Rolex Stolen from wrist in Barcelona

[medcoastsol]

Originally Posted by Clay7484

I feel like an idiot. I didnt do any research. Generally thought pick-pocket ok, keep items out of pockets that aren't zipped, no purses for the girls, keep your watch on at all times. This happened so quickly, I was trying to hit the guy with my free arm before I knew what was happening. Then they were gone. I am in Europe doing delivery on a Porsche. The car wasn't valeted at the first hotel we stayed at. We parked it in the hotels shared garage and then checked in. We spent four nights in a locals area without any issue. Within 2 hours of checking in at the W we were identified and then targeted. It was either the valet or someone at or real close to the hotel that tipped off the ring. We were in winter clothes, The watch was covered up, oyster flex band, nothing really stuck out without getting close. I went through the motions on the police report today. The police said there is a new, legit mafia, running the watch racket. They said 2-3 watches stolen off of a person a week.

sorry OP for what happened. that is just very sad

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by Clay7484

I feel like an idiot. I didnt do any research. Generally thought pick-pocket ok, keep items out of pockets that aren't zipped, no purses for the girls, keep your watch on at all times. This happened so quickly, I was trying to hit the guy with my free arm before I knew what was happening. Then they were gone. I am in Europe doing delivery on a Porsche. The car wasn't valeted at the first hotel we stayed at. We parked it in the hotels shared garage and then checked in. We spent four nights in a locals area without any issue. Within 2 hours of checking in at the W we were identified and then targeted. It was either the valet or someone at or real close to the hotel that tipped off the ring. We were in winter clothes, The watch was covered up, oyster flex band, nothing really stuck out without getting close. I went through the motions on the police report today. The police said there is a new, legit mafia, running the watch racket. They said 2-3 watches stolen off of a person a week.

That really sours the whole experience, I'm really sorry to hear you went through this. I just got back from a family vacation in Barcelona with my wife, bro/sis in-law, and our two boys. I would have been traumatized if this happened in front of them. We all would have. We stayed up off of Diagonal but walked down that direction towards the W a few times. Seriously, staff at every restaurant and at the place we stayed warned us of thieves and to be careful. I had my Czapek on a rubber strap under a sweater or jacket most of the time, like you. But situational awareness and covering your stuff clearly only goes so far. You got cased by an organized group who was waiting for an opportune moment, and it just sucks. Hopefully you're in a position to pick up a nice replacement when the opportunity arises.

[madgpol]

Sorry to hear of your loss OP. Unfortunately watches are very easily traded by these scum. I don't see the situation improving any time soon so choose to wear beaters when traveling

[Watchwoody]

Sorry to hear about that. Sad we can’t enjoy these things without worry. I recently went to Europe for a few weeks and debated wearing one of my Rolex or an Apple Watch. Decided I wasn’t going to live in fear so I wore the Rolex. I’m usually relatively aware of my surroundings and keep a good eye on those around me. I didn’t have the slightest worry in Croatia, Santorini or even Paris but in Athens I noticed some wandering eyes and had a couple guys tail me for a few blocks before my girl and I stepped into a hotel.

Hope someone sends your watch in for service and you get it back.

[chemguy]

dang that sucks. Better than what they are doing in LA though. Glad you didnt get hurt.

[DonRickles]

Hmmm, I can barely get my hand through the bracelets (large hands). Does the bracelet snap or break off? I ask this is all sincerity. I also hope never to ever learn these techniques in person.....

[Rafeeq]

So sorry to hear this,Clay--glad you're OK, though.

[chows99]

If I am the local police, I will plant people who wear replica Rolex watch and lure them in.

[Db7566]

Originally Posted by chows99

If I am the local police, I will plant people who wear replica Rolex watch and lure them in.

They have bigger fish to fry than watch theft.


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[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Db7566

They have bigger fish to fry than watch theft.


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Like what? It’s not just petty watch theft from someone’s gym locker. It’s a mafia targeting, assaulting, and killing innocent people at times

[amh]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Like what? It’s not just petty watch theft from someone’s gym locker. It’s a mafia targeting, assaulting, and killing innocent people at times

Protecting government officials, of course

[madgpol]

Originally Posted by chows99

If I am the local police, I will plant people who wear replica Rolex watch and lure them in.

Whilst I agree with this idea it does come with risk. These scum probably carry a knife and are prepared to use them. Seen in some cases in London. Also the way the law is now they would most likely get off on being set up.

Very sad world we live in these days.

[LA_LEC]

This a typical thief. A professional watch thief can spot an expensive watch from a block away and by the time they are on you and have the watch they are gone. They strike quickly (They know exactly how to twist the watch to remove it) and usually have an accomplice who is on a motorbike. More typically they strike at outdoor cafes.

