Embodiments of a tracking device featuring a housing, which preferably is closed, waterproof, perhaps made from a synthetic material, and free of pressure switches or other man-machine interface, unless rudimentary at best, are disclosed. Typically, the tracking device comprises attachment means for its attachment to the object, which are suited to the object type. At best, its external shape is adapted to that of the object in such a way that the tracking device hardly vibrates or rattles during transport of the object. By virtue of its shape or by virtue of its attachment means, it is suitable for durable attachment to its object. Ideally, a tracking device measures only a few centimeters, or is even smaller. It should be suitable for being hidden in the object or for being separable therefrom only with difficulty. For such reasons alone, tracking devices differ from mobile telephones and the like.