£100 + Breguet stolen in Central London

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

Well, for some reason London keeps coming up, Barcelona too. I can't recall the last time someone in a major US city or Middle Eastern city was robbed of their watch at knife or gunpoint. Granted this is a watch forum so crimes discussed will be watch centric, but I can assure you I feel much safer wearing my watches in a US city then in London. Personally I don't think I would wear an expensive watch if will be walking around in London. Spent most of November in the Middle East and I can assure you, I never for once felt concerned wearing my Day Date, and we walked everywhere.

It could be the case that London has more watch theft than anywhere else in the world. Difficult to say since what gets stolen isn’t factored in to the numbers cities/countries quote. Just the total number of robberies/thefts. But overall safety of a city cannot be determined solely on the basis of if you wear a watch or not.

I agree, many of the Middle Eastern cities I’ve been to have seemed to be amongst the safest places I’ve ever visited. Petty crime is typically very low in these areas.

[LandWatch]

To change the discussion slightly .... I’m actually surprised the thieves were able to identify a Breguet tourbillon, or perhaps it just looked expensive and worth nicking.

[roadjull]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I don’t disagree with you on that.



The point I refute is that London is in any way more dangerous than a comparably sized city anywhere else in the world.

Comprehensive crime stats are literally a google search away. Tokyo is more populous, yet many times safer than London when it comes to violent crime and terrorism.
I wonder what the reason is...

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[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by roadjull

Comprehensive crime stats are literally a google search away. Tokyo is more populous, yet many times safer than London when it comes to violent crime and terrorism.
I wonder what the reason is...

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I know. That was a poor choice of phasing on my part. I in no way mean to suggest no other place on earth is safer. But picking one of (maybe even the number one) safest cities in the world to draw comparison with is pointless. As would be mentioning cities at the opposite end of the scale.

I intended to suggest London isn’t substantially different from the average city with >5 million inhabitants.

[Phil t 32]

Originally Posted by HighlandWatch

To change the discussion slightly .... I’m actually surprised the thieves were able to identify a Breguet tourbillon, or perhaps it just looked expensive and worth nicking.

I thought exactly the same thing


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[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by HighlandWatch

To change the discussion slightly .... I’m actually surprised the thieves were able to identify a Breguet tourbillon, or perhaps it just looked expensive and worth nicking.

I was surprised initially.

But thinking about it, many of us spend enough time on watch forums to acquire a decent knowledge of high-end watches. Yet most of us have busy day jobs (and families, social lives etc).

Professional thieves do this for a living. I can well believe they have the time, inclination and motivation to learn what expensive watches look like.

[Danny83]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I’m not leaving my zip code!

[Token74]

I’m not really a fan of any big city, I’m a country boy and if I didn’t have to work, would very rarely leave my somewhat insignificant village...it has everything I need, a pub and a coal merchant! None of the folks found here would know on watch from another. It’s great.

I have been working in London this week and I have to admit to being careful. Not afraid, but careful.

When standing in the tube, I use my right hand to hold the rail and not my left, so as not to expose my watch.

When needing to check on directions, I have a quick look around me, pull over and stand with my back to the nearest wall so I have good vision around me, and then I get my iPhone out, check directions, put it back in my pocket, have a quick look around me again, and set off on my way.

When collecting a new AP yesterday, I popped into a Boots store beforehand and bought a drink. The assistant was somewhat surprised when I asked for the largest paper bag they had to hold the drink I was about to drink! But I wanted a cheap Boots bag to put the new watch in.

None of this is a hardship. For me, aware of the potential danger, it’s just common sense. But, in the summer, it’s much more of an inconvenience to make a watch less obvious, so I wear my Speedmaster Reduced on a nato strap. Not ideal, but whilst I love wearing a great watch, not enough to warrant worry or hassle.

Not convinced London is worse than any other major City, but everyone is entitled to their opinion on that, and I’m no expert so other opinions are likely worth more than mine.




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[rootbeer7]

Apparently this event was in June.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Token74

I’m not really a fan of any big city, I’m a country boy and if I didn’t have to work, would very rarely leave my somewhat insignificant village...it has everything I need, a pub and a coal merchant! None of the folks found here would know on watch from another. It’s great.

I have been working in London this week and I have to admit to being careful. Not afraid, but careful.

When standing in the tube, I use my right hand to hold the rail and not my left, so as not to expose my watch.

When needing to check on directions, I have a quick look around me, pull over and stand with my back to the nearest wall so I have good vision around me, and then I get my iPhone out, check directions, put it back in my pocket, have a quick look around me again, and set off on my way.

