Written by Michael Manashirov, COO of Qollateral
Last Updated September 16, 2025 | 5-minute read
Looking to borrow against your luxury watch’s value but nervous about shipping your treasured Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet? You’re not alone. Sending a high-value timepiece worth tens of thousands of dollars would make any borrower anxious.
But here’s the good news: with proper preparation, full insurance coverage, and a reputable luxury watch lender like Qollateral, the watch loans process is both secure and straightforward.
As seasoned experts who’ve guided countless borrowers through the collateral loans process, we know that preserving your peace of mind and ensuring your watch’s safety are the top priorities. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it, step by step.
Why Choose Secured Watch Loans?
A secured watch loan backed by your luxury timepiece offers several key advantages over traditional financing:
- No credit checks or lengthy loan applications required
- Fast funding – money deposited within 24 hours
- Better rates than unsecured personal loans
- Professional storage in secure, insured facilities
- Full ownership retained – watch returned upon loan repayment
For luxury watch owners, it’s a discreet, efficient way to access capital without selling prized possessions or dealing with traditional banking hassles.
How Long Does the Watch Lending Process Take?
Most luxury watch loans are funded within 24 hours of the lender receiving and authenticating the timepiece and the borrower agreeing to the terms.
With proper packing and documentation, you can go from application to having money in your account in just a couple of business days.
Step 1: Document Your Watch’s Current Condition
Before packing your valuable watch, thoroughly document its condition with clear, detailed photos from every angle.
What to Photograph:
- Front, back, and sides of the watch case
- Watch clasp, buckle, and full bracelet/band length
- Serial and model numbers on the case back
- Any unique marks, engravings, or signs of wear
Pro tip: Take a short video showing your watch from all angles. This provides critical evidence for insurance claims and helps ensure accurate valuation.
Gather These Essential Items:
- Original box, packaging, and protective sleeve
- Factory warranty cards and Certificates of Authenticity
- Product manuals, instruction booklets, and hang tags
- Service records and maintenance receipts
Having all original accessories ensures you’ll receive everything back exactly as shipped and helps command the best possible loan valuation.
Step 2: Master Proper Watch Packing Techniques
One of the most common mistakes is improper packing. Never throw your expensive watch into a generic padded mailer or flimsy box.
How to Securely Pack Your Luxury Watch:
- Document – Photograph the watch’s pre-shipping condition
- Gather – Collect original box, documents, and accessories
- Wrap – Cushion the watch in soft tissue or foam
- Double-box – Place wrapped watch in sturdy inner box, then larger outer box
- Fill gaps – Use packing material to prevent any movement
- Seal securely – Apply tamper-evident tape to both boxes
- Label discretely – Avoid brand names or luxury item references
Key principle: Zero rattling or movement inside the final package. The watch should be nestled securely on all sides with soft cushioning material.
Step 3: Secure Full-Value Watch Shipping Insurance
Never ship a luxury watch without watch shipping insurance covering its full replacement value.
Standard carrier policies often have claim limits far below your watch’s actual worth and may exclude high-value timepieces entirely.
Recommended Insurance Options:
- Lloyd’s of London policies – Gold standard for luxury goods (Qollateral is fully insured by Lloyd’s of London)
- Parcel Pro – Coverage up to $150,000 per package for international shipping
- Malca-Amit – Premium insurance for luxury timepieces
Always review policy details carefully and declare the watch’s full professionally-appraised value.
At Qollateral, we’ll send you a fully-insured FedEx shipping label. We also partner with Malca-Amit for the secure handling of high-value items. Once we receive your package, we’ll open it under video surveillance for security purposes. While with us, your luxury watch will be stored in a state-of-the-art vault.
Step 4: Choose a Trusted Collateral Loan Partner
When selecting a lender for your secured watch loans, look for these essential credentials:
- BBB A+ rating for business reliability
- Full insurance backing (like Lloyd’s of London coverage)
- Secure storage facilities (such as the International Gem Tower)
- Same-day funding capabilities
Reputable lenders receive packages under 24/7 video surveillance and immediately transfer them to bank-grade vaults for inspection and storage. This is for maximum protection of your asset, and also for your peace of mind.
Step 5: Track Shipment and Await Verification
Once your fully-insured watch is en route, monitor its progress using the provided tracking details.
Professional lenders like Qollateral maintain secure facilities with round-the-clock protection for your valuable timepiece during the evaluation and storage process.
If something goes wrong: Your insurance policy covers the loss, with claims typically processed quickly when you’ve properly documented the watch’s condition and value.
The Bottom Line: Safe Watch Shipping Made Simple
Leveraging your luxury watch for a collateral loan doesn’t have to be intimidating. With proper preparation, robust insurance, and an experienced lending partner, you can confidently access your watch’s value without unnecessary risk.
Review: Your 5-Step Success Roadmap:
- Document your watch’s condition thoroughly before shipping
- Double-box with ample padding on all sides
- Insure for full replacement value
- Choose a reputable, BBB A+ rated lender with Lloyd’s insurance
- Get funded quickly while your watch stays fully protected
Ready to put your luxury timepiece to work? Qollateral’s experienced team makes getting a loan simple and secure, offering loans from $2,000 to $10 million with same-day funding. As NYC’s #1 collateral lender with BBB A+ accreditation and full Lloyd’s of London insurance, we believe in welcoming you for an experience, not just a transaction. Contact Qollateral today to get the capital you need in as little as 24 hours without sacrificing your most prized possessions.
