Safe to wear President's Rolex in Chicago?

[Singslinger]

Wearing a gold watch that carries significant sentimental value in certain areas where there is a chance, no matter how small, of being robbed is IMHO not advisable.

[The Joker]

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[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by Jimsdad

OP As you know, the only people armed on the CTA are the criminals. There are often news reports of crimes occurring on the trains and around the stations. If the piece carries great sentiment, I wouldn't. If you are only worried about the value, insure and enjoy.

I agree.

[pacific17]

It should be safe to wear it anywhere. As long as you are not flashing it like you are asking for it...

[fskywalker]

Guess depends too on your attire. Long sleeves would help you to conceal it, as others said is a matter or watching your environment.

[beer]

i don't think the gold makes a difference...criminals do know what they are looking for and can probably identify rolexes from a distance better than we can

[Headshrinker]

Originally Posted by beer

i don't think the gold makes a difference...criminals do know what they are looking for and can probably identify rolexes from a distance better than we can

I can agree with this statement. Over the years, I have volunteered working with gang members; they do know their trade. The rappers have also made many other luxury items prey whether real or not, from Hermes belts to Gucci shoes.

[Spoonage]

I live in Chicago and wear all my watches without worry (although I don't have any PM watches yet and none carry significant sentimental or are not replaceable). Obviously stay away from the dark alleys in really shady areas but I'm never in those areas of the city so never run into anything worth mentioning. Also whether in a shady area or not I don't go waving my arm around flashing my watch either. I see plenty of people with more expensive watches than me walking around town, at the airport, on the L, etc.

I think if you're out somewhere acting nervous and constantly looking at or feeling for your watch / wallet / etc. you're more of a target. Yes, no matter where you are there may always be a possibility of being mugged or robbed, but if I lived my life thinking that way I would have 5 alarms on my house and never leave the comfort of my room.

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

I wore my rolex at south africa and nothing happened.. So chicago is as safe as mom's arms..

[LazyDaniel]

Im in NYC. Nothing has ever happened...

[TheRolexKingofLV]

I live part-time in Vegas...tons of crime...I wear a President...never an issue, if you use your head

[chicagonoob]

First of all - congrats on the DD. Any pics to share?!

My take:
I've lived in Chicago for 10 years and have never felt uncomfortable wearing high-end watches in my daily activity. However, my daily activity does not include riding CTA buses / train at odd hours or walking by myself in seedy areas. In my opinion, you are more likely to have an issue using your iphone openly on CTA - it seems like there are weekly stories about "snatch and grab" incidents involving cell phones.

Roscoe Village is full of strollers and high six figure / $1MM condos and townhouses - nothing to worry about there as long as you aren't walking through back alleys by yourself late at night.

Reasonable course of action:
Step 1: Insure watch
Step 2: Decide if you are comfortable wearing your newly acquired timepiece.
Step 3: If yes to #2 above enjoy without worry - wear the watch, don't let the watch wear you. If no to #2 above either stash in a safe/safety deposit box or sell it.

[Mick P]

Chaps

I had to visit the local doctor today to have an annual blood test.

I had to roll up my sleeve and my arm was resting on a cushion and my Rolex was about 15" from his face.

He was very talkative but he did not mention or notice the Rolex.

The reality is that 99% of people do not have the slightest interest in watches.

So wear the thing and stop being paranoid.

Regards

Mick

[Rockrolex]

It's not safe to wear a Rolex anywhere. Send it to me for safekeeping. I will make sure it doesn't get stolen in Chicago.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

I had to visit the local doctor today to have an annual blood test.

I had to roll up my sleeve and my arm was resting on a cushion and my Rolex was about 15" from his face.

He was very talkative but he did not mention or notice the Rolex.

The reality is that 99% of people do not have the slightest interest in watches.

So wear the thing and stop being paranoid.

Regards

Mick

Mick, you ever been to Chicago?


Beautiful city. Amazing architecture. Staggering crime rate.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Mick, you ever been to Chicago?


Beautiful city. Amazing architecture. Staggering crime rate.

A lot of people here bleating like a bunch of neurotics that worry about getting their first scratch....

In this country if you get into the wrong neighborhood you should expect trouble: and that goes for any city, not just Chicago. I could name a dozen other cities where the wrong neighborhood will make you feel uncomfortable.

If you're smart enough to earn the kind of money it takes to buy a Rolex you're smart enough to ask where are the no-go neighborhoods are and to avoid traveling through them. If you're really not that smart then leave the Rolex at home.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

A lot of people here bleating like a bunch of neurotics that worry about getting their first scratch....

In this country if you get into the wrong neighborhood you should expect trouble: and that goes for any city, not just Chicago. I could name a dozen other cities where the wrong neighborhood will make you feel uncomfortable.

If you're smart enough to earn the kind of money it takes to buy a Rolex you're smart enough to ask where are the no-go neighborhoods are and to avoid traveling through them. If you're really not that smart then leave the Rolex at home.

You are stating a fact that is not in evidence and suggesting a premise not introduced. 1st your premise: Bad areas of chicago are the same as bad areas in other cities. I don't agree and murder statistics show that Chicago is more dangerous than many comparable cities. I believe the murder statistics would back up that assertion. It perhaps is equivalent of other cities during rough crime stretches, such as DC and Baltimore in the 1990s. Perhaps you are suggesting being in New Orleans at 3am is not as safe as Chicago at 3pm. Or that SE DC is worse than the miracle mile?