When collecting a new AP yesterday, I popped into a Boots store beforehand and bought a drink. The assistant was somewhat surprised when I asked for the largest paper bag they had to hold the drink I was about to drink! But I wanted a cheap Boots bag to put the new watch in.

None of this is a hardship. For me, aware of the potential danger, it’s just common sense. But, in the summer, it’s much more of an inconvenience to make a watch less obvious, so I wear my Speedmaster Reduced on a nato strap. Not ideal, but whilst I love wearing a great watch, not enough to warrant worry or hassle.

Not convinced London is worse than any other major City, but everyone is entitled to their opinion on that, and I’m no expert so other opinions are likely worth more than mine.




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Smart man.

[nda]

One of the benefits of 'freedom of movement' ! Eastern European crime gangs are regularly reported as operating in London and are utterly ruthless.

[77T]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Apparently this event was in June.

Yeah - but to be fair to the OP, that story ran earlier today.

Either a slow news day or police wanted to get more attention for their efforts to apprehend the culprits.


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[Travelair007]

I don't want to hijack the thread OP so if my question does, kill it - these watches, are they buckles or deployant clasps? Do we know? Are the thieves snapping the strap at the pins?

Just curious...

Sad story, a Breguet Tourbillon, what a Gem!

[Fleetlord]

Where are these watches that are stolen ending up?

Who and where is the fence?

These guys aren't robbing people so they can wear a Brequet....they are getting money for them...are they leaving the country?

[R G]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Where are these watches that are stolen ending up?

Who and where is the fence?

These guys aren't robbing people so they can wear a Brequet....they are getting money for them...are they leaving the country?

Do the thieves look British to you?

Yes. When they grace us with their departure, they will be leaving with their newly acquired goods, too.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Token74

I’m not really a fan of any big city, I’m a country boy and if I didn’t have to work, would very rarely leave my somewhat insignificant village...it has everything I need, a pub and a coal merchant! None of the folks found here would know on watch from another. It’s great.

I have been working in London this week and I have to admit to being careful. Not afraid, but careful.

When standing in the tube, I use my right hand to hold the rail and not my left, so as not to expose my watch.

When needing to check on directions, I have a quick look around me, pull over and stand with my back to the nearest wall so I have good vision around me, and then I get my iPhone out, check directions, put it back in my pocket, have a quick look around me again, and set off on my way.

When collecting a new AP yesterday, I popped into a Boots store beforehand and bought a drink. The assistant was somewhat surprised when I asked for the largest paper bag they had to hold the drink I was about to drink! But I wanted a cheap Boots bag to put the new watch in.

None of this is a hardship. For me, aware of the potential danger, it’s just common sense. But, in the summer, it’s much more of an inconvenience to make a watch less obvious, so I wear my Speedmaster Reduced on a nato strap. Not ideal, but whilst I love wearing a great watch, not enough to warrant worry or hassle.

Not convinced London is worse than any other major City, but everyone is entitled to their opinion on that, and I’m no expert so other opinions are likely worth more than mine.




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I’m from London and agree with everything you say here. It’s not perfect, but it’s not the war-zone that you might believe it is from the posts here.

[Soultime]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I called you out on a response that is nothing more than your crudely worded opinion.

Nothing I have said exhibits naivety or political bias. If deferring to statistics over reactionary journalism and opinion makes me sound educated I can live with that.

To be clear, there’s no debating that London has more crime than the suburbs. It obviously does. However any crime report you read shows statistics that are in line with comparably sized cities.

Luckily we don’t need to agree with each other. And I can live with that as well.

Unfortunately I disagree with that point.
If you compare London (11th) with Munich (128th) in European cities here;

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/region_...020&region=150

I am not having a go at London either. I am from Manchester (9th), which fairs worse than London.

[Soultime]

Originally Posted by nda

One of the benefits of 'freedom of movement' ! Eastern European crime gangs are regularly reported as operating in London and are utterly ruthless.

That is very true.

[WatchLurv]

London is a sh**hole. Plain and simple.
I do love it due to the roots I have there, but certainly not the city to flash your watch in. Not worn a watch out in London since 2015 as crime for watch snagging has always been around. Just seems more rampant nowadays and the methods used are more ruthless. Remember the Omani student who got stabbed to death outside Harrods for his watch? Or the other guy who got stabbed in his leg near Sloane Square for his watch? Just a few reported incidents that ended up in the news, whilst I personally know other people who have been held up and had to give up their watches...Guess where? In W1. Not in Kennington or Lewisham.

Doesnt matter if it's broad daylight or night. Either way you can get spotted and robbed.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by HighlandWatch

To change the discussion slightly .... I’m actually surprised the thieves were able to identify a Breguet tourbillon, or perhaps it just looked expensive and worth nicking.

