Q&A: Loomis International on keeping watches safe and secure

Leading cross-border high-security logistics provider, Loomis International, works extensively with watch brands and retailers alike, offering secure transportation solutions for precious timepieces including international transportation, security, and storage services. Ben Dear, Head of Loomis International (UK) Ltd & Head of Global Business Development for Luxury Goods, spoke with Watch Insider’s Daniel Malins about why the unglamorous work that it does is so in-demand for businesses operating in the watch industry. 

Watch Insider: When there are major events (such as Watches and Wonders), how do you cope, logistically? Presumably it creates a bottleneck in your operation? 

Ben Dear: Throughout the year, demand can fluctuate significantly. Some periods are driven by predictable events, such as major trade shows, while others arise unexpectedly, particularly in today’s dynamic geopolitical environment. Our strength lies in combining robust planning with the agility to respond quickly when circumstances change. With experienced teams, established processes, and the ability to scale operations efficiently, we consistently deliver reliable results, even during periods of exceptional demand. It’s in these challenging moments that our expertise is most evident, turning complex logistical challenges into successful outcomes. The real ‘joy’ in logistics comes from those crazy times, where you achieve the impossible.

WI: With the days of frictionless trade in Europe largely behind us, how does that affect Loomis International? Do you get bogged down in paperwork? Or, as the middleman, is everything largely handled at either end? 

BD: As all customs clearances are managed in-house — our import and export team plays a critical role in maintaining the efficient movement of goods across international borders. With nearly a decade of experience operating under post-EU trading requirements, the team has developed extensive expertise in navigating complex customs procedures. For many members of the team, these customs requirements have been the standard throughout their careers, further reinforcing the strength and consistency of our in-house capability.

WI: We’re constantly hearing of Rolex robberies on the street and smash-and-grabs in high street jewellers. When you’re performing your services, have you had to adapt to increased security threats? If so, how? 

BD: The safety of our security guards, and the protection of the high-value goods entrusted to us, are fundamental to our operation. Our security teams and loss prevention managers work around the clock, constantly looking for improvements, monitoring our activities, and auditing our premises and vehicles. We regularly invest in enhanced protective equipment for our personnel, advanced vehicle security systems, and robust access control and surveillance technologies across our facilities. By maintaining a proactive approach and never becoming complacent, we ensure our security measures evolve in line with emerging threats and industry best practice, providing our customers with confidence that their goods remain protected at every stage of the journey.

WI: How simple do you make the process for the companies that use your services? It must be difficult to fully bypass all the administrative and insurance complications that come with the territory. 

BD: Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and we act as a trusted partner throughout the customs and international shipping process. We communicate through each customer’s preferred channel, providing clear, proactive support at every stage. That’s why our customers choose us — they rely on our expertise to navigate the complexities of customs, security, and international compliance, allowing them to focus on their own business with the confidence that every shipment is in safe hands. 

WI: Presumably the landscape for watch sales and delivery has changed over the years, with e-commerce becoming so widely used? Plus, the secondary market has boomed, meaning more deliveries between individuals, rather than constant deliveries from one central hub. Have these changes affected Loomis?

BD: The growth of e-commerce and the secondary watch market has transformed the way high-value goods are bought, sold, and delivered. As our customers’ needs have evolved, so has our service offering. Today, we provide secure solutions for both traditional B2B movements and the growing demand for B2C deliveries.

Our dedicated B2C delivery service, using discreet vehicles and highly trained security personnel, was developed to meet this demand, while our Low Value Product (LVP) service is being rolled out globally to support secure, flexible delivery of lower-value shipments. By continually adapting our services, we ensure we remain a trusted logistics partner in an evolving marketplace.

This article was first published in the July 2026 edition of Watch Insider.