How Safe Madrid and Barcelona for TT SubC?

[syahriltaher]

Guys,


Planning to go to Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Cannes and Monaco....

A little worry with Madrid and Barcelona...Would it be ok if I wear my TT SubC? Or would it be wiser to wear my SS Rolex?


Thanks in advance for your advice guys....


Regards,

[joli160]

No problems at all, enjoy your trip

[thewatchguy93]

I don't see any worry at all, you only attract your own attention. If you look like a show off, all flash and walk with a chip on your shoulder, trouble you may attract, if you mind your own business, don't worry!



Dino

[padi56]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

Guys,


Planning to go to Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Cannes and Monaco....

A little worry with Madrid and Barcelona...Would it be ok if I wear my TT SubC? Or would it be wiser to wear my SS Rolex?


Thanks in advance for your advice guys....


Regards,

If you do not wear a sign on your forehead saying look I am wearing a Rolex then I would say you would be save in 95% of the world cities including all the ones mentioned.

[zama]

Without sounding nasty I would say safer than Jakarta. As per other posts put yourself in the wrong place and the wrong way and risk is always there, they are major world cities I would have no concerns.

[Cru Jones]

[Sarko]

Every now and then we see this kind of questions on TRF. This questions always sound to me like people say: In Madrid and Barcelona people do not have money for expensive watches and my watch will be noticed by everybody. So, is it safe for me to wear mine it there.

In every country/city there are wealthy people who can afford expensive watches. These same people wear their watches daily in Madrid and Barcelona.
I have been in Barcelona in September this year (with my SS SUB). I saw so many Rolex watches, it was surreal. All kind of Rolex watches (SS,TT,YG,etc.).

For every country in the world the same rule applies:
Do not be the typical tourist and you will be fine. Mind your own business and avoid dark places in the late night hours by yourself. Do not show off in shady area's, keep your belongings in check, wear you watch with pride and do not worry.

[frequentflyer]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be careful, I actually got robbed at syringe point in Barcelona on the millennium. A guy came up to me and my friends asking for directions on Las Ramblas (very busy street), when we stopped he pulled out a syringe and said he'd infect us with AIDS if we didn't give him our money. He got away with very little but it sure out a damper on the trip.

I generally don't take my watches to new places that I'm unsure about!

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by frequentflyer

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be careful, I actually got robbed at syringe point in Barcelona on the millennium. A guy came up to me and my friends asking for directions on Las Ramblas (very busy street), when we stopped he pulled out a syringe and said he'd infect us with AIDS if we didn't give him our money. He got away with very little but it sure out a damper on the trip.

I generally don't take my watches to new places that I'm unsure about!

Wow...thanks for the warning...

I am safe in Jakarta, because I am at home there...I know exactly which places to avoid while wearing Rolex.... but in Europe, everybody would know I am a tourist...

[steptoe]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

but in Europe, everybody would know I am a tourist...

Not european ?? Then they may think that you're a pickpocket and everyone will assume your rolex is a fake.

[Face4]

Originally Posted by frequentflyer

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be careful, I actually got robbed at syringe point in Barcelona on the millennium. A guy came up to me and my friends asking for directions on Las Ramblas (very busy street), when we stopped he pulled out a syringe and said he'd infect us with AIDS if we didn't give him our money. He got away with very little but it sure out a damper on the trip.

I generally don't take my watches to new places that I'm unsure about!

Las Ramblas is just a very nasty place. I would recommend to stay away from Las Ramblas at any time! It is not even a real 'tourist attraction' in my opinion.

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by Face4

Las Ramblas is just a very nasty place. I would recommend to stay away from Las Ramblas at any time! It is not even a real 'tourist attraction' in my opinion.

Thanks a lot for the warning....

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Face4

Las Ramblas is just a very nasty place. I would recommend to stay away from Las Ramblas at any time! It is not even a real 'tourist attraction' in my opinion.

