Shipping Watches Internationally | Packaging Tips
How to pack and ship watches overseas
Either as a gift, a sale, or when relocating, both individuals and businesses often need to ship Apple Watches internationally by courier. Take advantage of our experience in logistics and learn from our specialists how to properly pack a watch for shipping and follow our tips to find the best courier service to send watches overseas. Use the price tool below to get an immediate quote and book your delivery in less than 5 minutes.
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Valuable or luxury watches are usually considered restricted or prohibited for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.
BEFORE SHIPPING
What to consider before shipping watches internationally?
Before you send an expensive watch by post or courier, consider the steps below to assure a smooth delivery:
- Estimate the time of delivery using our digital tool and make sure you are present during pick-up and delivery.
- Print and attach the label to your parcel if this is your responsibility. This information will be provided via email when you conclude the order.
- When sending watches overseas, it is important to keep the original invoice to prove the original value of the item.
HOW TO SHIP
How to send watches overseas via courier
When it comes to shipping watches internationally, it is of utmost importance to
pick the right transport method for your needs.
pick the right transport method for your needs.
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*Please bear in mind that some courier companies may include expensive, luxury or gold watches in the list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.
PACKING GUIDE
How to pack a watch for shipping by courier or post
Follow these easy instructions if you are looking for the best way to pack and ship a watch by courier or post. When sending an expensive or luxury watch, packing it in its original box is even more important, since these are delicate items.
- Use bubble wrap to protect the watch and secure it with tape.
- Put the watch in its original packaging or a small cardboard box, previously padded.
- If you are shipping the watch without its original box, use extra bubble wrap and seal with tape.
- Put the box containing the watch into a larger cardboard box, also previously padded.
- Seal and label the parcel (if needed).
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SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Transport rules about sending watches by courier or post
The factors that determine if a watch is suitable for shipping are its valued price and the materials it is made of. Most courier companies determine a threshold for the items they allow to be transported, which usually corresponds to the insurance coverage available. If your item falls below this threshold and is not considered valuable or fragile, it will be allowed for shipping. However, if your item exceeds the threshold value, you should be aware that you will be sending this watch at your own risk, and the shipping insurance will not be applicable.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Shipping watches internationally by courier or mail services
Will all couriers ship watches internationally?
It depends on the value of the item.
Not all courier companies will ship watches to another location. For example, DHL, FedEx, TNT and UPS will not ship expensive or luxury watches. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments and services, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. When booking our Express or Regular Plus shipping services, please make sure not to include valuable watches, as the courier will refuse to collect the parcel. You can reach us by chat, phone or email before shipping watches internationally to discuss your options further.
However, most couriers will allow customers to ship non-expensive watches.
How much does it cost to ship a watch overseas?
It is hard to give an average price for shipping a watch internationally, either by courier or post, because the total cost of transport depends on the size of the parcel, the route, and the price of the item.
When comparing the shipping price with different providers, we invite you to use our booking tool that was designed to do this search for you! Our system automatically compares hundreds of shipping quotes and identifies the most economical one for your request.
Can I ship smartwatches such as an Apple or Samsung Watch internationally?
Smartwatches are considered electronic items and can, therefore, be shipped internationally with courier or post services. Always keep the original invoice of the equipment and adequately pack your watch for shipping – the best way of doing so is keeping the original packaging. Check our dedicated page for more information about shipping electronics.
Is it allowed to ship valuable watches such as a Rolex, Patek Philippe or Omega?
Shipping luxury watches internationally is considered restricted by most courier companies since they are valuable items. Individuals who decide to send luxury watches via courier or post, will do so at their own risk as the shipping insurance is not valid for restricted or prohibited items.
When sending expensive or luxurious watches valued below the threshold set by the courier company, that do not contain any precious stone or material, it may be possible to purchase transport insurance. For specific information about your item, please contact us using the live chat button and our experts will advise you on the solutions available for you.
Can I send a watch as a gift by courier?
Watches can be shipped as a gift by individuals or by licensed watch stores and resellers. However, please bear in mind that the parcel will still go through customs procedures when shipping outside the EU and that respective taxes may apply. To make sure your watch is released as quickly as possible, besides properly packing your watch for shipping as a gift, do not forget to also attach the required documents for customs clearance.
Please bear in mind that since 1 January 2021, deliveries from the EU to the UK or vice-versa also have to undergo customs clearance procedures. When selling a watch on eBay or Chrono24 and shipping it to the UK, VAT will be applicable according to the new post-Brexit rules. Check our Brexit customs page for more detailed information.
Is it possible to send a watch overseas without the original packaging?
We strongly recommend packing your timepiece in its original packaging for greater protection, especially when shipping expensive or delicate watches. However, if you no longer have the original packaging, you can use another cardboard box for packing your watch before sending it in the mail. The best solution is to use a cardboard box that is slightly bigger than the item, with enough extra space for you to add cushioning to protect it, according to our instructions above.
How can I ship an Apple Watch internationally for repair?
First, you should check online where is the best repair shop for your item. If it is located in another city or country, simply book the delivery service through our booking tool and fill up the delivery information with the shop’s details. Before you ship your Apple Watch domestically or internationally, make sure to inform the shop beforehand, so they are ready to receive the parcel.
Will my Apple Watch Series 8 shipment require a signature for delivery?
Based on the experience of previous shippers, Apple products do not always require signed for delivery despite their value. For this reason, many people choose to pick up in stores instead of home delivery when ordering directly from Apple. If you are shipping an Apple Watch Series 8 to your address, we recommend monitoring your shipment tracking and making sure someone can be available at the address to receive the delivery.
What is the best way of sending a watch after selling it online?
After selling a watch online, you can choose to send it to the buyer by either courier or post. At Eurosender, we have helped several clients who sell watches on eBay, Chrono24, or other online platforms to organise delivery to their clients. Our door-to-door shipping services are ideal for people selling or buying watches online that are in accordance with the couriers' restrictions since it provides a comfortable solution where your item will be collected at your address and delivered directly to the customer’s hands.
How to ship a watch internationally to Australia, Canada or the USA?
The most convenient solution for shipping a watch overseas is by using Eurosender. We work with various international couriers to offer deliveries in almost every country in the world. Whether you are buying a cheap or expensive watch internationally on certified stores or sending a watch as a gift to your loved ones, all you have to do is simply book the service with us and pack your item. We will take care of all the shipping details for you.
Can I buy and ship a watch to the UK after Brexit?
Yes, it is entirely possible, although it may be that not all shops offer deliveries to the UK. Please note that because of Brexit, the price of a watch may be higher, and the shipping time will be longer. If you have ordered a watch from an EU country, you may have to pay taxes.
Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping watches. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction, especially when shipping expensive watches made with precious stones or materials. In case you decide to ship a valuable watch, especially containing precious stones or materials, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transportation of your shipment.