Rolex in Africa

[jaimolas]

Dear All,

I need your advice. I recently bought an Explorer ll ref. 16570 white face. Dreamt watch for a long time, rugged and understated.

I am currently working in western Africa, and I doubt whether to bring the watch with me or not. Is not that I am fearing an eventual robbery, but even if understated I think the Explorer might bring too much attention.... For the last 10 months I have been wearing my IWC Mark XV without any problem. It is a very discreet and though watch.

So my question is: do you have any experience with your Rolex watch in Africa? And if so, what was the context? What would be your final advice?

Thank you all in advance for your comments!


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[2th_doc]

My wife is from west africa. Senegal to be exact. We visit there every December for about 3weeks. I have a rotation of 3 rolexes that i wear while there. Sub-c, TT Gmt, and Datejust ii. And by the time December rolls around a white dial daytona c will be added to that rotation. I am typically in the cities of either Dakar, Saly, or Thies. I have been a total of 6 or 7 times. Never had any issue. Nobody pays attention.


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[BLNR Nairobi]

In Kenya, which is in East not West Africa. Rolexes are safe, as are other watches and valuables.

Watch out for lions though ...they like watches ....

Apart from that, you're probably safer in West Africa than you'd be in many cities in the US or Western Europe.

[BossupRada]

You're more likely to be robbed in NYC, than Africa. (specifically for your Rolex at least)

This is coming from someone who has been robbed in Africa (Morocco) at knife point and pick pocketed.

As any travel advisory would say, don't bring your jewelry, don't bring bling-bling, most women shouldn't even bring pearl earrings, bracelets, etc..

Even with my experience, I kind of want to say "F it, wear what you want" if you get robbed, you'd at least have a story to tell and the Explorer is MADE for Africa in a sense. However, the smart thing to do is to bring things that are not of high value/importance to you.

DOn't get me wrong, the rich in Africa/West Africa are very, very, rich, and the poor are very, very poor, there's no middle ground. They coexist perfectly fine in most cases, but a western foreigner is a target, in certain areas.

[Sunny Arizona]

IWC Mark XV is an awesome understated watch. Along with the 36mm Explorer and maybe even the Air King 14000 my favorite. My current DJ is awesome too.

[judson]

My wife is from South Africa, so not a great comparison. Every time I have gone, I have worn a Seiko. Why take chances.

[MJK737]

Nato or Zulu. Pun intended.

[GB-man]

I wouldn't but mainly because I don't know the area.

[BNA/LION]

I have taken them on Safari and not had any issues. Will be taking DaytonaC in August. It is fun to experience life with your favorite watches on!

[breitlings]

Great picture of a lion. I would buy a gshock and wear it. Those saying nyc and etc are more dangerous than africa are being disingenuous.

[Bigsoftee]

I live in East Africa, I am there working for 2 years. I own several pieces including a dd40 yg. I don't feel comfortable wearing anything with gold over there, as the gold does tend to catch the eye of the locals, more so than in any other continent I have worked in. I am not sure the brand is recognized by the average local as my daily beaters, BLNR and SS Daytona never get any attention. Although if something happened and I was robbed, touch wood it won't happen as insurance is impossible, it would be sheer luck on the robbers behalf and not something premeditated where I was singled out by wearing the SS models.

[bcmind]

Buy insurance on it

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[JRT]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

In Kenya, which is in East not West Africa. Rolexes are safe, as are other watches and valuables.

Watch out for lions though ...they like watches ....

Apart from that, you're probably safer in West Africa than you'd be in many cities in the US or Western Europe.

Are you sure lions like watches or they like to taste meats before eating?

[hambone1983]

Originally Posted by BossupRada

You're more likely to be robbed in NYC, than Africa. (specifically for your Rolex at least)

This is coming from someone who has been robbed in Africa (Morocco) at knife point and pick pocketed.

As any travel advisory would say, don't bring your jewelry, don't bring bling-bling, most women shouldn't even bring pearl earrings, bracelets, etc..

Even with my experience, I kind of want to say "F it, wear what you want" if you get robbed, you'd at least have a story to tell and the Explorer is MADE for Africa in a sense. However, the smart thing to do is to bring things that are not of high value/importance to you.

DOn't get me wrong, the rich in Africa/West Africa are very, very, rich, and the poor are very, very poor, there's no middle ground. They coexist perfectly fine in most cases, but a western foreigner is a target, in certain areas.

you're also more likely to be robbed in Louisville than you are in NYC

[KarlS]

Worked in Nairobbery and Tanzania for years. Didnt have any problems until I had a home invasion in the middle of the night. Somebody else is wearing my YM now.

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by KarlS

Worked in Nairobbery and Tanzania for years. Didnt have any problems until I had a home invasion in the middle of the night. Somebody else is wearing my YM now.

Great name for Nairobi, did make me laugh. It's relentless over there, con after con, not only against expat, but against each other. All while calling each other "brother". Trust no one is a simple way to conduct yourself.

[sager]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

In Kenya, which is in East not West Africa. Rolexes are safe, as are other watches and valuables.



Watch out for lions though ...they like watches ....



Apart from that, you're probably safer in West Africa than you'd be in many cities in the US or Western Europe.

Wow, love this picture. So cool!


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[Duke of Dulwich]

Being someone from West Africa, I can confirm that 99% of the people won't know what a Rolex is and won't care for your watch. You are extremely unlikely to get targeted for your Exp II. If you had on a YG watch, that will stand out. Then you might be taking a chance, however you are just as likely to get targeted wearing a YG watch in any major city around the globe. I live in London and would be conscious about wearing a YG GMT in certain parts of the City.

Follow the old adage, stay on the beaten path and you should be fine. The Exp II was made for Africa, so let it loose.

[mikkolopez]

Why take the risk and ruin your vacation. Take a Seiko or a Casio and enjoy the safari.

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