watches sold between private individuals, the buyer bears the full risk and is not entitled to compensation for lost parcels. If the parcel was appropriately insured, the logistics company entrusted with the shipment is liable.

Who is liable if the watch is damaged during transport?

The answer here depends on the shipping insurance and packaging. If the package is properly insured and the liability limit for insured shipping has not been exceeded, the shipping company is liable. However, if it turns out that the watch was packaged carelessly and not in accordance with the parcel service's terms and conditions, the company's liability may be waived.