Rolex and Theft

[mcubed68]

Hey Guys,
I wanted to get your perspective-You hear a lot about "Rolex Robberies" in the news, people robbed specifically for their Rolex watches.

Do you think that it is truly a BIG risk to wear a Rolex in a US or European City? In other words, there is always a risk that you might be robbed while wearing a Rolex, what I want to know is-do think you have a greater chance of being the victim of a violent crime BECAUSE someone spots your Rolex?

Does it matter what kind? Is an all SS sub or DJ less of a risk than a Gold model, or is any Rolex a target?

Does anyone think about these things before they put on their Rolex?

I was honestly thinking of getting my small vintage Omega serviced and using it as a travel watch, since I think my ND sub may be to much of a risk. It is sad that the greatest risk to my watch is other people.....

[timefinder]

There is always a risk when you wear any thing that is worth money. Even when sneakers are a fad, they are taken by teens. Best be is to have a good insurance policy and if something happens, ensure you file a police report.

[idriveanm5]

I agree with Timefinder, risk is everywhere but we mitigate it by buying insurance. Now, if we're talking violent crime that stems from having a nice watch, then that's an entirely different story....

If I put on my "thief" hat, and I knew what to look for, I'd probably be interested in stealing anyone's Rolex, regardless of what model. Then again, I'd also know that there are enough fake or replica Rolex watches out there that I run a pretty high risk of being cheated myself. In other words, is it worth the risk of getting busted when you probably don't know for sure if it's real or fake?

I wear an Omega on a daily basis (one of several), but I wear them more to save wear and tear on my Rolex watches rather than a safety thing. When I used to go to rougher parts of town, I'd wear an Omega, but I'd drive a lower profile car (thank goodness my Saturn driving days are over....).

I don't know that I've answered the question, but in summary, I would say this: wear whatever suits you (or, perhaps, wear what suits the rest of your outfit for the day). Don't be afraid because someone may steal it, just be vigilant and try to keep a low profile if you know your surroundings may be questionable.

Most Rolex owners I've come across are VERY low key about their watches, and will only ever say something if questioned. So, if you get nervous at this sort of conversation, you could always tell someone it's a Replica. Heck, I have a Shanghai Special Daytona!

[timefinder]

Idrive brings up a valid point. If someone unknown asks, you can always say, "This thing??!! It's a replica. You can get them for $30 on the streets of (pick a city)!!!" It is what I do. They lose interest fast.

[eddo]

It's a sad state of affairs when you can't wear a watch or any other item of clothing or jewelery without worry of theft or physical harm through a mugging, but unfortunately this seems to be happening more & more in our society. You just have to read the reports of Mobile/Cell Phone thefts etc..

I travel all over the UK for business on a weekly basis and always ensure my watch is covered with my shirt or jacket sleeve when in public whether it's a Rolex, Tag or Timex.

As TF has already stated, you can always state the watch is a replica which will deflect the interest 99% of the time.

[timefinder]

Eddo: Mobile phone theft? Why? They can be shut down quickly. I don't get it.

[idriveanm5]

Timefinder:

A lot of people (myself included) carry sensitive information on their mobile phones or smart phones. It's important to add a few extra layers of security in case the device falls into the wrong hands. The data can be a lot more valuable than the device itself.

You make a few good points about keeping low profile with your watch. Out of curiosity, if you were asked about your watch by someone else who (you notice) wears a fine timepiece, would your response be the same (It's a replica.)

[eddo]

There have been reports of muggings for mobile/cell phones, Laptop computers PDA's etc.. by gangs of youths around most major cities in the UK as all handsets can be unlocked and sold on or the information can be taken from the memory card or Sim before it is closed down. Although the mobile/cell phone muggings seem to be focused on the younger end of the community there have also been instances where middle aged men have been mugged for their electronic gadgets too.

[eddo]

@ idriveanm5, With regard to whether I would divulge the watches authenticity to a stranger would depend on the environmental surroundings and their approach etc.. If i was in a Pub/bar out of town then I probably wouldn't but if it was in a restaurant or hotel then maybe.

On the whole, I do like to wear nice things which do not have the "bling factor" that will draw attention to it.

[jmh1970]

Couple of words from experience -

I feel it necessary to echo timefinders words about getting a police report - no matter how wimpy it may make you feel - file the encounter with the cops - it makes recovering your goods through insurance much easier. I have insurance on each watch I own and I have documentation including pictures - it's a pain - but it's worth it.


I'm not someone who flaunts my watches in public - collecting is something I do for myself - I hate when I am asked how much one costs - or is that real?

but if I am asked by someone who has a watch on themselves I do enjoy making the connection and having the talk

[Aaron]

I think the whole jist of the thing is to pick where your going.Obviously if your in less protected areas where this thing happens I would exercise caution.

Insurance and reporting are after the fact,but remember the watch can be replaced,your life can't.

Aaron

[timefinder]

@ Idrive: Like Eddo, it would depend on my surroundings. If I am downtown with gunshots going off, I would more than likely say it is a fake. If I am in a suit in the boardroom @ a site or internal, then I would explain it is real. Depends on the circumstances. As a rule, I am not flashy at all, do not like bling, and do not flaunt anything. I wear it because I like it, and am cognisant of the surrounds I am in.

[tigeranteater]

I fly all over the US every week and have had no problems...but I don't flaunt it either. I am always wearing a suit and I have had several people ask about it. I told them what it was but I was also in a safe situation where there were other people. I have also been in foreign countries and never had a problem. I think it would be sad to own something and not enjoy wearing it because you were frightened of being mugged. I think using your head and staying out of questionalbe places and situations should prevent problems.

[MikeS]

i wear mine out all the time. No problem but i don't bling it like hey look at me! but i also do carry a 45mm concealed 7 days a week!

[JBHII]

I've traveled all over the world wearing a Rolex without incident. But there's been a couple of times where I went ahead and slipped my watch in my pocket. ;D

And yes, I'm well insured.