Sorry, I really disagree. Walking down the Ramblas from Place de la Catalunya towards the Seaside is a real nice stroll. You should not miss when visiting Barca. I stayed in a hotel (1898) directly on the Ramblas for a few days. The Mrs wearing a Gold DJ on President carrying LV bags all the time and myself wearing my GMT TT.
Nothing shady at all happened to us, but as anywhere else there are certainly pickpockets and con-artists around.
Don't forget the semi open market halfway on the right side, one of the best in Europe with lost of cured gammon and fine seafood.
Relax and enjoy the trip.

[Face4]

Originally Posted by joli160

Sorry, I really disagree. Walking down the Ramblas from Place de la Catalunya towards the Seaside is a real nice stroll. You should not miss when visiting Barca. I stayed in a hotel (1898) directly on the Ramblas for a few days. The Mrs wearing a Gold DJ on President carrying LV bags all the time and myself wearing my GMT TT.
Nothing shady at all happened to us, but as anywhere else there are certainly pickpockets and con-artists around.
Don't forget the semi open market halfway on the right side, one of the best in Europe with lost of cured gammon and fine seafood.
Relax and enjoy the trip.

I do agree with you that Placa de la Catalynya is beautiful place, and so is the seaside of Barcalona. But in my opinion Las Ramblas was nothing special. As I said, just a pleasant please to be.

I was in Barcalona last year, and I've had a great time. It really is a beautiful city. But Las Ramblas just wans't much of an enjoyment. A friend got stolen from, but he noticed and ended up in a small skirmish.

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by Face4

I do agree with you that Placa de la Catalynya is beautiful place, and so is the seaside of Barcalona. But in my opinion Las Ramblas was nothing special. As I said, just a 'nasty' please to be.

I was in Barcalona last year, and I've had a great time. It really is a beautiful city. But Las Ramblas just wans't much of an enjoyment. A friend got stolen from, but he noticed and ended up in a small skirmish.

Better not to take unnecesary risk...agree with you...

[melrob1]

Was just in all those places with the exception of Madrid. Had on my GMT C the entire time. No issues and never felt un safe. It's just like anywhere else in the world. Be smart and don't watch yourself. Don't draw attention by looking like your scared. Just be normal and smart.

[Watch Professor]

Lots of street muggings and pickpockets in Barcelona. A friend was robbed on a busy street in the midle of the day. It's a shame, as Barcelona is very beautiful. Wear a G Shock.

[Limestonedan]

My wife and I visited our son doing a semester abroad in Barcelona and we stayed at Le Meridien Barcelona which is just off Las Ramblas. It was fine. We spent 10 days visiting most of the places you listed except Madrid. We took subways, trains and walked everywhere. Like it's been said; Don't be showy, be smart, be alert, and try not to stick out like an American tourist.. With all going on in the world these days losing a watch wouldn't be the worst thing.. With the possibility of being robbed/mugged I bought a Luminox 1501 Deep Dive automatic for the trip. If I lost that so be it.. My wife took one of her Ebels. We left our Rolex watches and other Jewelry at home..

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by Watch Professor

Lots of street muggings and pickpockets in Barcelona. A friend was robbed on a busy street in the midle of the day. It's a shame, as Barcelona is very beautiful. Wear a G Shock.

Wow...thanks for the info...really appreciate it...

Thats exactly why I pose this question....to get inputs from everyones who have been there as tourists....

Thanks Guys....

[psv]

No mocking needed on this one, this is actually a relevant question. And you are correct to have some concerns about Madrid and Netherlands. There are Latin American and Eastern European pick-pocket gangs operating, especially during tourist season.

It is going to come down to time and location. As a tourist I doubt you'll visit some really shady areas at late hours, but keep your mind out. I was in Barcelona this summer with my Spanish family and they wouldn't let me show my Rolex (SD4000) around Las Ramblas, etc. Also, be mindful at shopping locations. My lost her wallet after paying for a bottle of water in a convenience store in Madrid - and she is from Madrid! - according to police they have "spotters" in the store that see what type of wallet you have, if there is cash in there and the document where you put the wallet in the handbag, if the bag is zipped etc - then they call that info in to the team outside.

