Wrist Paranoia Observations

[KrismanX]

I recently had an intriguing conversation with the very same friend that convinced me it was Rolex time...

Every once in a while he will dig real deep about how I respond to people noticing my watch, more specifically in negative situations. Questions like, "If you are in a bad area, and someone you don't know comes up and starts asking you about your watch, how do you respond? Do you tell the truth?" "What would you say if you perceive them as a threat?"

I've been in some sticky situations; but I have never felt the need to lie about my watch or ever felt threatened by an admirer/inquirer. I don't flaunt my things, especially if the occasion isn't calling for it, such as a dive bar in the of backwoods of Mobile, Alabama.

To compare, he owns a 116713 (TT GMT) and I have a 116520 (SS Daytona pre-C). He has also begun an alternative lifestyle known to social media outlets as #vanlife. The type of people he interacts with on a daily basis has made him paranoid.

Given that my SS, non-Cyclops, non-fluted/rotating bezel isn't as recognizable to the average person as his two-tone GMT, maybe he just gets a LOT more attention to it than I do, especially given his environment, making him uncomfortable?

I guess I'm just glad that I chose SS for my one and only...Until I can supplement with some sparkle down the line. Anyone else experience people like this? I tried to convey that I just don't put myself in the types of situations where I would feel threatened; but it did get me wondering... What situations would make you lie about what's on your wrist? How did you handle it? I've just never really felt the need.

Rant over!

[Ben.McDonald7]

I do pay attention to my surroundings all the time. It's just called situational awareness. Having a $5-10,000 dollar watch on your wrist is a target but it's not something you should be living in fear over. If I'm in a more sketchy area I do just pay attention to what is around me. I haven't had someone come up to me and ask about my watch but I imagine if it was anyone that gave me just a little of a weird feeling I'd say something to the effect of "yeah I just with it was the real deal, have a good one".

[Snow-Dweller]

Insure your watch, wear your watch, enjoy your watch.

Simple.

[KrismanX]

My thoughts exactly. And knowing him, it is insured. Living in worry is not living to me.

[Bfd70]

No one who is going to take your watch asks you about it.

[DeeTee]

Who cares.
If your uncomfortable, don't wear it.

Only time I take it off is if I'm trying to wheel and deal with someone.

[Old Geezer]

I don't believe I'm excessively paranoid but you have to size up every situation and certainly maintain your situational awareness. For example, I was in a taxi in Rio de Janeiro last week with a work colleague going to a restaurant near our hotel. We were staying beachfront on Copacabana Beach and the restaurant was about 1/2 mile away. We took the cab to the restaurant to avoid arriving at the restaurant all sweaty but would likely walk back. My colleague making small talk asked the cabbie if it would be safe to walk back at around 10pm. Cabbie asks "are you wearing an expensive watch?" We both had on long sleeve shirts so he didn't know. Before my colleague opens his mouth I said of course not, we never carry valuables when we visit Rio.
I didn't see any sense in announcing we were wearing expensive wristwatches to a stranger.

[GMT Aviator]

The Copacabana is notorious for quick lifts. I've seen it happen there more times than I care to remember. I doubt the cabbie was after your watch, but he knows only too well you take a risk walking down there with one on your wrist.

[mmalek1]

I spent a few years living on the edge without taking the time to insure my watches. Once I woke up and went through with adding an insurance policy, all stress and worries disappeared. To the OP, I don't mind telling the truth when asked about a watch on my wrist and if the conversation is good, I might spend a little more time chatting watches and collections.

[RaceDoc]

If someone approach me I will say its fake man give me $100 and take it :)

[GreenLantern]

"It's a cheap rep."

[chiko323]

My family owns a retail store in downtown Boston and whenever a customer notices it I'll tell them it's fake. I've seen things downtown that would make anyone paranoid

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Insure your watch, wear your watch, enjoy your watch.

Simple.

This

[JohnnyCocktails]

Smart....

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

I don't believe I'm excessively paranoid but you have to size up every situation and certainly maintain your situational awareness. For example, I was in a taxi in Rio de Janeiro last week with a work colleague going to a restaurant near our hotel. We were staying beachfront on Copacabana Beach and the restaurant was about 1/2 mile away. We took the cab to the restaurant to avoid arriving at the restaurant all sweaty but would likely walk back. My colleague making small talk asked the cabbie if it would be safe to walk back at around 10pm. Cabbie asks "are you wearing an expensive watch?" We both had on long sleeve shirts so he didn't know. Before my colleague opens his mouth I said of course not, we never carry valuables when we visit Rio.
I didn't see any sense in announcing we were wearing expensive wristwatches to a stranger.

[datejustrms]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Insure your watch, wear your watch, enjoy your watch.

Simple.

Exactly!

[m j b]

As to the OP; fortunately when I have been asked about the watch, it's been in situations where I don't feel threatened.

Basically, if I think I'm going to be in a situation where I fear for my safety or the safety of my things, I try to avoid the situation. I could walk around armed, ready to shoot anyone that threatens me, but I refuse to live my life that paranoid. Yes, I've been a victim of armed robbery before, and yes, I do support the second amendment. I'm just saying that there are limits.

And for those situations that you can't plan for, that's why we have insurance.

[goldfixer21]

The overwhelming majority of people couldn't care less about what watch you're wearing

[RMC12]

If he is properly into #vanlife - maybe it isn't his watch that is making him paranoid?

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Insure your watch, wear your watch, enjoy your watch.

Simple.

Originally Posted by Bfd70

No one who is going to take your watch asks you about it.

[GB-man]

Never had a problem but I'm definitely always trying to be aware of my surroundings. Also don't have any gold watches.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

What situations would make you lie about what's on your wrist?

None

[BristolCavendish]

A non-Rolex wearer (or a stranger not wearing a watch) who asks about your Rolex = a questionable and/or suspicious individual. Another Rolex wearer asking about your Rolex might simply be a watch enthusiast striking up a casual conversation on a shared interest. Social and geographic environments are also factors/considerations.

[Headshrinker]

It's not always about the watch you wear, it could be your clothing, demeanor, or car you may have been seen driving. Insurance is one thing, but getting hurt is another. As some of you know I was assaulted by two men while getting out of an elevator with my 10 yr. old daughter at my side. I was wearing a platinum Daytona, which by most accounts is lower profile. I was never sure it was my watch, they asked for my wallet and jewelry before they were severely beaten (I suffered a broken orbital bone in the initial punch.) my daughter slept in our room for nearly six months. Never mock or belittle others for being aware of their surroundings; it can happen to anyone. I'm not paranoid, just careful!

[hugs]

The other person is usually the one hiding their watch when I approach them

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Insure your watch, wear your watch, enjoy your watch.

Simple.

Wise man.