What is the point of owning an ROLEX GMT if you cannot wear it when Travel?

[amh]

Originally Posted by kyleg531

This type of crime isn’t new, but any recent spike likely has a few major causes. First, the jump in luxury watch prices and second, (maybe more important) the social media coverage of luxury watches. Maybe more than ever there is general knowledge that certain watches equal large sums of money.

Leaving the house with an aquanaut is equivalent to having $80k in cash strapped to your wrist for some. I’m not running at that level but have certainly had people I know ask me how much my Rolex costs. I usually low ball it to avoid any further conversation, but have to imagine an enterprising thief certainly has internet access and knows what a BLRO runs there days.

The other point is, while there are brutal examples out there, the overall numbers given the supply of these watches is exceedingly rare. I’d suggest that we may as well be posting car accident photos as those are likely more relevant in terms of probability of occurrence.

Be safe.


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The crime spikes aren't really related to Instagram or Rolex popularity. It's that cities actively bring in people likely to commit crime and also turn a blind eye to that crime. For example in the USA, theft of items below $1k is completely ignored as a matter of policy. (I know first hand, have family members who work in retail.) Look up videos of "Flash mobs", very common in US cities, particularly in high-end shopping districts. Nothing is done except stores are restocked with Rolexes, Apples and LV bags until the cycle repeats.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Krash

Cops aren't the issue. District attorney's are the problem. They don't prosecute and judges let people walk without bail.

Cops are definitely part of the problem. Their response to any type of oversight or accountability is to basically stop doing their job.

[Jackie Daytona]

My take on it is actually a bit off as I frequently wear mine in locations this site and the media would advise against.

The so called developed countries are much more exposed to luxury items, and that exposure plus someone with a nefarious outlook aids the situation.

I frequently wear mine (GMT, and all others) in pretty poor parts of North West Mexico and have never gotten a second look. They don’t know or care they are just going through day to day life and could care less what watch you’re wearing. Really much like 99% of people you will encounter anywhere even in the developed countries.

In those developed countries as well I firmly believe it’s largely situational awareness and where you are putting yourself in regarding time and situations and all. Of course there are exceptions occasionally, but with amount of Rolex in the world versus people being mugged I don’t believe at all the situation is nearly what some TRF folks or the media would have you believe.



Additionally as many have said situational awareness.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Cops are definitely part of the problem. Their response to any type of oversight or accountability is to basically stop doing their job.

I wouldn’t want to be a police officer as they are tasked with an impossible, thankless job IMHO. I really admire anyone who wants to do this very difficult public service work.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Cops are definitely part of the problem. Their response to any type of oversight or accountability is to basically stop doing their job.

I'm not buying that.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by amh

The crime spikes aren't really related to Instagram or Rolex popularity. It's that cities actively bring in people likely to commit crime and also turn a blind eye to that crime. For example in the USA, theft of items below $1k is completely ignored as a matter of policy. (I know first hand, have family members who work in retail.) Look up videos of "Flash mobs", very common in US cities, particularly in high-end shopping districts. Nothing is done except stores are restocked with Rolexes, Apples and LV bags until the cycle repeats.

This is true. The DAs do not prosecute criminals, but it’s not everywhere, just some of the bigger cities.


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[Django_]

I live in a major city and have travelled to many large cities including London and wear my rootbeer anywhere and everywhere. It helps I'm not an easy looking target and a trained combatant so I'd be able to handle myself in most situations. Unfortunately most thefts these days are pre planned and targeted, they don't just walk up to random people. If you have firearms pulled on you which is very very rare it doesn't matter who you are, there isn't much you can do.

I'm usually out and about walking my two large working class Boxer dogs who mean business so if someone made an attempt for my left wrist they'd have them to deal with first

[alphadweller]

You can use the GMT hand as a 24h indicator in your home timezone, no need to move between TZs with it if you don't want to.

[yankeeromeo]

Common sense prevails.

Harder in summer. But I've been out in London and just made sure my watch I'd beneath my sleeve.

I wouldn't wear it to say a festival as I'm lucky to drink too much.
But a restaurant I wouldn't hesitate.
Situation dictates.

