Strapping $50K/$100K/$200K+ on your wrist.

[myk7000]

I keep hearing about muggings and thefts with regard to Rolex watches. It's not something that concerns me on the day-to-day, but as my watches get more and more expensive/valuable, it does start to enter my head.

I've always wanted to eventually get a perpetual calendar chronograph from Patek, which ends up being $150K+, but also Rolexes today, such as the Platona are already around that pricing. Not to mention SS pieces like the Daytona or SkyDweller that are reaching $50K prices, which is a LOT to strap on your wrist. I am reconsidering these grander ambitions as a result.

Does this cross your guys' minds when considering those larger purchases? Would you intentionally keep multiple "lower value" watches in rotation instead of $100K bangers just in case something goes awry?

Curious to hear your guys' thoughts.

[sokoloka]

All comes down to your personal tolerance for risk and general level of situational awareness.

[dpt.calvin]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...hlight=mugging

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...hlight=mugging

There are more threads about this found with a search.

[ArtNouveau]

I couldn’t imagine spending those kinds of prices on a watch period whatever my financial situation was/is so I’m safe I guess. I love watches but just can’t wrap my head around one that costs as much as a house.
Maybe a contradiction…I have certainly spent $100K+ on watches since my interest began, but that’s over 30+ years, not all at once. My 116500 at $12400 is the most I’ve ever spent in one chunk.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I couldn’t imagine spending those kinds of prices on a watch period whatever my financial situation was/is so I’m safe I guess. I love watches but just can’t wrap my head around one that costs as much as a house.
Maybe a contradiction…I have certainly spent $100K+ on watches since my interest began, but that’s over 30+ years, not all at once. My 116500 at $12400 is the most I’ve ever spent in one chunk.

Doesn't matter what you spent but what it's worth now.

[szabo_martin]

I wont lie I wore my 5711 daily and now its very seldom. I got on an elevator and I thought my shirt was covering it and a guy said nice Nautilus.... wasn't a big deal but it made me realize people know these watches now. Years ago nobody had a clue what it was

[XXL]

Originally Posted by szabo_martin

wasn't a big deal but it made me realize people know these watches now. Years ago nobody had a clue what it was

Great point, I completely agree with this. For many many years I have worn high end watched and they have, for the most part, gone unnoticed. Now everyone seems to know what these watches look like and are aware of their "value." Thanks Instagram

[ts3]

Originally Posted by szabo_martin

I wont lie I wore my 5711 daily and now its very seldom. I got on an elevator and I thought my shirt was covering it and a guy said nice Nautilus.... wasn't a big deal but it made me realize people know these watches now. Years ago nobody had a clue what it was

I have been wearing my 5711 daily for most of the past 12 months and only once the watch was recognized in the wild. Hanging out in the park a maybe 18y old teenager spotted the watch and came over with his girlfriend to have a look. He was wearing some vintage Rolex and I wasn't exactly scared.

Other than that the watch has remained under the radar. Watch stores are a different story of course. When I picked up my Mark XV at the IWC Boutique today the SA quickly commented on the Nautilus.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by myk7000

I keep hearing about muggings and thefts with regard to Rolex watches. It's not something that concerns me on the day-to-day, but as my watches get more and more expensive/valuable, it does start to enter my head.

I've always wanted to eventually get a perpetual calendar chronograph from Patek, which ends up being $150K+, but also Rolexes today, such as the Platona are already around that pricing. Not to mention SS pieces like the Daytona or SkyDweller that are reaching $50K prices, which is a LOT to strap on your wrist. I am reconsidering these grander ambitions as a result.

Does this cross your guys' minds when considering those larger purchases? Would you intentionally keep multiple "lower value" watches in rotation instead of $100K bangers just in case something goes awry?

Curious to hear your guys' thoughts.

To me, and to local collectors and business people I transact with, it is a concern.

People simply say it’s not. Most of the time these folks live in gated communities or condos, go from home garage, to office garage, to elevator and reverse order again.

You simply can’t be a successful average to highly intelligent being capable of legitimately acquiring a premium level quality of life and acquire a Rolex or whatever and not know the balance of risk & reward or fight v flight. Even pawned a $50k watch is worth a quick $5k. That’s a lot of stolen car radios and golf clubs in one shot.

Why do you think stainless steel got so popular and no cyclops Rolexeses are spiking? It’s not just because of a new appreciation of minimalism. Many believe these are less recognizable and desirable therefore not a bigger easier to spot target.

A lot of this is anecdotal, but I’ve travelled and know many who live in many parts of the world; it is discussed and awareness is heightened in the last decade.

[Roger Lococco]

For me, the biggest concern is the dreaded door handle. Seat belts are concern #2.


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[Mystro]

Same could be said driving a $200k vehicle and that’s no big deal.

[PureCoconut]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Same could be said driving a $200k vehicle and that’s no big deal.

Been there and beyond and this is true...

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Same could be said driving a $200k vehicle and that’s no big deal.

Originally Posted by PureCoconut

Been there and beyond and this is true...

But isn’t a lot easier to conceal a watch than car. The $200K red Porsche is a lot easier to trace and a lot tougher to move to a different market I would say.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by 904VT

But isn’t a lot easier to conceal a watch than car. The $200K red Porsche is a lot easier to trace and a lot tougher to move to a different market I would say.