Glad you are OK certainly and hopefully some will reference this when the next stupid "Is it safe to wear a Rolex X"!

[rambo99]

rolex is not safe for travel, so sad!

[YoungMoneyAssassin]

So sorry to hear. As others have said, main thing is that you and the lady are ok. A watch isn’t worth getting outnumbered/stabbed. I’m glad you didn’t pursue them, they may have nothing to lose.


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[domi1]

In Europe, the most famous thieves for stealing watches in citys Napoli, Barcelona and London

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by domi1

In Europe, the most famous thieves for stealing watches in citys Napoli, Barcelona and London

Glad the op was uninjured albeit an awful experience,,,,
Not forgetting Amsterdam and Paris,,,
Most of these scum are very organised and some are just opportunists like the chap in West London a while back who had a invicta robbed ,,,,obviously the robbers mistook it for a BLRO ,,,,

[kmzandrew777]

Spain has a ton of thieves. I remember my first time visiting Madrid and they were peddling their wares outside the trains station, bags, sunglasses, phones, and some watches. On a later to Spain, some guy tried to steal my iPhone while I was texting (this was in Malaga). He didn't manage to get it and instead of running tried to grab my arm so I shoved him and he went flying into the street. Looking back it's probably good that it was late as he would have gotten hit by a car otherwise and the socialists in Spain would have probably prosecuted me for not letting him steal my phone.

[Soultime]

I am glad you are both ok OP.
You will get over it in time (speaking from experience).

Interesting what the Police said. I wonder if its the same gang that were operating in that Ibiza thread?

[bayerische]

Barcelona is a wasp nest these days!

[samson66]

My advice (seriously)



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[Deepseadog]

Originally Posted by samson66

My advice (seriously)



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Not sure wearing a watch that looks exactly like a Daytona is the answer. A G-shock square is probably the best bet. The GW-5000U-1JF looks like it came from Walmart but is a screw back, or, solid core model that can be found in collections alongside Patek's--a piece that still says "enthusiast".

[jingerman]

Really hope those scoundrels get their just desserts!! Can’t believe they just went up and snatch it off, but glad that at least you and your partner are safe and sound.


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[youknow23]

man that is a shame they spotted that but lucky u were not in a bad area cos chasing them normally ends up in a lot worse situation

[Mercutio]

Very sorry to hear about this incident. Barcelona has become terrible over the years, and I’m saying this which major regrets, as I had lived there for some time, and have fond memories of wonderful people I met there; crime has just gone off the charts there though, I now avoid visiting.

Had an attempted watch robbery there as well, but luckily, police was nearby and the clasp held up well despite quite some violence; I’d advise to get all the paperwork done not at a regular police station, but the tourist police - they are very helpful and accommodating, and you will get al receipts there to file with your insurance (next to specific watch policies, check your other contracts - credit cards etc., maybe those will cover partially the monetary damage, was the case when I got attacked).

All the best, and again, very sorry to hear!

[orologiollc]

Sorry to hear. Hope you and your GF are okay?

[MINOLI]

Sorry to hear about your incident OP, I hope you're able to recover your watch or that you had insurance.

I visited Barcelona and other parts of Spain in 2013 with some college buddies. Didn't own a Rolex at the time, but left my other nice watches at home. I recall seeing a younger couple biking near the waterfront, an older guy biking towards them tried ripping the woman's purse off the handle bars of her bike. It almost sent her flying off the bike. Her husband/boyfriend jumped off his bike and was ready to give the old thief a beatdown. I didn't stick around to see the outcome.

I traveled throughout Spain again in 2018 with my wife on our honeymoon. We ended the trip in Barcelona, it was the only area where I felt uneasy at times wearing my Rolex. I'm a bigger guy, and would think I'd be less of a target. All it takes is an attacker/multiple attackers catching you while your guard is down, or with a gun or knife. Be aware of your surroundings and use your best judgement, it can happen to any of us.

[Tikoni]

So sorry for your experience. Glad you and your GF are ok

[atxwatch]

Sorry to hear this happened. Barcelona has quite a dark and gritty underbelly and it pays not to wear flashy things or drive flashy cars.

I, for my part, travel pretty much only with my Omega SMP300 on rubber. That one tends to fly under the radar pretty well. Although I have recently been to London with a Speedy and Germany with a Planet Ocean. But I have not worn a Rolex in Europe in MANY years.

[omar-rye]

The people who are posting on here saying things like “I went to Barcelona, Europe, NY, etc with my Rolex and didn’t get robbed” are delusional