How detailed are Rolex watch spotters?

[IR201]

Bit of an odd question I guess but with Rolex robberies on the rise I’ve gotten myself a few less valuable pieces for areas/situations where one might want to be more cautious.

For example this lovely Seiko:



But I’m thinking to myself, are these criminals detailed to the point where they would see something like this and rule it out as a target? (esp with Daytona craze)

Or am I just the idiot who is going get mugged for his Seiko ?

Btw, I’m sure this answer is somewhat unknowable and varies across criminals.

But what do you guys think is typical?

Ps - sorry if this topic isn’t everyone’s favorite, but it’s a real concern in some places. And at least it’s not about value! Sorta.


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[2001jesper]

The reality is that you just dont know - You are equally likely to be mugged for your wallet. However more people are becoming aware a Rolex equals easy money and there is no reason to temp a weak soul.

The most important part is just to hand it over and not try to be a hero

[rmwill]

Using common sense is the best approach to not becoming a victim. Don't flash your watch in public, especially when out drinking.

[stevestil]

The people involved with these recent muggings know what they are after. They know what to look for and have their eye open for specific things especially seeing an oyster bracelet or jubilee bracelet.

From a far- someone may confuse this with a Daytona depending how trained their eye is.

Realistically- using common sense is a great way to keep yourself out of these situations.


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[Cigars&Watches]

You might get some amateurs coming after you. The pros will know better

[Feb_29]

I see you're from NY. I walked in NY City all the time and nobody noticed my Rolex watches once. If you visiting East NY, it doesn't matter if you wearing Rolex or not you'll be rubbed. I doubt general population who wears Rolex watch going in such places. That being said, you can be rubbed anywhere in the planet by flushing your expensive anything.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

To paraphrase your question: “How smart is the guy that’s going to rob me?”

Couple things: don’t get robbed and if you do, ask him.

[Tensai]

I think it is wise to be cautious, but in all reality, these publicized watch thefts are tremendously over-hyped. I wear Rolex watches all over NYC, including subway, without a concern.

[rmwill]

Totally agree. It is bad to victim shame, but stupidity is the common element in all these incidents. Alcohol is the other common element.

Originally Posted by Tensai

I think it is wise to be cautious, but in all reality, these publicized watch thefts are tremendously over-hyped. I wear Rolex watches all over NYC, including subway, without a concern.

[Hpozzuoli]

Pro tip 101. When I travel outside the country any PM piece I take with me is fake. I still bring real ss pieces but only 1 or 2.

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me. I would rather smile and hand a robber a fake and feel good after the experience, like I beat them at their game. My family also felt uneasy about being abroad with that much money on my wrist. I wouldn’t hesitate to remove a fake, but would probably risk everyone’s safety keeping a real PM piece on my wrist. Sad world these days.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Idk but if you do get targeted for your seitona just give it to them and gtfo

[cm10005]

How many people know about East NY on this site. They probably think it’s on the East Side or the Village. I’ve worked there almost 20 yrs and believe me it’s none of the above. You need to have a good sense of situational awareness wherever you are though.

[Flintstone]

Just wondering….are people leaving their BMW’s and Mercedes at home and driving a Kia because they’re afraid of getting carjacked? These posts are getting ridiculous

[JSolution]

Who cares just take it off and hand it over ?

Anyway - what reference is that seiko I really like it and have a mind to buy one right now :)

[FHFinster]

Originally Posted by cm10005

How many people know about East NY on this site. They probably think it’s on the East Side or the Village. I’ve worked there almost 20 yrs and believe me it’s none of the above. You need to have a good sense of situational awareness wherever you are though.

Originally Posted by Feb_29

I see you're from NY. I walked in NY City all the time and nobody noticed my Rolex watches once. If you visiting East NY, it doesn't matter if you wearing Rolex or not you'll be rubbed. I doubt general population who wears Rolex watch going in such places. That being said, you can be rubbed anywhere in the planet by flushing your expensive anything.

Many people from NY don't even know what East NY is.

And while it's not great, people do live there without getting robbed.

Great book if you like NYC history, called "How East NY Became a Ghetto". In short, discriminatory lending policies (red lining) and realtors leveraging racial tensions to trigger home sales. Quick read.


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[brandrea]

I’m never sure what to say in these threads. I guess when I travel, I’ve never gone anywhere where I feel like I’m going to get robbed

[Bxtek]

It's kinda scary as you really don't know what someone might do to you for how small of value. I suspect if they feel like you're an easy target, they won't hesitate to rob you for that Seiko, or even for something less. If you are built like The Rock, I am thinking more robbers would probably pass, no matter what is on your wrist.

A number of years ago there was a whole bunch of local robberies on the news for people's jewelry, particularly necklaces and chains. They would spot a person wearing something, run up from behind the victim, grab the necklace and just yank it off and keep running. Targets were mostly women, older Asian and Indian people who commonly like to wear gold chains. Easiest targets were what the thieves were going for!

