Watch Safeguards and travel security

[SOG DIVER]

This area of TRF is probably the most ideal for this subject.
As a retired Federal law enforcement officer with overseas service, I have been able to monitor watch safeguards that may be helpful. Keep in mind that though the following recommendations are from LE experience, it is still my opinion alone.

When traveling:
1. Utilize pick-pocket proof sport coat or zipper trousers if carrying an extra watch or jewelry. Be alert. Particularly in crowds.
2. Resist placing valuable watches in luggage or in overhead compartments on trains or aircraft.
3. Rolex bracelets are tough but even a NATO-style nylon or rubber version
may be cut and pilfered. Pay close attention in known high risk areas of Europe or the Middle East. Avoid suspicious persons or unusual behavior.
4. The US State Department and other countries issue travel warnings.

5. TSA or foreign airport security: wear your watch and resist having it
scanned in a basket separate from you or out of sight. Ask for a supervisor -
explain that it is a high value item subject to magnetic field damage.
Security personnel dislike delay so you may be waived through with just
a personal scan. Do not be hurried where attention to detail is critical.
Keep your watch under observation at all times.
6 INTERPOL may assist if a large theft ring is operating in one or more countries, but the best bet is the local police in case of watch loss.

Proactive watch safeguards are the best answer to preventing loss or theft.

[GLADIATOR]

thanks
a

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by SOG DIVER

This area of TRF is probably the most ideal for this subject.
As a retired Federal law enforcement officer with overseas service, I have been able to monitor watch safeguards that may be helpful. Keep in mind that though the following recommendations are from LE experience, it is still my opinion alone.

When traveling:
1. Utilize pick-pocket proof sport coat or zipper trousers if carrying an extra watch or jewelry. Be alert. Particularly in crowds.
2. Resist placing valuable watches in luggage or in overhead compartments on trains or aircraft.
3. Rolex bracelets are tough but even a NATO-style nylon or rubber version
may be cut and pilfered. Pay close attention in known high risk areas of Europe or the Middle East. Avoid suspicious persons or unusual behavior.
4. The US State Department and other countries issue travel warnings.

5. TSA or foreign airport security: wear your watch and resist having it
scanned in a basket separate from you or out of sight. Ask for a supervisor -
explain that it is a high value item subject to magnetic field damage.
Security personnel dislike delay so you may be waived through with just
a personal scan. Do not be hurried where attention to detail is critical.
Keep your watch under observation at all times.
6 INTERPOL may assist if a large theft ring is operating in one or more countries, but the best bet is the local police in case of watch loss.

Proactive watch safeguards are the best answer to preventing loss or theft.

Very good advice brother and thank you for your service!

This is why I always travel with my Tudor black bay on a rubber B. I leave the good stuff at home in the safe!

[boktan]

Tqvm

[GradyPhilpott]

In other words, when traveling to areas one is not familiar with or where there are many distractions, wear a watch that doesn't attract attention and will allow one to actually relax and enjoy the visit.

[swils8610]

Great advice. Thanks for posting it.


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[SOG DIVER]

I will be putting these security measures to the test in November. Heading to Amsterdam by way of the Rhine, with start point in Basel. There is an AD in Basel, BaselStadt Center,
40 Freie Strasse. Need to see if they will do a pressure & amp/beat error check
on a somewhat newer Submariner reference.

The 1680 red Submariner will not be making the trip, though it has been in many third world areas in 50 years of service -as the original owner. After 40 years of military-
government service, one develops a fine set of antennae best employed if wearing
a valuable or sentimentally cherished timepiece.

Since the watch and brand have been loyal to one, it is only the mark of a gentleman to return the courtesy. Life is too short to trust timekeeping to any but the resilient crown hallmark from Switzerland.

[watchmework]

Good advice and thank you for your service LtCol R.

[1st amg]

Great update on the TSA direction

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

In other words, when traveling to areas one is not familiar with or where there are many distractions, wear a watch that doesn't attract attention and will allow one to actually relax and enjoy the visit.

Pretty much

[ChuckFinlay]

If you live in the USA, you'll be fine in Amsterdam.

But I would like to see how you get on telling the airport security that you'll not put your watch in a basket if they request you do. I'm sure they'll wave you through rather than detain you.

Also re Interpol, are you suggesting people try and contact them directly? I'm not clear what you mean by Interpol may assist, do you mean individual victims?

[joli160]

3. One should take care in major European cities I much agree, but the Middle East ?

Emirates, Saoudi, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar are countries I regularly visit and consider to be the safest places on earth with respect to robberies and muggings.

[Burlington]

Generally being aware of one’s surroundings is always advisable

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Generally being aware of one’s surroundings is always advisable

True, whether across town, across the country, or across the globe.
dP

[SOG DIVER]

INTERPOL handles theft rings, and hopefully they will not be interviewing you along with an AD that just got hit in Europe or Hong Kong. I generally carry a retired gold Federal
shield when traveling abroad or U.S., along with TSA special entry/exit status that is offered through DHS/TSA. Situational awareness=experienced antennae=problem avoidance. If one is experienced, alert and aware, you will encounter minimum difficulties-even with a favorite watch.
Speaking an extra language or two will help.