Mugged in Buenos Aires-Rolex gone!!

[jolimont]

but how was the food in South America???

[acathp]

So glad you are OK- and love your attitude.
It can happen anywhere.
I think Sydney is pretty safe- but wont wear my datejust on public transport.
Also very careful when I am in Europe or the US- unless it's long sleeve weather- will be wearing my Seiko.
Hoping your watch is found- but at least it is replaceable-and you weren't hurt.

[Zoran]

I am glad you are OK because I can imagine these situations can go wrong in a split-second.
Keep your head up and thank God you came out alright and they took the watch without serious injury.
Best of luck to you!

Warm regards,
Zoran

[Howe]

wow such a sad horror story :( that air king is really nice. Hope the police find the thief.

[benlee]

Sorry to hear. Hope the police able to catch the thief and retrieve your stolen watch. Glad to hear you are OK though which is more important.

[Gaijin]

Glad that you are ok... Sp sorry to hear this.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by GED

Yes, fellow TRF members, I was mugged in B.A.

But I want to make this clear: the experience,
as bad as it was, does not detract from one
of the best travel adventures I’ve ever had(and having traveled
in three dozen or so countries, this is saying a lot!).

I spent three weeks in Argentina and Uruguay and they are gloriously wonderful countries and one
of the things that makes this so is the warmth of the people. A question I kept asking myself was: what took me so long to get down here?(this was my first time).

Okay, but I still had my Air King literally ripped off my wrist.
And no, it wasn’t insured(my DJ is insured, though -but I left that at home). I know, I should have left it at home too with my DJ-my bad.

I stupidly thought because the AK flies so low under the radar that I could wear it with immunity. And the first 10 or so days I was there it was long-sleeve shirt, jacket wearing weather(it’s Spring in the Southern hemisphere)so my watch was completely hidden anyway.

But I had it ripped off on a gloriously sunny day a few days before I left on my return flight.

I was walking around Plaza Serrano in the heart of Palermo, one of the best areas of B.A. as far as crime and safety issues.

In fact, Palermo with its green bike paths, tree line streets, abundant boutiques, bars, and restaurants looks a lot like Northwest Portland and
could have been a number of other SWPL areas around the U.S.

And the way I was dressed pretty much fit in with the locals: Madras shirt(sleeves rolled up-mistake), cargo shorts and sandals.

Suddenly I was grabbed around the neck from behind and pulled to the ground. It happened very fast-I didn’t even feel the watch being removed from my wrist.

When I got up from the sidewalk, the guy had already hopped on the back of a waiting motorcycle which sped off.

People gathered around asking if I was alright, whether anything had been taken. At first I said no because I padded my pocket for my wallet and it was there(passport was back at the hotel), although the front pocket on my shirt was completely ripped down.

Then someone pointed to my wrist(which has a watch tan mark)and I suddenly got a sick feeling.

Eventually a policemen showed up, then a policewoman, then a police car
which took me to the station where I made a report-signed it and was given a copy.

A plainclothesmen who acted as an interpreter gave me his email address so I could send him the AK’s serial number, etc. I’ve done this, and also sent him a close-up photo of the watch and the pointing photo which I had originally taken to post on the “pointing” thread(moderators-this photo may be in the wrong thread but please cut me some slack! ).

(As far as Rolex spotting on my trip-I only saw two-a Citibank manager in Montevideo wore a TT DJ. And on the flight from Dallas to PDX the guy in the seat in front of me had on a rose gold President. Also, did some Rolex window shopping at the Pacifica Galleria on Florida Ave. in B.A. and at the main mall in downtown Montevideo and maybe one or two other places).

[***If any TRF members living in Buenos Aires comes across an Air King just like mine for sale, etc. don’t hesitate to PM me-I’ll PM you back the serial number along with the policeman’s email address.***]


That’s me in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay:

Very sorry this happened to you but today you can get mugged no matter where you are today even on your own door step.And no matter what watch you was wearing it would have been taken by these scumbag lowlife thieves. You was not harmed that's the main thing watches can always be replaced.

[East Bay Rider]

Terrible news. Amazing how quickly someone can invade your space and take things off your person. Glad you're ok.