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by karleone

Hey tough guy just open your eyes and stop following your over confidence.

Hey, opposite of tough guy, I meant no disrespect, it's just that I've been in law enforcement for years and have see many people that walk around life playing the victim. I'm not saying it's you. But there are many people that are scared of their own shadow. Those people, again not saying it's you, just have to buck up, and realize that not everyone is out to get them. Self defense classes help people like that. Even if they're really old and weak. Again, not saying it's you.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by johnorpheus

I wear them anywhere and everywhere I go. Now I don’t go clubbing at 2 am in a developing country, but during normal hours virtually anywhere you would actually want to travel, yeah, I’m wearing whatever I want. Life is too short to live in fear.

I've seen this nonsense repeatedly mentioned around this forum, about 'developing countries'. I feel way safer wearing a nice watch in those areas than most cities in the US at 2am. Especially if we're discussing Asian 'developing countries'.

I believe one would be hard pressed to find any *actual* seasoned traveler to disagree with me as well.

[Filipão]

Since 1973, MOLLY Design and GMT.

Me, scared?

[Shmoopy]

Originally Posted by dmash

I've seen this nonsense repeatedly mentioned around this forum, about 'developing countries'. I feel way safer wearing a nice watch in those areas than most cities in the US at 2am. Especially if we're discussing Asian 'developing countries'.

I believe one would be hard pressed to find any *actual* seasoned traveler to disagree with me as well.

Agreed. I have been all over the world. I have multiple citizenships. The only place that sketches me out to wear a nice watch (and I still do) is Los Angeles.

[Dhiren]

OP India is probably one of the safest places in the world to wear your Rolex or any other Expensive jewellery.
We have the largest gold reserves in the world and it’s held by its people. Walk down any street or any place in India wearing your gold Jewelry and no one will even look at you or give it a second thought.

Just for your info calling India a underdeveloped country is far from the truth. India’s GDP is the worlds 4th largest bigger than the UK and France which we just overtook.


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[amh]

Originally Posted by Shmoopy

Agreed. I have been all over the world. I have multiple citizenships. The only place that sketches me out to wear a nice watch (and I still do) is Los Angeles.

Indeed. I'd add Chicago to that list, the armpit of America. (Though we did have one Chicago TRF member post a pic of his Rolex - however he was probably 10 levels up in a high rise building looking at the streets below ) Look at the link I posted earlier, you'd swear all the crime reported for the whole country happens in Chicago.

Originally Posted by Dhiren

OP India is probably one of the safest places in the world to wear your Rolex or any other Expensive jewellery.
We have the largest gold reserves in the world and it’s held by its people. Walk down any street or any place in India wearing your gold Jewelry and no one will even look at you or give it a second thought.

Just for your info calling India a underdeveloped country is far from the truth. India’s GDP is the worlds 4th largest bigger than the UK and France which we just overtook.
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FWIW I don't think anyone even mentioned India. But thanks for the info.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

Hey, opposite of tough guy, I meant no disrespect, it's just that I've been in law enforcement for years and have see many people that walk around life playing the victim. I'm not saying it's you. But there are many people that are scared of their own shadow. Those people, again not saying it's you, just have to buck up, and realize that not everyone is out to get them. Self defense classes help people like that. Even if they're really old and weak. Again, not saying it's you.

well said! And thank you for your service in LE


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[Dhiren]

FWIW I don't think anyone even mentioned India. But thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]


amh please read the original post again my dear friend.


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[trandonnghia92]

Be careful, something happen AGAIN IN BARCELONA

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=882240&page=6

[beshannon]

I wore three different watches during 15 days in Italy.

No issues, no problems and much enjoyment.

[Bizcut1]

Had to check the date on the thread as there are so many like this...

[Soultime]

I imagine the sentencing in different countries has an impact if the offender gets caught.

I have no idea what happens in the OPs country, but in the UK the prisons are full and the sentencing now provides very little deterrent.

If I read of just about any trial in my local paper (Manchester Evening News) for something like a watch theft, the defendants lawyer will say they have had a difficult upbringing / suffer from something / look after someone etc and will be allowed to walk free. Especially if it's a mother.

