Security Concerns

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by tgoose1

You live in Texas and aren't pack'in. I thought just about everyone in Texas carried?

__________________________________________________ ____________
As long as you and the criminals believe that, we are all good!


Better that than the laws in other states where they "KNOW" you aren't carrying.

Either way, it's a watch, they are insured, not worth my life over metal.

We have had these threads before about "over my cold dead body", "they'll get six in the gut" etc, again, it's a WATCH... no reason to not see my family or hug my wife over a Rolex! You put a gun to my head, you get whatever Rolex I have on. I call the police then the insurance company - then my AD! :-)


-Pete

[slcbbrown]

I never worry about it. Besides, I doubt that a mugger cares whether you're wearing $3,000watch or a $10,000 watch. I believe a gold watch might attract a bit more attention, but there is a lot of gold plate out there.

I really only worry about a watch's security when I don't have it on me.

[greekbum]

I have found that a solid yellow gold watch is usually the attention getter even with people that dont know watches.I have been in the hood as they say with a very expensive vintage watches and nobody notices but if I wear my solid gold GMT everybody is looking and thinking.At the end of the day wear what you like and use common sense

[phantom357]

Like others have said, most people do not notice unless they are fellow enthusiasts.

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by vitix

thats why i like SS watches, i have no insurance on my watches but i know nobody will beleive that its a expensive either, maybe WG will pass like a SS too...

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I am not here to spend your money but insurance on watches and other jewelry is the best check I write every year!
It's not just mugging, it's house break-ins, fire, damage, loss while traveling etc. Peace of mind knowing that my watches and other jewelry are replaceable.

Just my thoughts, to each their own.


-Pete

[BDSmith]

I have a bracelet that is appraised out at over $6K. I used to wear it to the street races in Tampa on a regular basis until 3, 4 am. Heck, I lived in Ybor in Tampa and walked home most weekends drunk with that bracelet on. I didn't have the Rolex at the time but I wouldn't think twice.

It helped my confidence knowing I had my Glock on me all those times. I never had any close encounters though.

It's not $20K, but I think it actually made it more realistic considering my young and drunk age.

[Alienbaby]

Not that it matters, but I got to talking to an AD across town yesterday afternoon while we were standing around talking for over an hour about watches and what not. Business was slow on a Monday afternoon and he was a nice guy. I knew that he wasn't trying to hook me in because he kept referring to "...with whoever you decide to buy from..." and what not when he was talking to me, which I thought was pretty cool.

Anyway so we got to talking. I brought up security with him. He had like really gorgeous 2002 Daytona. Still looked brand new. He told me based on his experience, he wore it every day and only 'almost' ran into trouble once. He was eating at a mexican restaurant downtown and he noticed a group of questionable people sitting across the way--one of them kept eyeballing his watch and he knew it. So when they were getting up getting ready to leave or whatever, on their way out the guy comes up to him and taps his watch with his pointer finger and says, "Hey I KNOW thats not real. Thats a fake." According to the sales guy, it seemed more like this gangster was accusing him as though he was indirectly inquiring about it rather than making a statement. The sales guy played into it and he was like, "you got me! How did you know?" and the guy took off like he was correct. I guess it was a gang or something, not sure.

This could happen with any watch. That could have been a TAG or anything, who knows. There are crazy people out there who will go out of their way to look at people's wrists and case out a business full of people just looking around to start trouble. There is no ultimate solution, no story that covers all of the lessons that need to be learned. There is no way to be ready for every circumstance because this falls beyond the scope of watches. Thats why I'm sorry for even staring this thread.

At the same time, I'm glad to have started it because many of you have provided incredibly valuable advice. It really helps to have threads where people can share stories and ideas about security, because these encounters while unpleasant or eye opening, help to maintain vigilance and all that jazz. Keep the security thread alive!

[fc3s2k]

thats why I dont have any watch with alot of bling!!!

________________________________
14060M
Explorer I
SS Datejust WG bezel
RG cellini Danaos
HUBLOT BigBang RG (special occasion)

[sea-dweller]

Nope, I would just be careful where I wear it and when I wear it.

[Boopie]

I disagree with the "only a WIS would notice your watch" comment. A gold Rolex (or any other gold watch) stands out in any crowd. Certainly someone looking to rob you will notice.

I certainly haven't commented on each and every Rolex that I see. That doesn't mean I didn't notice. I sat next to a gentleman recently who was wearing an Oyster Quartz. I would have loved to have said something, but the context of the situation didn't lend itself to comment. Likewise, I sure as heck notice every Maserati, Ferrari, Aston Martin, or other ultra-high end car that I drive past. I don't obviously whip my head around to stare, or give the driver a "thumbs-up," but the absence of my doing so doesn't mean that I didn't notice it.

Someone quipped once that strippers instantly notice what kind of watch a man wears. I presume that robbers also look for gold watches, too.

If you are wearing a $20K or more Patek, or other watch, that is a classic men's dress watch with a leather band, you would blend in more than someone wearing an all-gold Daytona or Day Date President, particularly because the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet on the latter watch are distinctive features of a Rolex.

