The Battle for Your Bedside Table
Let’s be honest. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably got a watch collection that’s outgrown your nightstand. You’ve got timepieces rolling around in a drawer, or worse, sitting on top of a dresser gathering dust. You know you need a proper home for them.
In your search for the perfect watch box, you’ve likely stumbled across two names: Rapport London and Holme & Hadfield (well, hello there!).
One is a heritage giant, a brand that’s been around since Queen Victoria was on the throne. The other is… well, us.
We aren’t afraid to admit that Rapport is an OG in the industry. They do what they do exceptionally well. But are they the right choice for you? Or does the modern collector need something a bit different?
Let’s break it down. We’re going to look at the differences between the "Old Guard" of luxury watches and our fresh, modern approach to display. Grab a cuppa and let’s get into it.
The Contenders
Rapport London: The Heritage Choice
Rapport London has been around since 1898. That is a seriously long time. They are a multigenerational family firm that started in clockmaking and evolved into luxury watch accessories. When you buy Rapport, you are buying into tradition. You’re buying "sophistication" (a word we try to avoid, but it fits them perfectly). They are famous for their automated watch winders and high-gloss, lacquered finishes. Think mahogany, velvet, and a price tag that matches the history.
Holme & Hadfield: The Modern Essentialists
We haven’t been around for 125 years. We’re the new kids on the block. But we saw a problem that the traditional guys weren’t fixing. We realized that most watch boxes were essentially "watch coffins"—you put your watches inside, close the lid, and forget about them.
We wanted to change that. We believe your watches are art. They deserve to be seen, not hidden away in a dark box. Our vibe is distinct: sleek, modern, and focused on "essentialism". We use exposed wood, clean lines, and our signature acrylic lids to give you a 360-degree view of your collection.
Round 1: The Winder War
Okay, we have a confession to make.
For a long time, we told you that you didn't need a watch winder. We said they were noisy, bulky, and unnecessary. But you kept asking for one. And you know what? We realized we weren't against winders; we were against boring winders.
So, we changed our minds. But we did it our way.
The Rapport Approach (The "Safe"): Rapport winders, like their Evolution Cube, are designed like traditional luxury safes. They are often single cubes or large cabinets that enclose the watch completely. They are excellent at what they do - keeping a watch wound - but they often hide the watch away behind a small window or a solid door.
The Holme & Hadfield Approach (The "Stage"): We built The Winder to be a display first and a machine second.
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No Hiding: We kept our signature open-air aesthetic. Your watches are displayed under our acrylic lid, not buried in a box.
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Capacity: While a Rapport Cube holds one watch, our Winder winds two watches and has static display stands for three more. It’s a complete collection hub.
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The Sound of Silence: We use whisper-quiet Japanese Mabuchi motors. We tested this relentlessly because there is nothing worse than a grinding motor while you're trying to sleep.
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Smart Specs: We included the tech you actually need—customizable Turns Per Day (TPD) and directional settings—without requiring a PhD to operate it.
Round 2: Aesthetics and Materials
Rapport London is all about that classic "gentleman’s study" look. We’re talking burr walnut, heavy lacquer (nine layers of it!), and leather. It’s the kind of box that looks right at home on an antique mahogany desk surrounded by leather-bound books. If your house looks like a scene from The Crown, Rapport is your brand.
Holme & Hadfield is for the modern home. We use materials that fit into a contemporary apartment or a modern house. We use warm walnut and black finishes, but we pair them with a unique, museum-grade acrylic lid.
We challenge the status quo. We don't hide the wood under thick paint; we let the grain show. We don’t use gold clasps or fiddly locks. We use gravity and good design. Our goal isn't to be "fancy" or "suave". It's to be distinct. When you walk into a room and see a Holme & Hadfield display, it doesn't look like a jewelry box. It looks like a piece of modern furniture for your desk or dresser.
Round 3: The "Hidden" vs. The "Hero"
Here is our biggest gripe with the traditional industry.
Most luxury watch boxes (Rapport included) are designed to store watches. You open the heavy lid, pick a watch, and close it. When the lid is closed, you can't see your investment. It’s a safe, not a display.
We flip that on its head. Our clear acrylic lid means your watches are the hero of the setup. You can see them from across the room. It makes it easier to choose your watch for the day, and let’s be honest, it just looks cooler.
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Rapport: Great for protection and travel (if you buy their rolls).
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Holme & Hadfield: Great for admiration and daily access.
Round 4: The Drawer (Our Secret Weapon)
We know you don’t just collect watches. You’ve got other gear. A pocket knife, a wedding ring, maybe some challenge coins, or just your keys and wallet.
Rapport boxes are strictly for watches.
Holme & Hadfield displays come with a built-in drawer. This is a game-changer. It allows you to organize your EDC essentials alongside your timepieces. It keeps your nightstand tidy and ensures everything you need for the day is in one spot. It’s practical, simple, and solves a real problem.
Round 5: The Wallet Impact
We won't beat around the bush. Rapport London is expensive. You are paying for heritage, imported materials, and complex internal motors.
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Rapport: A single watch winder can cost anywhere from $175 to $600+. A multi-watch box can easily run over $500.
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Holme & Hadfield: We believe in accessible value. Our displays, like The Weekender or The Collector, generally range from $85 to $150.
We focus on essentialism. By cutting out the motors, the electronics, and the nine layers of lacquer, we can offer a premium-feeling product that doesn't require a second mortgage.
The Verdict: Who Wins?
Look, we’re confident in who we are. We know we aren’t for everyone.
You should buy Rapport London if:
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You have high-complication automatic watches that must be kept moving.
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You prefer a very traditional, antique aesthetic.
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Budget is not a concern and you want the "Rolls Royce" of boxes.
You should buy Holme & Hadfield if:
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You want to actually see your watches when they are stored.
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You want a modern design that fits a contemporary home.
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You hate the idea of noisy motors in your bedroom.
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You want a place to store your knife, ring, and other gear, not just your watches.
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You want excellent quality without the "luxury tax."
We don’t try to be something we’re not. We aren't a 125-year-old heritage brand. We are 2 guys who wanted a better way to display our gear, so we built it. And it turns out, a lot of you wanted the same thing.
Ready to get your gear out of the dark? Shop watch boxes and see why thousands of collectors are making the switch.