Have to agree but like most things today blown out of all proportion by the press and on the various net watch forums.Now if it had been a cheaper watch say from what many call lesser brands, it would not have even been reported by the press. But once you mention high cost money or any major watch brand stolen its report by the press. Then blown out of all proportion like it happens to everyone everyday, who dares walk any city street with a expensive watch.

[jerseyden]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I was surprised initially.

But thinking about it, many of us spend enough time on watch forums to acquire a decent knowledge of high-end watches. Yet most of us have busy day jobs (and families, social lives etc).

Professional thieves do this for a living. I can well believe they have the time, inclination and motivation to learn what expensive watches look like.

The man who was robbed had been to an event hosted by Breguet. It is probably fair to assume that most of the people at that event would have been wearing expensive Breguet watches. I don't think the thieves spotted his tourbillon but just targeted an expensively dressed couple leaving an expensive function of which they had prior knowledge.
There again I could be wrong.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

There’s nearly 9 million people in London. Crime happens.

I’d wager that statistics don’t paint the picture you (or the media) are trying to.

Lmao.

Seriously.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

There’s nearly 9 million people in London. Crime happens.

I’d wager that statistics don’t paint the picture you (or the media) are trying to.

Agreed.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

To be clear, there’s no debating that London has more crime than the suburbs. It obviously does. However any crime report you read shows statistics that are in line with comparably sized cities.

Usually I can agree with this, however, judging by the reports regarding London, and actually from current real time residents, there seems to be specific cases of crimes relating to high value luxury watches.

If the point is to speak about "crime" in general terms, yes, no problem, there's crime in many densely populated cities equal in scope to London, no different. What this situation brings more into light is that London in particular has become a bit "unsafe" for specifically openly wearing a high end luxury watch carefree. This particular individual was actively targeted and violently attacked by three people, that wasn't a case of target of opportunity, no, he was identified and attacked.

I'm a native New Yorker and an infantry military veteran so I know about situational awarenesses, head on a swivel blah blah blah....
Point is when one goes on a "relaxing"(key word) vacation, one should not have to be mentally in the "amber zone". On vacation, I want to relax and chill, sip some drinks and then take a nice walk....
I can honestly say that I can do that in Dubai, Oslo, Nice or even Miami, while London seems like I need to be walking a patrol with the family in a wedge formation if we have our nice things on.

In short if I were going on a mission in the military, among the many things we need is intel and atmospherics(the vibe of the people and current events)....well to me current "intel and atmospherics" suggests to me that I need to be a bit more careful in London than in Dubai if I'm walking around with an AP and the misses her gold Rolex and loui bag...for anyone to not consider these latest reports relevant is to me being very naive.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Where are these watches that are stolen ending up?

Who and where is the fence?

These guys aren't robbing people so they can wear a Brequet....they are getting money for them...are they leaving the country?

Possibly all of the above. Stolen items like these aren't sold at auction to a respectable business men. They are sold underground behind back channels and usually wind up on the wrist of some other equally unsavory character from some place else.

[psv]

There was a similar type of robberies in Stockholm, Sweden around guests visiting certain high-level nightclubs. It turned out that the robbers had someone on the inside who picked out the victims.

It wouldn't surprise me if there is someone inside on the hotel that sees the watches/jewelry e.g. at breakfast or front desk and then communicate with the outsiders. Pure speculation, of course, but it would make sense.

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree but like most things today blown out of all proportion by the press and on the various net watch forums.Now if it had been a cheaper watch say from what many call lesser brands, it would not have even been reported by the press. But once you mention high cost money or any major watch brand stolen its report by the press. Then blown out of all proportion like it happens to everyone everyday, who dares walk any city street with a expensive watch.

My friend's big bang didn't get mentioned in any newspaper when he got held up in W1 by 2 guys on moped and a machete. Case still unsolved and watch not returned. He now wears an apple watch.

A lot of the watch robberies don't get reported unless the victim is injured or killed or the watch is of significant value that will make the reader go "wooooah he wore a 100K+ watch!!".

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Usually I can agree with this, however, judging by the reports regarding London, and actually from current real time residents, there seems to be specific cases of crimes relating to high value luxury watches.

If the point is to speak about "crime" in general terms, yes, no problem, there's crime in many densely populated cities equal in scope to London, no different. What this situation brings more into light is that London in particular has become a bit "unsafe" for specifically openly wearing a high end luxury watch carefree. This particular individual was actively targeted and violently attacked by three people, that wasn't a case of target of opportunity, no, he was identified and attacked.