The analogy might be to driving a very expensive car in a dicey neighborhood, at night. When I attended USC years ago (which included night classes), I drove a Mazda, precisely because I didn't want to draw undue attention to me. I had a classmate who drove a Mercedes S class sedan, and I remember thinking at the time that the car was just much too flashy for that area.

My Yachtmaster isn't worth $20K, but it is a very attractive and shiny watch (thanks to the PCL) and, I think, looks expensive. If I'm in a questionable neighborhood, I just wear it under my sleeve, and otherwise act discreetly.

[SLS]

It's all about common sense. I know thare are certain areas where I live that I should not be in, so I just avoid them.
Scott

[Foneguy]

I'll go with the popular vote CCW !!!!

[InVision]

I usually wear daily a $25K watch. Sometimes it is a $45K watch. Even on my Harley riding around the town I don't seem to have any problems. I do have insurance...

Mike

[Subfiend]

I have only had two situations in 20 years of wearing Rolex, once in a bad part of Nairobi when somebody grabbed my wrist and said "Is that a Rolex?'", and another time in Belize when an airport employee saw my TT Blue Sub and hit me up for a bribe to make sure my luggage made it on to a connecting flight. Both situations were resolved without trouble.

Regardless of what watch you are wearing, you always have to be aware of your surroundings to stay safe. In some places, you could be mugged just for wearing new shoes. When I lived in Africa, I was constantly confronted on the streets for the first two weeks because I obviously looked like I didn't belong there. I looked like a tourist just off the boat. After a while, I began to look like I belonged and nobody bothered me. I learned a valuable lesson: don't look or act like a potential mark. Muggings are crimes of opportunity. If you don't present the opportunity, chances are you're not going to be mugged.

[veidtadrian]

Originally Posted by jnkay

My father-in-law was shot in the head for his DayDate even though he was in the process of removing it to give to the robber.

He was very lucky and survived, and still wears it today.

Great to hear he survived and is still wearing it today!

The only 20k Rolexes are going to be vintage (which should be safe to wear anywhere as most ppl will think it is a cheap watch) or a RG, YG, WG model.
YG might really attract attention but I'd think you'd be safe wearing it anyways.

Arrgh..I really want a president!

[veidtadrian]

Not to be a party pooper...but hopefully all this Gun discussion doesn't descend into the realm of a "political discussion"!

[andypandy]

I look so shabby that I've known muggers to come up to me and offer me a Rolex.....I
always refuse the gold ones !

[nickriebe]

Originally Posted by johnny80s

I am lucky enough to be able to carry my pistol with me legally. Someones not gonna get it without a fight.

X2 Didnt I just see something about Chicago on the news? Handgun ban, blah, blah, blah... Guess you're one of the lucky ones.

[nickriebe]

Originally Posted by InVision

I usually wear daily a $25K watch. Sometimes it is a $45K watch. Even on my Harley riding around the town I don't seem to have any problems. I do have insurance...

Mike

I could rob you of them and you could claim them and get new! woo hoo!

[Nicko]

Most people will think it's fake anyway so no problem...

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by Yazo

Just get insurance dude!

Exactly and don't be a hero !!

[Sose]

Originally Posted by johnny80s

I am lucky enough to be able to carry my pistol with me legally. Someones not gonna get it without a fight.

Agree. I do the same.

No place really is "safe". I will get insurance for my new Rolex (arriving today) as I have for the rest of my collection of watches. Losing a watch won't be a big deal if I have insurance. Losing your life over one, however, is a pretty big deal. That's why I choose to carry.

[SSD]

Originally Posted by johnny80s

I'm sorry to hear about your father.... You never know whats going through these jerks minds.

X2, that is terrible!!!

Insurance + sidearm = peace of mind most days.

However: Over the years I have discovered what others say is truth. KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Be aware, not paranoid. Pay attention. Look and act relaxed and confident. Don't appear to be timid, and don't ever be arrogant.

"If you look like food, you will be eaten." -Clint Smith

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Cut the price tag off............

Nice one Paul!

[drtooth73]

with this economy your $20K watch may already be $15K

[jevans41]

Originally Posted by phantom357

Like others have said, most people do not notice unless they are fellow enthusiasts.

Bingo!

[CHRISTIN]

O.K., you spent over 20k for a watch... now spend 500 bucks for a Glock.

[CHRISTIN]

O.K., you spent over 20k for a watch... now spend 500 bucks for a Glock.

[MagedMS]

Originally Posted by Tools

....... I don't know........ 20k isn't that much.. Most of us probably drive around in a car worth more than that without a seconds thought..

Many ladies routinely have that much in jewelry on......

...It's just a watch, and 99% of the time, nobody will give a hoot.....

X2..Agreed!
In my country I feel safe.. I've no problem wearing my TT Sub anywhere/anytime.. No one will dare asking me about my watch..

[Rolesor]

I plan on getting it insured ASAP - if someone wants it bad enough to point a gun / knife at me then I'll polish it and hand it over lol