Traveling with a Rolex Makes you Safer

[rolex75216]

Not sure I agree with this? What do you guys think?

Came from an article on Bloomberg.

In dangerous areas, he relies on nice watches...

"I was working on a project in Singapore, and an ex-[Special Air Service] soldier told me to always wear a nice watch: Don’t flaunt it, but have it with you.  He had a stainless-steel Rolex and wore it everywhere.  He told me that no matter where you travel, a good watch—like a Rolex—is like currency and is something you can always use to barter to get yourself out of trouble.  You always hear “never have anything nice on expedition,” but that soldier’s advice was smart and practical so I always wear a “tradable” watch that can help get me out of a bind."

[tyler1980]

personally either way it doesn't matter to me. If i own it then i am going to wear it wherever i go. I never understand the logic of not bringing it as if its too dangerous for a watch then maybe i shouldn't be there myself.

[1William]

Ok, I get it and have read similar stories in the past. I would look at it as I don't want to be somewhere this would apply.

[Pringle]

The soldier may also carry a particular set of skills, acquired over a long career that could be put to good use!

For mere mortals it might be the watch that attracted the trouble in the first place.

[THC]

So would that person travel with box and papers?

[rolex75216]

Originally Posted by THC

So would that person travel with box and papers?

So Funny!

[rom33]

Sorta: you suggestion makes sense. Why display something you can't protect.

[geebob]

I always think of it as a myth or maybe an urban legend. I mean fake Rolex (or other fake luxurious wathes, for that matter) are abundant and everywhere, so people to whom that watch is offered to as currency or barter, would think of it as a fake watch. Unless you take it to an AD or watchmaker, but then that’s a completely different scenario.

[Star Ferry]

I think it's more likely to get you mugged lol

[scranger]

Wonder if a G-Shock wouldn't serve the same purpose?

[Zakalwe]

If only there was some other medium that is tradeable, allows the bearer to barter for goods and might get a person out of a spot of bother should they really needs an item or service in some far off part of the world. Imagine if such a mythical medium were so physically insubstantial that it could be carried on one's person without being noticed by anyone, unlike a big shiny watch. Like, I don't know...

cash?

[Abdullah71601]

I don't think so. You would need excellent local knowledge and negotiating skills to make any barter work...plus SAS confidence to try to pull it off. Better to stay under the radar, hire a trustworthy expedition guide, and avoid places where you would need to trade for your life.

[beshannon]

Click bait article

[Godfather111]

Being the paranoid nitwit that I am, this has actually occurred to me. That is exactly the reason why I wear a Rolex when abroad.

Happy to read this validation.

Remember, it's not paranoia when they're actually after you.

:P

[BillA]

That’s because when they come to rob you they will only take your watch vs. cutting your throat, so yes always draw attention with an expensive watch.

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by BillA

That’s because when they come to rob you they will only take your watch vs. cutting your throat, so yes always draw attention with an expensive watch.

I don't get the logic of drawing a thief's attention.. what's to stop them from taking both your watch and life

[77T]

Hard to say since the supposition is so contextual.

I think the basic assumption is a Rolex is universal - not denominated by one nation’s currency. So in a pinch it might get you something that Euros, Dollars or Drachmas mightn’t.

But I do know neither BitCoin nor ApplePay will help you...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RichardF]

Originally Posted by rolex75216

Not sure I agree with this? What do you guys think?

Came from an article on Bloomberg.

In dangerous areas, he relies on nice watches...

"I was working on a project in Singapore, and an ex-[Special Air Service] soldier told me to always wear a nice watch: Don’t flaunt it, but have it with you.  He had a stainless-steel Rolex and wore it everywhere.  He told me that no matter where you travel, a good watch—like a Rolex—is like currency and is something you can always use to barter to get yourself out of trouble.  You always hear “never have anything nice on expedition,” but that soldier’s advice was smart and practical so I always wear a “tradable” watch that can help get me out of a bind."

During the Vietnam era soldiers were told if they were shot down or captured you could trade your life with the Rolex you bought from the PX and that was an option that in some cases may have worked. But now days this really wouldn’t apply. I have traveled internationally a lot and you really have to be careful where you wear a Rolex now days especially if you are in remote areas of the world. The best thing you can have when you travel overseas is cash money. Money talks more than anything plus there are too many counterfeit watches in the market today that travelers wear. If someone wants your watch to help you they can take it from you easier verses negotiating over it.

[LAFLARE]

I don't know about you but this logic seems kind of backwards to me

[asiparks]

Indeed, this thinking dates back to pre credit card and pre ATM days, when some currency might suddenly become worthless or massively devalued, during a coup or similar.
The Rolex, ( pre fakey days) was recognized as having some inherent and transferrable value,so was attractive as an emergency back up.
Again, no guarantee that you wouldn't end up minus watch and larynx...

[MCO1]

I have heard this before. It is great in theory and sounds rather glamorous. I am with others in that I might rather not be in a place or situation that I would have to rely on my watch to get me out of.

[FTX I]

I prefer not to travel to a place where I'd need my Rolex to get out alive.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by geebob

I always think of it as a myth or maybe an urban legend. I mean fake Rolex (or other fake luxurious wathes, for that matter) are abundant and everywhere, so people to whom that watch is offered to as currency or barter, would think of it as a fake watch. Unless you take it to an AD or watchmaker, but then that’s a completely different scenario.

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

I think it's more likely to get you mugged lol

Yes, the chances are a Rolex would count against you, and if someone thought you were trying to sell them a fake things could turn nastier.

[Annan]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I prefer not to travel to a place where I'd need my Rolex to get out alive.

[BillA]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

I don't get the logic of drawing a thief's attention.. what's to stop them from taking both your watch and life

Hey guy, it was a joke

[douglasf13]

“Sir, I need your car to make a getaway! Take my watch...no, seriously this one has the 3186 movement, and it’s worth at least $15k!”

[Leeq]

I'll never take that advice, rather be safe than sorry.

[mahefa]

GMT Master II and ExpII are reliable partners, having 2 time zones and a compass ability as well. It is good thought that they can be traded to ticket to freedom as well.

[kilyung]

I usually carry a couple of gold coins. Same purpose and much more discrete.

[rolex75216]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I usually carry a couple of gold coins. Same purpose and much more discrete.

Now that is a great idea!