[Bxtek]

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

Pro tip 101. When I travel outside the country any PM piece I take with me is fake. I still bring real ss pieces but only 1 or 2.

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me. I would rather smile and hand a robber a fake and feel good after the experience, like I beat them at their game. My family also felt uneasy about being abroad with that much money on my wrist. I wouldn’t hesitate to remove a fake, but would probably risk everyone’s safety keeping a real PM piece on my wrist. Sad world these days.

I totally get what you are saying and the goal here, but my question would be.....Wouldn't it be better just to wear a Casio G-Shock, a smart watch, or something similar when traveling? Even though it's a fake Rolex, someone might spot it on your wrist, and will bop you on the head or cause injury while trying to take it from you? The robber is not gonna think twice if it's fake or not when the opportunity arises. He's gonna strike first and realize it later, but injury could have been done to you or your family? For me, a smart watch works better too as it has features that come in handy while traveling.

Thanks for chiming in though. Please stay safe in your travels!

[Bmats]

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

Pro tip 101. When I travel outside the country any PM piece I take with me is fake. I still bring real ss pieces but only 1 or 2.

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me. I would rather smile and hand a robber a fake and feel good after the experience, like I beat them at their game. My family also felt uneasy about being abroad with that much money on my wrist. I wouldn’t hesitate to remove a fake, but would probably risk everyone’s safety keeping a real PM piece on my wrist. Sad world these days.

If you don’t mind me asking, why bring a fake at all? The joy of watches would be lost for me with a fake, and if I was worried about the place I’d just bring a cheaper piece or (gasp) a smart watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Bmats

If you don’t mind me asking, why bring a fake at all? The joy of watches would be lost for me with a fake, and if I was worried about the place I’d just bring a cheaper piece or (gasp) a smart watch.

Have to agree or maybe I just wouldn’t go at all.

[VegasBaby]

If you’re wearing a watch that closely resembles a high valued Rolex or other high-end brand watch, you might just be setting yourself up to be robbed or mugged regardless.

[Brny11]

If spotters are like me, you are fine. Not mistaking 99% of watches for Rolex. I don't give much thought to fakes though. Another interesting question is how many get their fakes stolen and risk their health for $200 NYC specials.

All watches have value, so I wouldn't feel safe if my watch was above 500. Common sense and self awareness is key.

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[kieselguhr]

Bad guys are very detail oriented. They scheme elaborate 18 page powerpoints before robbing you. Every minute detail imaginable including the mechanics of your wrist swing is analyzed to maximize the accuracy of identifying your watch. They also have a team of mathematicians to determine highest probability robbery candidates at any given time of day. They invest a lot of resources into their craft, to masterfully rob you of your watch.

P.S. In the real world, even people who don’t wear watches get robbed. Normal people don’t determine where, when, or why they get robbed. Bad guys do. Best you can do is be aware of your surroundings at any given time, and be prepared.

[JSCP]

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

Pro tip 101. When I travel outside the country any PM piece I take with me is fake. I still bring real ss pieces but only 1 or 2.

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me. I would rather smile and hand a robber a fake and feel good after the experience, like I beat them at their game. My family also felt uneasy about being abroad with that much money on my wrist. I wouldn’t hesitate to remove a fake, but would probably risk everyone’s safety keeping a real PM piece on my wrist. Sad world these days.

If you to Europe beware of wearing fake, you could get stop at airport.

[JSCP]

Just be careful
hide watch walking around or subway. I don’t use public transport but it can happen in nice areas as they on the look out.

[Tim Plains]

What are you going to tell the robbers? "No, no, this is a Seiko, it's not a Rolex, you don't want it." Come on. Anyone could mistaken that for a Daytona from across a room or across the street. It's not like they are going to get up close to read the text on your dial.

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me.

The fact that you are supporting the fake market is terrible. I would feel embarrassed and ashamed.

[harvey]

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

Pro tip 101. When I travel outside the country any PM piece I take with me is fake. I still bring real ss pieces but only 1 or 2.

I feel odd even saying I own fake Rolex’s, but the hassle of an insurance claim isn’t worth it to me. I would rather smile and hand a robber a fake and feel good after the experience, like I beat them at their game. My family also felt uneasy about being abroad with that much money on my wrist. I wouldn’t hesitate to remove a fake, but would probably risk everyone’s safety keeping a real PM piece on my wrist. Sad world these days.

I read a lot of nonsense on this forum but this is bizarre!

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by JSCP

If you to Europe beware of wearing fake, you could get stop at airport.

What?

[dpt.calvin]

Hopefully not that detailed lol

[BroncoOne]

Don’t drink so much alcohol that you aren’t aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

The only troublesome incidents that I’ve heard of likely involved inside jobs. Someone working in the restaurant is the spotter and alerts the thugs on what table to rush. Not much that you can do there unless you are better trained or better armed and most would never open fire in a restaurant full of people just to save a watch.