Same goes for south of France, I've been attacked and attempted robbery in a calm place like Aix-en-Provence walking back from a grocery store.

Now, I love Spain and I think you will have a great time. A little situational awareness is helpful though, as is making sure that all your belongings are covered by insurance.

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by psv

No mocking needed on this one, this is actually a relevant question. And you are correct to have some concerns about Madrid and Netherlands. There are Latin American and Eastern European pick-pocket gangs operating, especially during tourist season.

It is going to come down to time and location. As a tourist I doubt you'll visit some really shady areas at late hours, but keep your mind out. I was in Barcelona this summer with my Spanish family and they wouldn't let me show my Rolex (SD4000) around Las Ramblas, etc. Also, be mindful at shopping locations. My lost her wallet after paying for a bottle of water in a convenience store in Madrid - and she is from Madrid! - according to police they have "spotters" in the store that see what type of wallet you have, if there is cash in there and the document where you put the wallet in the handbag, if the bag is zipped etc - then they call that info in to the team outside.

Same goes for south of France, I've been attacked and attempted robbery in a calm place like Aix-en-Provence walking back from a grocery store.

Now, I love Spain and I think you will have a great time. A little situational awareness is helpful though, as is making sure that all your belongings are covered by insurance.

Thanks a lot for the warning Patrick...My Family and I realy appreciate it....we'll remember that....thanks once again ....

[Rolex74]

If I have to ask a question like this I just won't go to that country. I am not about to put myself in harms way.

Guess that is why I go to Disney World.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Rolex74

If I have to ask a question like this I just won't go to that country. I am not about to put myself in harms way.

Guess that is why I go to Disney World.

No pickpockets there ?

[Rolex74]

Originally Posted by joli160

No pickpockets there ?

Can't say for sure but I have never felt unsafe or questioned any place I wanted to go within Disney World.

[Tri-Tip]

I was in Paris a few years ago and was warned about pick pockets, etc.

I wore my Sub-C everywhere. Fortunately, it was cold, so I had on a jacket that both covered my watch and overlapped my pants pockets by a few inches. I didn't carry a wallet in my back pocket, but rather a money clip in the front pocket.

I also didn't venture far from the hotel at night, and as far as I know, didn't go into any questionable areas other than the area just down the hill (and a bit east) from Monte Marte.

[syahriltaher]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

I was in Paris a few years ago and was warned about pick pockets, etc.

I wore my Sub-C everywhere. Fortunately, it was cold, so I had on a jacket that both covered my watch and overlapped my pants pockets by a few inches. I didn't carry a wallet in my back pocket, but rather a money clip in the front pocket.

I also didn't venture far from the hotel at night, and as far as I know, didn't go into any questionable areas other than the area just down the hill (and a bit east) from Monte Marte.

Good Advice Bryan....thanks...

[jerseyden]

Just use common sense. A commodity which very often appears to be in short supply.

[fullcourt]

use common sense and enjoy your trip....

[DiamondJack]

I'd have no issues at all in any European city. Indeed I regularly fly over for long weekends and was in Barcelona just a few months ago. The only area I would be more careful is las Ramblas and purely because it is a very busy street full of tourist rubbish for sale and, as such, attracts the worst of our society like magpies.......

Other than that, I wore my WG Sub and TT GMTIIc openly with short sleeves as I would in London, Paris, Rome or any other European city. I'm presently in Warsaw and have my 16800 Sub and TT GMT with me. Again no concerns.

The golden rule is simply to have your wits about you when in places that attract lots of tourists since, inevitably, pick pockets and, in the late evenings the potential for prospective muggers, will congregate. Just a fact of life......but if you let this aspect of our society worry you to the extent you stop wearing what you would like when you would like, you have bought the wrong watch......

[lamnyc]

Be careful in touristy area. Lot's of pickpocketers.