[FeelingTheBlues]

I'm glad to know you weren't hurt, surely it could have been worse but I'm still sad to read you've been mugged and lost your watch...hopefully the police catches him.

[Roma315]

Go to youtube the sh!t that happens there in broad daylight everyday is crazy

[nick c]

Sorry to hear

[Betelc]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Casey VP-26]

Sorry, Glad you are OK. Good Luck.

[yld2rob]

+1

Originally Posted by Mauiguy

The level of desperation out there and displays of brazen depravity like this are just stunning. I like to think that I'm streetwise and always aware of my situation and surroundings. I 'm also usually armed to some extent depending on the circumstances and ready to defend myself and/or my family. It's not always that easy however, especially when it comes to dealing with professional criminals who have developed the art of attack to a science and wouldn't hesitate to stick a knife in your side if they even sense resistance. It's a tricky and dangerous choice (whether to fight or not). The easiest and safest course is to not make oneself an obvious target. That's where Casio or G-shock comes in handy while saving the bling for private get togethers, or occasions where you're at least insulated from the public.

Regardless, I'm sorry to hear your AK was stolen, but I'm very happy to hear that you're alive and well!

Cheers!

[BaltimoreBrian]

I am so sorry to hear of this and am sick to my stomach after reading your post.

[Cc1966]

I'm proud to be part of the supportive nature of the forum members. Glad you are unhurt.

[Exclusivewatches]

What a toss! Sorry for your loss, a shame it wasn't insured but yet again, it wouldn't replace a beloved watch.

Good luck with Everything!

[GED]

Originally Posted by jolimont

but how was the food in South America???

Food was great. At first I ate a lot of steak but toward the end fish and Caesar Salads(con pollo). Also learned to appreciate Argentinian wine.

Again, thank you everyone for the well wishes and kind words!

[Degas]

Originally Posted by GED

Yes, fellow TRF members, I was mugged in B.A.

But I want to make this clear: the experience,
as bad as it was, does not detract from one
of the best travel adventures I’ve ever had(and having traveled
in three dozen or so countries, this is saying a lot!).

I spent three weeks in Argentina and Uruguay and they are gloriously wonderful countries and one
of the things that makes this so is the warmth of the people. A question I kept asking myself was: what took me so long to get down here?(this was my first time).

Okay, but I still had my Air King literally ripped off my wrist.
And no, it wasn’t insured(my DJ is insured, though -but I left that at home). I know, I should have left it at home too with my DJ-my bad.

I stupidly thought because the AK flies so low under the radar that I could wear it with immunity. And the first 10 or so days I was there it was long-sleeve shirt, jacket wearing weather(it’s Spring in the Southern hemisphere)so my watch was completely hidden anyway.

But I had it ripped off on a gloriously sunny day a few days before I left on my return flight.

I was walking around Plaza Serrano in the heart of Palermo, one of the best areas of B.A. as far as crime and safety issues.

In fact, Palermo with its green bike paths, tree line streets, abundant boutiques, bars, and restaurants looks a lot like Northwest Portland and
could have been a number of other SWPL areas around the U.S.

And the way I was dressed pretty much fit in with the locals: Madras shirt(sleeves rolled up-mistake), cargo shorts and sandals.

Suddenly I was grabbed around the neck from behind and pulled to the ground. It happened very fast-I didn’t even feel the watch being removed from my wrist.

When I got up from the sidewalk, the guy had already hopped on the back of a waiting motorcycle which sped off.

People gathered around asking if I was alright, whether anything had been taken. At first I said no because I padded my pocket for my wallet and it was there(passport was back at the hotel), although the front pocket on my shirt was completely ripped down.

Then someone pointed to my wrist(which has a watch tan mark)and I suddenly got a sick feeling.

Eventually a policemen showed up, then a policewoman, then a police car
which took me to the station where I made a report-signed it and was given a copy.

A plainclothesmen who acted as an interpreter gave me his email address so I could send him the AK’s serial number, etc. I’ve done this, and also sent him a close-up photo of the watch and the pointing photo which I had originally taken to post on the “pointing” thread(moderators-this photo may be in the wrong thread but please cut me some slack! ).

