Hi OF Peeps,

I live in a humid climate and would like to keep my watch storage dry. I was thinking about getting these colored silica gel packets. They turn pink when they are full of moisture and supposedly can be recharged by microwaving them. Does anyone have experience with these? Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Premium-Indicating-Silica-Packets/dp/B07K3V4HQ1/

 

@STANDY uses the jumbo-sized silica gel packets. Other folks recommend a small hygrometer just to keep an eye on humidity levels. Search the forum for other threads on this topic:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-storage.70742/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/what-is-the-best-way-to-keep-your-watches.2780/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/storage-conditions-your-thoughts-please-gentlemen.17048/

 

I’ve used similar and while they do work I found myself having to recharge almost daily. I live a block from the ocean in a very foggy area so lots of moisture issues. Jumbo’s work better if you have room for them.

 

I did read this in your link above in questions and answers

Silica gel beads are usually white, but cobalt chloride is added to serve as an indicator (blue to pink). Cobalt chloride is known as carcinogen.




I use these bigger ones in a pelican case

 

If you have access to an air conditioned room, just store your watches there: air from a conditioner is not only cool, but also quite dry.

 

I live in a humid environment, but it's air conditioned. Have never any kind of issue with moisture.

 

I live in a temperate rainforest. Quite humid, but never hot. Nobody here has air-conditioning. Might have to try to jumbo size.

 

Thanks! I might try these which don't use the toxic cobalt chloride.

https://www.amazon.com/Desiccant-Canister-Dehumidifier-Reusable-Chloride/dp/B07CZ856NV/

 

Also, I have used these in closets with good results. I think they would be good for a large safe.

https://www.amazon.com/Eva-dry-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier-2-PACK/dp/B00LVN7BM0/

 

Do some reading on the cigar forums. I use beads in my humidors and they are additive and subtractive- they draw out moisture as well as add to stabilize. You can get them in different humidity levels. The key with inhibiting mold growth with cigars is not just humidity but temp as well, under 70% & 70 degrees (F). Not sure what a perfect environment for watches would be but antique furniture is around 50% if I recall. I would think leather straps would be more susceptible to mold than watches.

 

The humidity is over 90% for much of our Summer while our house temperature is typically 65-80 deg. F. So there is some call for concern. Thanks for the info!

 

If you really want an easy solution for a micro- environment, a lot of the cigar nuts (like myself) use a wine cooler fridge (fridgeador) which doesn’t use a compressor so doesn’t dry anything out- and keeps the temp down to around 55f. I use breads in mine and use it for long term storage and curing. Point is that it’s attractice (glass door so you can see inside), keeps a consistent temp and with beads a consistent humidity. You can pull the wine racks out and just make wooden shelves to slide in and get creative with boxes for storage or sliding drawers.