Absolutely and that’s my point. Most of us drive expensive vehicles all over. Wearing a expensive watch is no big deal and much easier to keep it safe than a vehicle.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Same could be said driving a $200k vehicle and that’s no big deal.

A common analogy and ‘ya but’, but it’s flawed.

Because most cars are stolen without occupants in them, can have theft deterrents built in, are almost always insured, and high end car thefts are rarely violent in nature. Most high end car theft is also desired to be non violet. Copying fob codes or keys, bribing valets, dealership fraud etc.

Getting hit on the head, drugged, having a hand cut off, or worse for a watch isn’t in the same league as car theft in my opinion.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Most high end car theft is also desired to be non violet.

This is true. Thieves rarely steal a purple car.



Seriously though, he's right, it's not a fair analogy.

[jdp12199]

I'm curious to know what you would consider to be a "lower value" watch.

I think it depends on the watch. I believe you are more likely to get robbed for a $15k sub rather than a $100k Lange because they are more popular.

Get insurance and wear what you want. If you are concerned for your safety then don't wear them in public places.

[Nutbeem]

Look - anything can happen any time. I'm wearing my WG Pepsi right now at work, and I assure you, it's not just in and out of elevators.

The bottom line is that the watches are insured, and if push came to shove, I would hand it over without giving it a second thought.

I love wearing luxury watches - it's why we're all here - so if you're not going to wear them, then why have them? BUT that being said, my life is worth infinitely more than the watch - thank god for State Farm, or I wouldn't be so casual about it.

[franklee168]

With todays value, doesn't everyone own a 50k Rolex? BTW, Hodinkee is our friend.

[bullies]

I wear them and have insurance.

That perpetual Patek you want would probably get less attention than your daytona

[Harry-57]

Common sense, situational awareness, appropriate conduct, adequate insurance cover and most of all, if in doubt, don't.

Oddly enough these principles have many applications outside the WIS community.

[EEpro]

$50k fairly often. Not sure I could stomach $100-200k.

I'm a home garage to multiple armed guard work facility driver so my biggest risk is carjacking on side streets I suppose. I wear my watch under a sleeve if walking Las Vegas Blvd here.

[jaychief]

Must admit I don't wear some of my watches any more due to the value increase, which I know people will say well what is the point of owning them...

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by myk7000

I keep hearing about muggings and thefts with regard to Rolex watches. It's not something that concerns me on the day-to-day, but as my watches get more and more expensive/valuable, it does start to enter my head.

I've always wanted to eventually get a perpetual calendar chronograph from Patek, which ends up being $150K+, but also Rolexes today, such as the Platona are already around that pricing. Not to mention SS pieces like the Daytona or SkyDweller that are reaching $50K prices, which is a LOT to strap on your wrist. I am reconsidering these grander ambitions as a result.

Does this cross your guys' minds when considering those larger purchases? Would you intentionally keep multiple "lower value" watches in rotation instead of $100K bangers just in case something goes awry?

Curious to hear your guys' thoughts.

I was offered the platinum Daytona with batons in December but turned it down for this very reason … I would not feel comfortable wearing a $75+ watch around. I realize most would not know what it was but I would be too paranoid.


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[Frits1980]

Wear a xxxK Lange or Patek on a strap and you will be fine. Gold sub or DD.... yup those will get noticed by everyone incl muggers.

[Henrimontgomery]

Meh, I live in a place that’s safe enough for me not to worry about it. When I travel, thieves would only yield 20$ out of me. And insurance takes care of the rest when in my first world country.

[WILLIWALKER]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

Meh, I live in a place that’s safe enough for me not to worry about it. When I travel, thieves would only yield 20$ out of me. And insurance takes care of the rest when in my first world country.

We are good in Switzerland

[Wee-Willie]

Originally Posted by WILLIWALKER

We are good in Switzerland

Too true..I have loved my visits to Switzerland!!

[enjoythemusic]

I'm flighty, so could wear two in a day, rarely three. Could just be a strap change. Guess over the decades it's become a natural instinct to judge the situation and wear accordingly. Many years ago i'd wear the PP 3970er on subways / trains in both the USA and Germany / Switzerland. A few times in Milan / Venice, yet was more cautious.

[m j b]

It totally depends. For instance, years ago I was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of my grocery store on the way home (not my neighborhood) on a not-bad-side of town.

Why? Because I was driving a nice car and was wearing a suit. They came up on me just as I got in the car, and I offered the car keys to the one with the gun and he said, "no, I want the wallet". They didn't care about my fine luxury car, you can't easily flip that for a... whatever it was they wanted next. Probably dinner.

So it's all about the circumstances and as noted above, situational awareness is where it's at. I saw the kids in the parking lot and bells went off, and I should have turned around and walked/ran back in the store.

To answer the OPs question more directly, I sold my WG Daytona for many of the reasons listed above by others - I just became too self-conscious about it and that ruined the enjoyment for me.

And I do gravitate toward the Submariner and Daytona and such, the models without the cyclops that tends to scream "hey, I'm a Rolex!". At least, that's what the voices in my head are saying.