A watch safe is a steel safe with a specialised interior layout that protects a collection of mechanical and automatic watches against theft and everyday wear and tear, while keeping the watches ready to wear. What sets it apart from a standard cash safe is its watch winder (automatic watch-winding) units, separate drawers and the velvet interior lining that protects the watches.
The difference between a watch safe and a standard steel safe
The real difference lies in the interior layout. In ACK Metal's watch and jewellery safes range, the interior is lit by sensor lighting and lined with a special velvet fabric that protects against moisture and damp, resists stains and is non-flammable. Watches can be kept running in the watch winder compartments, while jewellery can be stored in separate drawers. The body is armoured: the C-50 concrete-filled construction offers 5 mm outer and 3 mm inner sheet steel, with a body thickness of 60 mm and a door thickness of 80 mm including the fill.
How many watches do you need a safe for?
First count today's collection, then leave room for the watches you plan to add in the coming years. Not every watch needs to be kept wound: you can plan to place only your automatic watches in the watch winders and the others on a shelf or in a drawer. At ACK Metal, the number of watch winders and of natural wood veneer drawers is determined to order; for example, the red-bodied version of the W-1200 comes with 6 watch winder units and an interior layout with three drawers.
W series dimensions and weights
| Model | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) | Weight (kg) | External volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-800 | 800 | 600 | 550 | 500 | 264 |
| W-1000 | 1000 | 650 | 600 | 600 | 390 |
| W-1200 | 1200 | 650 | 600 | 800 | 468 |
The W-800 is the most compact model in the series and offers a storage solution for watch and jewellery collections even in limited spaces. The W-1000 and W-1200 suit collections that need more watch winders and drawers. To compare all the dimensions, see the table of steel safe dimensions and weights.
Security and lock options
- The entire body is armoured; the door has 10 mm sheet steel, 8 mm puncture-resistant steel and 12 mm cast iron.
- The safe locks with 30 mm thick bolts; once locked, the hinge connection is cut off.
- The lock section is protected by steel barriers; if the safe is attacked from outside, the self-locking glass hercules (re-locking) system comes into action.
- As standard, the safe has an ACK electronic combination lock and a German-type lock that complies with European standards and has a 250,000/1 opening probability. If you wish, Securam, Dorma-Kaba or La Gard electronic combination and fingerprint lock systems can be integrated.
- The safe is manufactured to Euro ECB-S standards and its mechanical parts carry a 2-year warranty.
Checklist for choosing a watch safe
- Work out your collection and how it will grow: how many watches will sit in the watch winders and how many in drawers?
- Decide on the placement size: because the safe is heavy, choose its position at the outset and check the floor strength.
- Choose the interior layout: between wood-veneer drawers and quilted or velvet linings, pick the one that suits your taste and how you will use the safe.
- Decide on the lock: electronic combination, fingerprint or German-type mechanical lock options should be weighed against your usage habits.
- Ask about custom production: size, colour, fabric, number of drawers and number of watch winders can be made to order.
Also suitable for jewellery and valuables
The W series is designed not only for watches but also for jewellery and other small valuables. See also our article on choosing a jewellery shop safe, in which we cover safe selection for jewellers and jewellery owners in detail. To compare models, browse our e-catalogue, and for a configuration that suits you, you can request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is a watch winder?
A watch winder is a rotating unit that keeps automatic watches moving and running. In ACK Metal watch safes, the watch winder compartments are planned to order.
How many watch winders does the W series have?
The number is determined to order. For example, the red-bodied version of the W-1200 has 6 watch winder units and three drawers.
Can jewellery also be kept in a watch safe?
Yes. The W series is designed as a watch and jewellery safe; jewellery can be stored separately in the drawers.
