Mugged in Buenos Aires-Rolex gone!!

[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:

[GerardoG]

Sorry to hear that, fortunately you are ok

[travisb]

Glad you weren't hurt (physically anyway).
Sorry to hear about the AK.

[SWISSAHOLICS]

So sorry to hear that my friend....glad you are ok....let's hope something positive turns out.

[jvo300]

So sorry to hear this. Glad that you are okay and in relatively good spirits.

[ccarguy]

That is one of my worst fears! Such a terrible thing to happen while on vaction sorry that happened to you.

[joe100]

So sorry to hear. Strange they went after an AK

[Bruin Watch]

So sorry to hear about the loss, but sounds like you haven't let it totally ruin your overall trip. Glad that you are okay.

[SLS]

Man, that sucks...sounds like an unfortunate end to a wonderful vacation. Good luck.
Scott

[Bangel]

Sorry to hear. Thankfully you weren't physically injured.

[Laszlo]

Terrible, so sorry to hear but your safety comes first.

[mjclark32]

Sorry to hear, hoping for the best

[Piloto]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Yes, the Air King is under the radar, but the bracelet still screams Rolex, and lights up like a Christmas Tree. The turds just knew it was a Rolex and that was what probably set them off. I was a law enforcement officer in my former career, and heard many stories of Rolex thefts in the southern Hemisphere. The snatch off the wrist and run is a pretty common technique down there. Sucks still, but beats having a gun or knife stuck in your face.

Hope the turds get caught. Glad you are OK.

Look at the bright side though... Not that you needed one, but you now have an excuse to get another Rolex.

[Rolexitis]

That's terrible. Could have been worse. I can't believe it bc that AK doesn't seem like it would attract alot of attention.

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[Sous]

Sorry to hear about this attack, and theft.

I would suggest seeing your family doctor to make sure everything is ok with your neck and head. What can sometimes seem like a minor tussle can cause issues later on.

[crowncollection]

Terrible, some scum in the world. Glad you are ok.


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[Wolfjurgen]

Sorry about the AK, but at least you're OK. I hope you can get your AK back at some point.

[joere]

Originally Posted by joe100

So sorry to hear. Strange they went after an AK

Strange how? If you do not think thieves the world over can discern a Rolex AK from 50 meters, you are mistaken. I would bet they knew exactly what it was and how much they would get for it before they initiated the theft. Would they have rather had a DD? Sure! Would they have stolen a steel Timex? No.

[Lucky777]

Ouch...sorry to hear about this misfortune. Thankfully you were unharmed.


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[yld2rob]

So sorry to hear!

[LA_LEC]

Sorry to hear about this and I feel your pain. BUT...as I have said before,my boyfriend was mugged in the same plaza in Palermo, Plaza Serrano when we lived in BA. Same thing exactly. We were eating in a high end cafe on the sidewalk with tons of well dressed locals.

All of the sudden a well dressed man grabs him from behind around the neck and in a flash rips the watch violently off his wrist! He then runs into the street and onto the back of a waiting motorcycle. Total time less than 7 seconds!

We ended up living there for 6 years as expats and saw the same scenario time and time again with both tourist and natives. In fact, during my time there in BA I would often worn fellow American tourists that I would run into and noticed were wearing Rolex or other expensive jewelry of the dangers of wearing it there.

Make no mistake...these are professional criminals who look perfectly normal and not the street kids or homeless. You will never suspect them until they strike and they strike fast!

[AK797]

Sorry to hear about this and Ive had bad experiences in foreign countries that made me open my quickly eyes to just who is watching you, so its always best to believe that these robbers are professionals who know all about the products that make them money and Rolex will be top of their list. Always beware and don't take any chances.

[Dr.Brian]

It's the oyster bracelet.
Glad you made it home safely.
It could have gone so much worse.
Generally when abroad, I go for cheap black plastic, swatch, etc outside of the resort.

[FTX I]

Really sorry to hear that.

[Chris B]

An awful experience for you, but glad to hear that you're ok

[cornerstore]

Glad you are ok, as someone mentioned its the oyster bracelet, its a sure giveaway.

[strafer_kid]

Chances are that this waster did not know what the watch was, but was of such low intellect and capacity, that the opportunity was simply too much for his small mind! Sees possible tourist and its worth the punt to him..........Usually have what's coming to them in the end...he'll be no exception! Main thing is that you are okay

[cop414]

So sorry to hear, things like this sicken me. Sounds like you're taking it okay, you weren't injured or worse, the watch can be replaced, your life can't.

[unclesallie]

I'm pleased you enjoyed Argentina and BA in particular.
Very sorry you had to go through that experience.

I had an experience of having an iPhone lifted out of my pocket near the Paris Opera, after I got off a train back from Versailles. Bummer. Real pros, didn't even know it happened until way after.....

I like your attitude though...you are able to distinguish the good people of Argentina, from a criminal episode caused by a bunch of bums......

[SohAIS]

Sorry for your loss