Watch Service Packaging

I've had quite a few vintage watches serviced & I used to wrap the watch head in cling film (this stops moisture intrusion & can prevent the caseback gettin scratched if a bracelet is fitted) then wrap the whole watch in bubble wrap,  then put the watch in a small box, then put that in an outer box surrounded by more bubble wrap. You also want to make sure when you send it to Oris that the shipment is insured to the value of the watch in case it gets lost, you would be surprised how many people forget this!

do you have a cheap watch case?  I use an old cartier travel pouch like the one below

I tend to take it off the bracelet and put it on a cheap watch strap unless I want the bracelet serviced as well.  Wrap inside and out with bubble wrap and send via signature required premium mail unless they send you a shipping label.

That said, by far the easiest way to do it, is if you have an authorized dealer or boutique near you, it's probably worth dropping in for an hour to take a look at watches and have them ship it in for you.

Ideally take it to your AD -- they'll pack it.  In the altnerative, bubble wrap is your best friend.  Use several layers.

If you have a good relationship with a local AD they may give you a coffin to put it in. Grabbed this picture from ebay as a sample. They are very handy especially for safe storage when needed. You can also grab them on ebay for like $10 or less. If they are good enough for Rolex's to be delivered across the world, they should work for shipping back to any manufacturer. 

Thank you everyone, yet another stupid question can anyone tell me the general jist of what a service entails? Is it just the movement inside or does the bracelet and case receive a cleaning and polish. I really appreciate the help thank you 

Depends on the manufacturer.  Some brands simply service the movement and ship it back. Others will take care of the movement, polish the case, replace other broken parts, etc. 

My Oris was serviced last year. It was under warranty (an issue with the ball bearings in the rotor). I assume you are sending yours back to where mine went, Boston (The Watchmaker) to where all US Oris’ get serviced. They did not polish my watch although your mileage may vary on that.

I see you are in the UK, so I don’t know if you are going to get a polish or not from where you send it to

Great idea!

I cannot tell you how handy those little things are!

And if you ship UPS or FedEx, be sure to read the fine print on what they’ll cover. I believe the jewelry limit for FedEx is $1000, and UPS $500. You may have to go third party. It’s more complicated than it needs to be.