At one of our recent private gatherings, a seemingly simple question sparked a spirited discussion among our members: “How do you store your watches?”

It gave us pause. As collectors, we pour countless hours into researching and acquiring each treasured timepiece—tracking references, weighing provenance, obsessing over dial variations. But do we apply the same level of thought and intention when it comes to how we store these objects of affection?

After all, you wouldn’t hang a Brioni suit or a piece of Chanel couture on a flimsy plastic hanger. So why rest your horological grails in anything less than worthy?

When we first receive a timepiece, the presentation box that accompanies the watch often shapes the very first moments of ownership. From Patek Philippe’s refined wooden cases (and the rarer still cork boxes that cradle anniversary models like the Ref. 5976G or 5711P or the “cyclops” box for the Ref. 5650G) to the bold, angular silhouettes of Audemars Piguet, and the quiet minimalism of Philippe Dufour’s elegant housings, each detail amplifies the emotional resonance of a new arrival.

But what about storing watches together, not just individually, but as a collection? While brands like Buben & Zorweg offer extraordinary safes and display options, our curiosity led us further. Through conversation and continued exploration, we discovered a number of remarkable independent artisans creating bespoke solutions from watch winders to watch boxes. When it came to watch boxes, one particular name that stood out was Innocente.

‍

‍

At first glance, the story of Innocente Boxes begins with wood, but at its heart, it’s also a story of connection—between two people, and between creator and craft. Founded in Adelaide, Australia, by husband-and-wife duo David and Tania, Innocente is a celebration of intention and connection.

For watch lovers, the joy of collecting timepieces goes far beyond function. There is pride in the curation, in the stories each watch holds, and the deep satisfaction in housing them within something equally meaningful.

In that respect, David and Tania found purpose in crafting boxes that are more than just storage; each box is an extension of the collector’s identity.

They apply their artistry and listening ear to create unique boxes that protect, display and honour each timepiece’s beauty. And when a box is fashioned to complement specific watches, interiors or personal aesthetics, it becomes even more intimate and resonant.

‍

‍

David, a jazz musician with a maker’s mind, had no formal training in woodworking. Yet in 2006, when Tania, his partner of now 25 years, commented about owning a jewellery box, David quietly got to work.

In secret, he salvaged pinewood left over from their home renovation and, using intuition and observation as his guide, built her a jewellery box. On presenting the finished piece to Tania, delight went beyond surprise—she recognised in the box a rare talent and passion. There was something worth pursuing here.

After some discussion, the couple left their respective jobs and founded Innocente.

From the outset, Innocente was never about mass production. Every box David creates is unique and deeply personal. He continues to refine his craft with every commission, asking questions that reflect both technical rigour and emotional consideration: How will this box sit on a delicate surface? Should the hardware disappear into the wood, or be celebrated as part of the design? What small, tactile detail might bring the owner joy each time they open it?

The answer is rarely found in shortcuts. Every detail—right down to the screw heads—is finished by hand. In this, David’s approach is reminiscent of legendary watchmaker Philippe Dufour, whose reverence for finishing elevates the unseen to the sublime.

‍

‍

“I want my clients to love their boxes as much as their watches,” David explains. It’s not just about function or form. For watch collectors who describe certain timepieces as having a soul, an Innocente box is the body in which that soul is housed.

David’s technical creativity extends far beyond wood. A classic car enthusiast, he once built his own bespoke version of an AC Cobra, a testament to the same meticulous vision and hands-on execution that defines his boxes. But it is his partnership with Tania that keeps Innocente so uniquely grounded.

Tania, a photographer and marketer, plays a pivotal role in crafting the client experience. She helps translate emotions into design cues, fostering a warm, collaborative relationship with customers from over 40 countries—many of whom return to commission more pieces.

Whether it’s bookmatching rare exotic woods or shipping a box as far as Greenland, David and Tania pour thought into every part of the process.

Even the certificate of authenticity is handwritten, a final flourish that underscores the personal nature of each commission. But while woodworking and logistics pose technical challenges, the greatest success of Innocente lies in its human touch. The human side behind brands that seems to have faded away in modern society.

David and Tania make a point to regularly check in with each other—not just on orders, but on whether they still love what they’re doing. That mutual care is the glue behind Innocente’s longevity.

In an era of automation and fast commerce, Innocente Boxes stand as gentle, graceful counterpoints. Each box is a gesture crafted to a client’s needs, and a reflection of two people’s devotion to doing what they love. And in that, their work transcends craft and becomes legacy.

‍

‍

From the SRK Team: To David and Tania: thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. We knew there was something special when we saw your pieces, but hearing your story and experiencing your works of art first-hand, was something else. When we receive a Paul Newman Daytona, you’re top of our call list!

You can order an Innocente box via their website and see more of their works on Instagram.