Manual Wind Watch Long Term Storage

Hello,

I am seeking advice for storing a brand new Speedmaster FOIS we purchased for our first born who we plan to gift it to once he finishes college (or accomplishes a big mile stone in life). It will be a while as he is in elementary. We got the watch couple of years ago and it has been in my locker since.

Perhaps @Archer or someone knowledgeable and an expert can kindly advise. What would be the best way for long term keeping. Should the watch be wound every now and then intermittently so the parts inside don't jam up etc. Or would the best route be simply putting the box away and taking it out when it is time. We plan on obviously having the watch serviced either way first before we present it.

Just looking for best possible option.

Thanks

Thank you @dsio and @Dan S for the quick replies. I really appreciate the help. Will do as advised.

Why not buy him a watch when he's that old instead? Speedys probably will have a few refreshes by then with better specifications and there's always the chance he won't even like wrist jewelry.

I wonder what the selling price would be by that time!?

Did the same thing here and just letting it sit unwound since it'll get service eventually. Its not getting water or light, so hope it doesn't die 🤪

And wish'd someone got me one too.. the price of NOS birth-year watches are insane.