Happy 2026! If you’re anything like us, your Christmas was probably a mix of too much turkey and at least one or two "essential" additions to your collection. Whether it was that divers' watch you’ve been eyeing for months, a sleek new folding knife, or a rare coin to round out a set, your nightstand is likely looking a bit... crowded.
We’ve all been there. You start with one watch. Then you get a "work" watch. Then a "weekend" watch. Suddenly, you have a pile of gear and no place to put it. This year, we aren't doing the "pile" method. We’re doing things differently.
If you’ve been wondering how to organize watch collection (or knives, or coins) without losing your mind, you’re in the right place.
1. The Great Gear Audit
Before you can organize, you have to declutter. It’s a bit of a "tough love" moment, but we promise it’s worth it. Look at your current collection. Are there pieces in there that haven’t seen the light of day since 2023?
We love a bit of history, but even we know when it's time to let go. If a watch is broken and you aren't going to fix it, or if a knife just doesn't "spark joy" anymore (thanks, Marie Kondo), it’s time for it to go.
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The Daily Drivers: Things you wear 3-5 times a week.
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The Special Occasions: The heirlooms or the flashy stuff for weddings.
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The "Why Do I Have This?": These are the ones taking up space. Sell them, gift them, or trade them in for something you’ll actually use.
We believe in essentialism - less really is more. Having five pieces you love is way better than twenty pieces you feel "meh" about.
2. Group by Frequency, Not Just Style
Most people think learning how to organize watch collection means putting all the leather straps together and all the metal bracelets together. You can do that, sure, but it’s not very practical for your morning routine.
Try organizing by usage frequency:
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Top Tier (The Easy Access): Place your most-worn items where you can see them instantly. This is why our cases have that clear acrylic lid. If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it.
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Bottom Tier (The Extras): Items you only need occasionally can go in the drawer. This includes your spare straps, cleaning cloths, or that coin from your grandfather that you want to keep safe but don't need to stare at every single day.
3. Use the "Platform" Method for Visibility
We’ve never understood why people put their beautiful watches in dark, heavy boxes that look like they belong in a dusty museum basement. It’s a bit weird, isn't it?
Your collection should be part of your room's vibe. Our signature style uses a platform approach. By elevating your watches or knives on a platform, you’re doing two things:
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Protecting them: They aren't clunking against each other.
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Displaying them: You get to appreciate the design even when you aren't wearing them.
Think of it like a stage for your gear. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and keep it under a tarp in the driveway, would you? (If you have a Ferrari, please invite us over).
Here are some extra tips for displaying your watches like a pro:
1. The "Essentialist" (1-4 Items)
If you’re just starting out or you’re a "quality over quantity" type of person, this is for you.
- Top Platform: Put every single piece on the platform.
- The Drawer: Use this for your "boring but necessary" stuff - spare links, a cleaning cloth, or maybe that one watch battery you’re 90% sure is dead.
- Why it works: It focuses on essentialism - less is more.
2. The "Weekly Rotation" (5-10 Items)
This is where most of us live. You have too many for one platform, but not enough to justify a dedicated room (yet).
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Top Platform: Choose your "Top 4" for the week. These are your daily drivers.
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The Drawer: This is for your "B-Side" items. Use the drawer to store the pieces that don't fit on top, plus your extra straps.
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The Pro Move: Every Sunday, swap one item from the drawer to the platform. It makes your collection feel brand new without spending a penny.
3. The "Full Collector" (10+ Items)
If you’ve reached this stage, congratulations - you have a problem, and we love it.
- The "Distinct" Setup: Instead of stuffing ten watches into one cramped box, use two of our cases side-by-side.
- Categorize: Use one case for your "Rugged/Tool" watches and knives, and the other for your "Dressy/Clean" items.
- The Drawer: Use one drawer specifically for tools (spring bar tools, screwdrivers) and the other for your coins or EDC gear
4. Solve the "Pocket Dump" Problem
We’ve noticed that most collectors don’t just collect one thing. If you like watches, you probably have a decent knife or some cool coins too. The problem is that these "bits and bobs" end up scattered across the kitchen counter or the entry table.
When you're figuring out how to organize watch collection, don’t forget the accessories. A good setup needs a dedicated spot for:
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Spare spring bars and tools.
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EDC (Everyday Carry) knives.
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Challenge coins or lucky tokens.
This is exactly why we added a drawer to our cases. It keeps the "mess" tucked away while keeping the "beauties" on top. It’s about being functional without being boring.
5. Create a Maintenance Ritual
Organization isn't a one-and-done event; it’s a habit. If you want your setup to stay looking "fresh," you need a quick ritual.
Every Sunday evening (or whenever you have five minutes), do a quick reset:
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Wipe them down: Use a microfiber cloth to get rid of fingerprints.
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Check the time: Wind your mechanical watches or sync your quartz ones.
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Reset the display: Put everything back on its platform.
Read about more watch care tips here
How To Choose Your Wood Finish
Option 1: Walnut
If your room has a lot of natural light, white walls, or maybe a leather chair you’re particularly proud of, Walnut is your winner.
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The Vibe: It’s warm and inviting without looking like your grandad's old cigar box.
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The Contrast: It looks brilliant with steel watches or silver coins. The wood grain provides a nice "pop" against the metal.
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Best For: Living rooms, bright offices, or anyone who wants their collection to feel like a piece of high-end furniture.
Option 2: Black
If your style is more "Industrial Loft" or "Modern Tech," you’ll want the Black finish. It’s sleek, direct, and doesn't mess around.
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The Vibe: Stealthy and modern. It lets the colours of your watch faces or knife handles do all the talking.
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The Contrast: It looks incredible with "tacticool" gear, carbon fiber, or gold-tone watches.
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Best For: Bedrooms, gaming setups, or moody offices with darker furniture.
Still Can’t Decide?
We’re inquisitive by nature, so let’s ask a few questions to narrow it down:
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What’s the colour of your desk or nightstand? If it’s light wood or white, go Walnut for warmth. If it’s glass, metal, or dark wood, go Black for that seamless look.
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What’s the "hero" of your collection? If you have a lot of colourful items (like a bright blue dive watch), Blackacts as a great neutral backdrop. If your collection is mostly silver or black, Walnut adds some much-needed colour.
Our Honest Advice
Don't overthink it. We’re confident in our products, and we know either one will look miles better than leaving your gear in a pile on the dresser. We don’t do "boring," so you really can't go wrong here.
Why We Do Things Differently
At Holme & Hadfield, we like to challenge the status quo. We don't think a display case should just be a box. It should be a piece of furniture that makes you smile when you walk into the room.
We aren't afraid to poke fun at ourselves - we’ve definitely spent too much money on a watch "investment" that was really just a quarter-life crisis - but we are serious about helping you enjoy your collection.
Our cases are designed to be simple, direct, and distinct. No "suave" velvet that sheds everywhere. No "elegant" wood finishes that look like they’re from the 1970s. Just a sleek, modern look that lets your collection do the talking.
Final Thoughts for the New Year
The "New Year, New Me" thing is usually a bit of a drag, but "New Year, New Setup" is something we can actually get behind. Organizing your collection isn't just about tidying up; it's about respecting the gear you've worked hard to get.
Stop leaving your watches on the edge of the sink or your knives in a junk drawer. Give them a home they actually deserve.
Ready to get your collection sorted for 2026? Check out our range of Watch, Knife, and Coin Display Cases and find the one that fits your style.