(As far as Rolex spotting on my trip-I only saw two-a Citibank manager in Montevideo wore a TT DJ. And on the flight from Dallas to PDX the guy in the seat in front of me had on a rose gold President. Also, did some Rolex window shopping at the Pacifica Galleria on Florida Ave. in B.A. and at the main mall in downtown Montevideo and maybe one or two other places).

[***If any TRF members living in Buenos Aires comes across an Air King just like mine for sale, etc. don’t hesitate to PM me-I’ll PM you back the serial number along with the policeman’s email address.***]


That’s me in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay:



Rolex clock in Punta Del Este, Uruguay:




Where it was stolen: Plaza Serrano, Palermo, B.A.:



Pointing shot, Plaza de Mayo, B.A. taken a day before the rip off:



Photo of my late, great Air King I sent the Argentine Federal Police:

Glad to hear you are OK. take it easy after all a watch is just a watch and your well being is much important!

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by joe100

So sorry to hear. Strange they went after an AK

Why ?? I has value and was in plain sight... Not strange at all. IMO To the OP, very sorry this happened. However I think your great attitude will pull you through this just fine.....

[Aventura]

Sorry to hear this. I am from Argentina but I am an american resident. I was in Argentina last week but I did not take my two watches there. I knew the risks involved. Let me tell you that you could buy a new one Argentina at an incredible price for the exchange difference. The Rolex prices are in pesos with the official change but if you sell your dollars at the real price in the secondary market ( so easy) the difference is so big. It means a 30 per cent of discount and you perhaps can get the IVA devolution 21 per cent if you are a not an argentine citizen. Some sporty models had an increment of a 20 per cent lately ( I dont think the Air king neither the Datejust models) and in spite of that
The price of the 116610 is $ 7250 and the 116520 ( daytona) $ 11000 with inmediately delivery. Prices bought in an official AD.Sorry again.

[CWIN]

Ugh, sorry to hear it friend. Glad you're ok though and enjoyed the rest of your trip.

[IAN1]

Glad you are ok.

[sea-dweller]

Sorry to hear the news.

[j ingram]

Very sorry to hear of your experience. This is one of the main reasons I trained in Krav Maga beginning about 3 years ago. I never wanted to be a victim of some scumbag taking something that I worked very hard for or even taking my life for no reason. It is an Israeli form of self defense taught to their commandos which can be learned by civilians. You learn how to react instinctively at any moment's notice to attacks from one or multiple assailants. There's actually a specific defense technique against being grabbed around the neck from behind. I'm almost at the expert level now but I still exercise extreme caution in strange or unfamiliar areas. Glad you're ok!

[golf51]

After this, your luck has to take a turn for the better. Glad
your OK.

[pensbay]

Really sorry to hear that.
Argentina is pretty much like Brazil, where I live.
I have my watches, wear those on a daily basis, but public places and squares are very bad places. They are specialized.... always in Rolex. Do not know why, thought that it was the magnificent lupe but they sort of smell it. And another point: the more local you dress, this guys will always smell you are not a local...so take care. You were fortunate you did not get hurt.

[Hairdude1]

Sorry to hear about this.

[pensbay]

Originally Posted by j ingram

Very sorry to hear of your experience. This is one of the main reasons I trained in Krav Maga beginning about 3 years ago. I never wanted to be a victim of some scumbag taking something that I worked very hard for or even taking my life for no reason. It is an Israeli form of self defense taught to their commandos which can be learned by civilians. You learn how to react instinctively at any moment's notice to attacks from one or multiple assailants. There's actually a specific defense technique against being grabbed around the neck from behind. I'm almost at the expert level now but I still exercise extreme caution in strange or unfamiliar areas. Glad you're ok!

Please please, do never ever try it ! Here in Brazil, many people do know jiu jitsu in some level and other martial arts also are common.... but these guys who steal always have back ups behind..if you grab one of those burglars, another just behind will shoot your, so a good advice is : keep martial art within the Academy. And I am sure you and your life is worth much more than any Rolex ever made. best regards, Mark !

[mvmbles]

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

A coworker of mine was robbed in BA last spring, they tried to grab his camera bag, but the old bastard fought them off.

Do NOT mess with the old man strength!