Chicago is an amazingly beautiful city, one of the best in the world. However, they have issues right now with crime. It would take ignorance of many facts and statistics to suggest otherwise.

NYC and DC also had some rough years, and they have largely become much safer to the point I would guess people wouldn't think twice about wearing a rolex there.

[JohnnyNoDate]

Originally Posted by chicagonoob

wear the watch, don't let the watch wear you.

Buying and inheriting a gold President are two different things imo.

You should to be comfortable and confident wearing one. Or you'll always be worrying.

[bdex75]

I grew up (I am 40 years old for reference) on the south side of Chicago. Washington Park, South Shore and Woodlawn before my parents moved to the burbs because they obviously liked my little brother more than they liked me (completely different issue).
And I am well aware that the times have changed and that Englewood is not longer nice either. 😃. But those neighborhoods that you mention probably have a much higher rate of scuffed gucci's and Ferragamos than muggings.

But crime can happen any where at any time. I am sure that there are criminals that will take advantage of the opportunities that areas like that present to them to snatch high value goods.

All I can say is be vigilant everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. Insure the watch for its full replacement value. Consider wearing it on a leather strap to tone down the "flashiness" of it. Or if it holds that much sentimental value get it serviced and put it in a safe deposit box at the bank and go visit it on the weekends.

And for the love of all things good, congrats on a great watch and post up some pictures for us to enjoy!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Le Chef]

I have a friend who inherited her father's yg President and she wears that all the time. Like anything else in life there are areas in any city where you take extra care if you need to visit them. But main Chicago and burbs are absolutely fine and safe.

[tomchicago]

I would NEVER wear a YG or RG Rolex in Chicago outside the confines of a private city club, nice restaurant or similar setting. Absolutely never on the CTA! Every idiot knows what a gold Rolex is, and your chances of getting majorly jacked for it are large. To keep the homage to your uncle, sell it, trade into a WG DD or any stainless model you like thru a trusted seller here, and wear it all you want. Your uncle would understand and be proud of you all the same for protecting your life. There are some extremely desperate people in this city, in any city, the depths of which you have no idea. We don't live in the suburbs where the worst thing that can happen is some lady of leisure in a Range Rover cuts you off as you're turning into your country club. You don't want some G to shank you on the Blue Line.

[Le Chef]

Clearly we live in a different city. I live close to downtown and use public transport everyday (red line,brown line and blue line to ORD) without problems.

[BlackHayze]

So, it seems the general sentiment is in general it's safe in the neighborhoods I'll be in. I have one more question, and this may really show my paranoia:

How realistic is it that a pickpocket could get the watch off my wrist before I notice he's unclasping it and slipping it off? I see it in TV shows and movies, but have no idea about if that's something pickpockets can actually do in real life or not.

And to those asking for pictures, I'll be posting some up late February/Early March once it is done getting serviced and I've gone back home to pick it up, so keep an eye out around then for some pictures!

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by BlackHayze

How realistic is it that a pickpocket could get the watch off my wrist before I notice he's unclasping it and slipping it off? I see it in TV shows and movies, but have no idea about if that's something pickpockets can actually do in real life or not.

it is more prone to occur if you are casually acquainted with the individual...via the distraction factor of exchanging cordialities.

I had this happen to me once in a dive bar except that I got my watch back...the perpetrator was a distant acquaintance who did it as a joke.

[BlackHayze]

Originally Posted by ref1655

it is more prone to occur if you are casually acquainted with the individual...via the distraction factor of exchanging cordialities.

I had this happen to me once in a dive bar except that I got my watch back...the perpetrator was a distant acquaintance who did it as a joke.

That's what I was thinking. I am positive none of my even remotest acquaintances know how to pick pocket in the slightest, so I think the chances of that happening are low. This thread has helped alleviate some of my fears... Although I may still stick the watch in my bag while commuting to and from work and put it back on once I get to my destination -- I'll play it by ear once I have the watch and see how safe I feel wearing it around in downtown Chicago.

[rozyd]

Originally Posted by BlackHayze

That's what I was thinking. I am positive none of my even remotest acquaintances know how to pick pocket in the slightest, so I think the chances of that happening are low. This thread has helped alleviate some of my fears... Although I may still stick the watch in my bag while commuting to and from work and put it back on once I get to my destination -- I'll play it by ear once I have the watch and see how safe I feel wearing it around in downtown Chicago.

I think it's more likely to be stolen from your bag than from your wrist.

I lived in Chicago, commuted in via Metra from Barrington for 5 years. In all sorts of weather, never had an issue or anyone even notice my watch. Day Date. Sea-Dweller. Daytona. The one watch that got the most notice was the Panerai. And that was from a chap who hit on me. I took it as a compliment and moved on.

[LVSubmariner]

Here we go again.....

[ronricks]

very few people notice I have on a Rolex.

[Hairdude1]

No issues here. I walk around with my gold AP and haven't had an issue. When I had my 116718 I would wear it out all over and never had a problem.

[blue lion]

Relax, wear your watch.