We have taken a look at various ways to store your watches (generally in the form of winders) or have brought articles to your attention that show you how to build your own custom storage case (generally utilizing foam and a briefcase of some sort). Sure, you can also go the route of any variety of watch boxes that range from the inexpensive to stuff that is higher end. What we have for you today is somewhere in the middle, but gives you the sort of quality and workmanship that surpasses anything you’ll find in a store. With that preamble, let’s get on to the review of the Williams Cases Watch Box.
When you saw the name Williams Cases, you might have had bells ring, as we did talk about his products before. This time around, though, we actually got to spend some time with a case that Vernell Williams built and sent over. While I’ve not written about him since that initial article, I’ve kept apprised of what he has had going on, and his workshop, it seems, has grown in terms of what he is able to turn out. Frankly, woodworking is one of those things that seems like it should be easy enough to get into, but I just never have, nor do I have the tools. So, when something like this can be created, I am well and truly impressed, because if I tried to build it, it would likely look like something my kids would build, and would end up living on my workbench.
The Williams Cases Watch Box, on the other hand, looks perfectly in place sitting on top of a nice piece of furniture. Our particular example is a 4-slot box; Williams of course makes single-slot ones, and has made some as large as 36 slots. That belies a fact that is sort of hiding in plain sight – when you order one of these cases, you can work with Williams to get what you want. For example, on our box, if I had been designing it, I probably would have worked to get some of the inlays done on the top of the case. That said, let’s review it as it is.
As I mentioned, this example of the Williams Cases Watch Box is a four-spot box, with a simple (and very snugly-fitting) top. It is worth noting that the case is made from solid wood – there is no pressboard or laminate being used here. Along with allowing for some very nifty grain patterns and finishes to be applied, this makes for a heavy box that you could call heirloom quality. In other words, this box is something that will last a good long time, and could reasonably be passed along to the next generation. And, being made of solid wood, that means it (feasibly) could be repaired should something happen to it.
Our example had a deep, dark walnut for most of the box of the case, with a lighter color maple used for an inlaid stripe around the center, and the tops and bottoms of the case. Side note, there is no stain used (unless the customer requests it) – just the wood and then three coats of polyurethane. I realize inlays may not be for everyone, but for me, I rather like the look, and it shows an extra level of detail (and skill) when they’re utilized. The lid of the Williams Cases Watch Box is a simple affair, a solid top that you lift off; a smaller inner section slides into the box to hold it firmly in place. The entire inside of the box is lined, with the material showing up on the watch pillows as well (this could be micro suede, animal prints, faux leather, or real leather, if you have your own made). Our review sample had a lovely crackled leather appearance with the brown microsuede, and the interior of the box smelled amazing (something even my kids commented on). I asked Williams about this, and he does not put any scents in – just what naturally comes from the wood and materials used.
The lining is quite soft, and works well to protect the watches from any scrapes as they slide in. There’s really no padding, per se, on the interior (other than the pillows), but that’s fine, as the Williams Cases Watch Box is not intended to be moving around – once you set it in it’s pride of place on the dresser or side table, it can sit there just looking sharp (and keeping your watches organized and protected, of course). I ended up putting my watches around the short side of the pillow, and placing them in sideways in the box. You could experiment around a bit, and get the placement that works well for you (say, if you want the dials facing up). Once in place, the box did it’s job. It kept the watches held therein out of trouble, and it made for an easy grab-and-go decision when it was time to get a watch for the day.
As reviewed, our particular Williams Cases Watch Box would run you about $350. Other 4-slot boxes that Williams has built run from $300-500, while a single-slot box will run around $150; the top of his line at the moment would be the 36-slot box which would be around $750. With a project like this, the cost will be impacted greatly by the type of wood and fabrics used, as well as any intricacies you introduce to the design (say, like those inlays I mentioned for the top of the box). Yes, it’s more expensive than most watch boxes you’ll find online, but that’s an apples-and-oranges comparison. I am no woodworker, but this case really struck me as well-built and designed, and you could likely use it to smash a lesser box into oblivion with just a few scratches in the finish (yeah, it’s heavy and durable). For what you get, I feel it is appropriately prices, and seems like a great way to protect (and show off) those special watches in your collection. This is definitely a watch box that you will not be hearing any complaints about being left out. williams-cases.com
Review Summary
- Brand & Model: Williams Cases Watch Box
- Price: $150 and up
- Who’s it for?: You want some watch storage that is ready to be put on display
- Would I use and display it?: Without question, yes
- What I’d change: Well, if I were having one built, probably some more inlay, and perhaps see about a piano hinge for the lid
- The best thing about it: Just how good-looking and well-built the box is