I'm a native New Yorker and an infantry military veteran so I know about situational awarenesses, head on a swivel blah blah blah....
Point is when one goes on a "relaxing"(key word) vacation, one should not have to be mentally in the "amber zone". On vacation, I want to relax and chill, sip some drinks and then take a nice walk....
I can honestly say that I can do that in Dubai, Oslo, Nice or even Miami, while London seems like I need to be walking a patrol with the family in a wedge formation if we have our nice things on.

In short if I were going on a mission in the military, among the many things we need is intel and atmospherics(the vibe of the people and current events)....well to me current "intel and atmospherics" suggests to me that I need to be a bit more careful in London than in Dubai if I'm walking around with an AP and the misses her gold Rolex and loui bag...for anyone to not consider these latest reports relevant is to me being very naive.

Bang on!

If some people on here knew others (real life friends, which doesnt seem to be the case) who have been robbed on the streets of London then they wouldn't be trying to downplay the whole situation that "London is like any other metropolis and to assert situational awareness wherever you go". Total nonsense.

[zorinindustries]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Usually I can agree with this, however, judging by the reports regarding London, and actually from current real time residents, there seems to be specific cases of crimes relating to high value luxury watches.



If the point is to speak about "crime" in general terms, yes, no problem, there's crime in many densely populated cities equal in scope to London, no different. What this situation brings more into light is that London in particular has become a bit "unsafe" for specifically openly wearing a high end luxury watch carefree. This particular individual was actively targeted and violently attacked by three people, that wasn't a case of target of opportunity, no, he was identified and attacked.



I'm a native New Yorker and an infantry military veteran so I know about situational awarenesses, head on a swivel blah blah blah....

Point is when one goes on a "relaxing"(key word) vacation, one should not have to be mentally in the "amber zone". On vacation, I want to relax and chill, sip some drinks and then take a nice walk....

I can honestly say that I can do that in Dubai, Oslo, Nice or even Miami, while London seems like I need to be walking a patrol with the family in a wedge formation if we have our nice things on.



In short if I were going on a mission in the military, among the many things we need is intel and atmospherics(the vibe of the people and current events)....well to me current "intel and atmospherics" suggests to me that I need to be a bit more careful in London than in Dubai if I'm walking around with an AP and the misses her gold Rolex and loui bag...for anyone to not consider these latest reports relevant is to me being very naive.

100% agree. This is a trend we should be aware of.


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[psv]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Usually I can agree with this, however, judging by the reports regarding London, and actually from current real time residents, there seems to be specific cases of crimes relating to high value luxury watches.

If the point is to speak about "crime" in general terms, yes, no problem, there's crime in many densely populated cities equal in scope to London, no different. What this situation brings more into light is that London in particular has become a bit "unsafe" for specifically openly wearing a high end luxury watch carefree. This particular individual was actively targeted and violently attacked by three people, that wasn't a case of target of opportunity, no, he was identified and attacked.

I'm a native New Yorker and an infantry military veteran so I know about situational awarenesses, head on a swivel blah blah blah....
Point is when one goes on a "relaxing"(key word) vacation, one should not have to be mentally in the "amber zone". On vacation, I want to relax and chill, sip some drinks and then take a nice walk....
I can honestly say that I can do that in Dubai, Oslo, Nice or even Miami, while London seems like I need to be walking a patrol with the family in a wedge formation if we have our nice things on.

In short if I were going on a mission in the military, among the many things we need is intel and atmospherics(the vibe of the people and current events)....well to me current "intel and atmospherics" suggests to me that I need to be a bit more careful in London than in Dubai if I'm walking around with an AP and the misses her gold Rolex and loui bag...for anyone to not consider these latest reports relevant is to me being very naive.

Hear. Hear. I've stopped bringing anything other than a G-Shock to city-type of family-vacation. There just is no reason or point to put my family at risk by becoming a potential target. I travel as a "gray man" - it doesn't matter if I am traveling north or south, east or west, even if I am at a 5-star vacation spot with the family > I make little to no statement about my status, income/wealth, social class, education level, place of work/industry, country of origin or residency, etc.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

If some people on here knew others (real life friends, which doesnt seem to be the case) who have been robbed on the streets of London then they wouldn't be trying to downplay the whole situation that "London is like any other metropolis and to assert situational awareness wherever you go". Total nonsense.

I agree, and so true about the many other cases unreported because it was only sunglasses or just a $10k watch.

Originally Posted by psv

Hear. Hear. I've stopped bringing anything other than a G-Shock to city-type of family-vacation. There just is no reason or point to put my family at risk by becoming a potential target. I travel as a "gray man" - it doesn't matter if I am traveling north or south, east or west, even if I am at a 5-star vacation spot with the family > I make little to no statement about my status, income/wealth, social class, education level, place of work/industry, country of origin or residency, etc.

This, exactly.