Diving and Military Watches: More Exposed Than They Seem

Diving and military watches occupy a unique place in the watchmaking world. They are designed to be worn, used, and sometimes even subjected to rough handling. But this "tool" function also exposes them to specific risks, often higher than for a dress watch. Wearing a diver's watch daily, while traveling, during sports activities, or at work, multiplies the opportunities for impact, loss, or theft. Add to this the increasing value of certain models—limited editions, high-end brands, sought-after references—and the exposure to risk becomes very real. A robust watch is not an invulnerable watch, and it is precisely this gap between perception and reality that fuels the debate on insurance.

Are standard insurance policies sufficient?

Before taking out specific insurance, many rely on existing coverage: home insurance, liability insurance, or travel insurance. But this protection is often limited when it comes to watches.

Home insurance policies sometimes cover theft at home, but with:

• Low coverage limits for valuables,
• Exclusions outside the home,
• High deductibles.

In many cases, a watch worn outside the home is simply not covered, or only partially. As for travel insurance, it often offers temporary protection, with coverage limits that don't reflect the true value of a quality watch. The result: the feeling of being insured can be misleading.

Why consider specific watch insurance?

Specific watch insurance addresses a precise need: to cover a valuable item in all everyday situations, including when it's being worn. Unlike general insurance policies, these contracts are designed specifically for watches.

They can include:

• Theft with violence or snatching,
• Accidental loss,
• Damage (drops, impacts, accidental immersion),
• Sometimes damage related to sports use.

For an owner of a high-end diving or military watch, this comprehensive coverage provides peace of mind, especially if the watch is worn regularly and not kept in a safe.

The limitations and drawbacks of specific insurance

While dedicated insurance offers advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. The first is obviously the cost. Insuring a watch represents a recurring annual expense, proportional to its declared value.

Furthermore, some contracts require:

• A prior appraisal,
• Strict storage conditions,
• Exclusions related to professional or extreme use,
• Cumbersome delays and formalities in the event of a claim.

It is also important to accept that not all situations will ever be 100% covered. A poorly understood or unsuitable insurance policy can create a false sense of security.

How much does watch insurance cost?

The price of specific watch insurance varies according to several criteria:

• Value of the watch,
• Type of coverage (theft only or theft + breakage + loss),
• Declared use (daily wear, travel, sports),
• Country of residence.

On average, expect to pay between 1% and 3% of the insured value per year. For a watch valued at €5,000, this represents approximately €50 to €150 per year. This cost should be considered in light of:

• The price of a replacement,
• The cost of major repairs,
• Or the outright loss in case of theft.

Insurance and actual use: a determining factor

The relevance of insurance depends primarily on the actual use of the watch. A watch worn occasionally, mainly in controlled environments, does not have the same needs as a watch worn every day, while traveling or during physical activity. Diving and military watches are often used in contexts where:

• The risk of impact is high,
• Opportunistic theft is possible,
• Accidental loss is not uncommon.

Under these conditions, insurance becomes less of a luxury and more of a risk management tool.

Alternatives to specific insurance

Before taking out a policy, some people prefer to explore alternative solutions:

• Declaring the watch as a valuable item to their home insurance policy,
• Limiting wearing it in certain risky situations,
• Using a secondary watch for high-risk activities,
• Investing in protective accessories (straps, films, cases).

These solutions can reduce the risk, but they do not replace comprehensive insurance. They focus more on prevention than compensation.

Insurance and resale: an indirect impact

An often overlooked point concerns resale. A properly insured and maintained watch is more likely to be kept in good condition, without requiring extensive repairs or makeshift fixes after an incident. This can indirectly preserve its value on the secondary market. Conversely, a damaged watch without insurance may require costly repairs or lose some of its appeal to discerning buyers.

Worth it or not: it all depends on the owner's profile.

As with financing, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Specific watch insurance is relevant if:

• The watch is of significant value,
• It is worn frequently,
• Its loss would represent a significant financial or emotional impact.

Conversely, for a watch of moderate value or one that is rarely worn, the cost of insurance may outweigh its actual benefit.

Editor: Éric Barse

Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!