Couple that with few Police and appalling crime detection rates.

Criminals know this now, so crime does pay unfortunately.

How is it in other countries?

[IamJacky]

without reading any single comment on this thread, the reason why I love the GMT function is simply because I am able to instantly know what time it is in another timezone because I have friends and family elsewhere. It's so convenient that it beats my iPhone, I just look at my watch and I instantly know what time it is somewhere else.

[EWY]

Originally Posted by trandonnghia92

I'm living in an Southeast Asian country, and although many think my country is not safe, actually we can wear the expensive watch on the street and don't worry much about getting thief.

But when travel to other countries , the story is completely different.

...

Maybe Rolex should invent some anti-thief Bracelet? because their watches is so popular/eyes-catching that can be seen by thief from far distance?

I do share your concern. I used to wear my GMT II 18k for travel and I stopped doing that. I bought another watch for travel.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=872418

I still like the GMT II and was considering getting another one in white metal but I ended up having my niece ordering a Sky Dweller for me. God knows when I will get that one.

For daily wear, it is difficult to beat a DD in white metal but it is not as convenient for travel. The DD requires stopping the movement to adjust the hour. Readjusting it requires a reference time which is a hassle when travelling.

I do find that I can wear a Rolex in Hong Kong without anyone raising an eyebrow regardless if it is in Gold or not. Rolex is very common in Hong Kong. Without searching for data, from my observation, there is probably more Rolex watches in Hong Kong per capita. Rolex probably sold more watches in Hong Kong.

As far as the idea of an anti-thief Bracelet, it is a no for me. If that was available, it would put yourself in more danger. Your watch is not worth that much. Material things usually could be replaced.

[kingSubTT]

Originally Posted by brkanand

I live in India and regularly wear my Rolex watches. No issues whatsoever. India has stores selling Rolex watches in all major cities. Currently in Sydney on vacation but decided not to bring my Rolex as I am not comfortable removing it while going through security checks at the airport.

None of the airports make you remove the watch.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by amh

IBTL

The USA is very safe, in general. But let's consider the city of Los Angeles.
1) You land at the airport (safe)
2) Take an uber to your hotel (safe) [Select hotel in a clean part of town]
3) Walk to a nearby mall (safe)
4) Eat dinner at a nearby restaurant (safe)
5) Next day go to Disneyland, or Queen Mary, a museum (safe)

However, there are many places that are not safe whether you wear a Rolex or not.

LA crime map. Stay away from the high crime places and there's no issue. Follow the same advice with any large city.
https://products.xtown.la/map

And of course neighboring Orange County is safer still - don't even need to stay "in" LA itself.

Lol, that map has Compton in the green and Pacific Palisades in orange. Okaaaaay

[CedCraig]

Originally Posted by zengineer

Shelter in place, grow your own food...preferably indoors..., and buy a big heavy expensive safe.

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The safe didn‘t help ArchieLuxury

With all of these anguished stories of thefts, it seems like a lot of people don‘t insure their nice watches. Why is that?

[amh]

Originally Posted by CedCraig

The safe didn‘t help ArchieLuxury

With all of these anguished stories of thefts, it seems like a lot of people don‘t insure their nice watches. Why is that?

We hear all the time here on TRF: "If you can't afford to lose 10/20/30/40/50k then you shouldn't be buying a luxury watch. This is my play money, I don't care what watch values are doing." I guess they put their money where their mouth is

[yorkzilla]

Situational awareness and common sense are the basic rules for me. I use my Seiko SSK GMT when I will find myself in dodgy areas/situations.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by yorkzilla

Situational awareness and common sense are the basic rules for me. I use my Seiko SSK GMT when I will find myself in dodgy areas/situations.

Infact, I've been known to wear my SKX in some pretty nice places too



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[OmegsXWatches]

Yeah, I only feel comfortable wearing my high end watches in asian countries.

When I travel to european countries or any western countries I avoid wearing hhigh end watches from the fear of getting robbed.

Western society countries are way too dangerous to wear a $20k watch on your wrist.