Philly is a good watch town. You might even find something.

Yep I wore my GMT around NYC last year no problem. I went to Italy last year and decided to take the advice of this forum and my mentor and not bring my GMT. What a mistake - the g shock looked dumb on my wrist when
I went out to dinner, didn’t switch to Italian time and I saw tons of GMTs in Rome and on the train from Rome to Naples.

Think nowadays too many have ‘main character syndrome’ and think others actually care. No one cares what watch you’re wearing, and to be blunt, no one cares about you. Instagram isn’t reality and reality is, people are not as important as they think they are. I’ve worn Rolex watches all around the world, never once did I come close to having a problem because quite frankly, no one cares. Those that think they’re going to be noticed, don’t wear the watch. It’ll cause anxiety and nothing else.

I leave for London Next week for a 10 day trip with wife and 18 month old. Got a nice rental in South Kensington. I usually only bring my Tudor Ranger when i travel now. I know myself and I would honestly fight back if someone tried to steal one of my Rolex watches. Especially if I just had a couple pints at the pub with the lads. If someone wants my Ranger they can have it.

While I don't necessarily agree that taking precautions automatically equates to your made up syndrome, I'm inclined to concede that some of it is overblown. That said, it's a completely naive and delusional thing to say absolutely no one cares. Fact of the matter is, there are thieves out there - I know, hard to believe, gasp! - and they most certainly take note of their mark; question is, will you end up the unlucky few, and how much precautions do you take, that is the real dilemma here, not ridiculing the matter and making ignorant statements that deep down you know is inherently flawed.

Been around the world many times. Have worn Rolex watches in almost every continent, including places I’m sure you’d never consider visiting due to your clear concern of being robbed. I’ve come out unscathed. I’ve known many others that have worn Rolex watches all around the world, yet haven’t met a single person that’s been robbed of one. You live in a sheltered world, and that’s your prerogative. But statistics do not lie, and the likelihood of someone being robbed of their Rolex is similar to being struck by lightning.

Separately, I take it you’re still upset that I had to remind you of the TRF rules to be “decent” to another poster?

I was at a Casino and two very attractive women came back with me to my hotel room.
We had a very nice time, and when I woke up they had stolen my Fake Daytona and left.

Best $35 bucks I ever spent.

Did you check to make sure both your kidneys were still there :)


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Wait really? Wow what a story.

Are you sure it's me who lives in a sheltered world? And I vaguely remember seeing a post about that, but candidly did not remember it was you, I don't really care what you think, believe it or not, so no, I did not take that personally.

Well, a different kind of trip for me as just returned from a month in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal.
50 cities in all.
Wore my Sub Date, wife wore her Rootbeer.
All survived. Never an issue or concern.
Just like in the US, many Rolex were seen. Quite a few much more expensive than ours. A handful of incidents do not make a rule.

I think it really does, simply, boil down to your lifestyle habits. If you like going out late (and staying out very late), and enjoy the more unpredictable/seedier places to tie one on, then yeah a Rolex may not be the best idea. I've been out later than anyone should in places like Munich and Amsterdam and have not felt threatened (though I've passed some seedy folks) but- again- no issues. In my hometown (a pretty small city, U.S.) I have had instances where I know I was being followed/"marked." Not for my watch, but probably more for a routine mugging. Guess the point is one never knows.

:rofl: :rofl:

I've been living in London for the past year and have zero hesitation about wearing any of my Rolex or Omega watches.

I wear these, and my other watches, whilst walking, shopping, eating at restaurants, on public transit, attending football matches and drinking at pubs. I'd take my chances in London versus any city in the United States any day of the week.

Was it $35 for the folex or for the ladies?

I was in NYC last fall and wore my Batgirl with no issues, even wore short sleeve shirts during the day and night. Like others have said, stay away from sketchy areas, keep your head on a swivel, act normal, and don't draw attention to yourself and you'll be fine.

I've worn my watches all over the world during my travels, thankfully, without any issues (knock on wood).

When in doubt, keep the Mrs. happy.

Yep. I think you are right. It would be Murphy's Law that there would be a problem, then it will be 3 weeks of "I told you so". I doubt that she would be that amenable to wondering round the ADs in NYC looking for a replacement!

Lots of interesting points made by peeps, so thanks for that.

Best to All.

my son spent a week in London last week with his sub he had no problem at all ....he got a lot of stares though walking around..............not the about the sub watch he's 6'6'' 270lbs......jacked:smokin:

Holy cow, that literally made me up Chuck my cereal.:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Everything is YMMV of course. In the SF Bay Area within 5 miles of my house there were two famous Rolex robberies in the last 10 years. One was in Burlingame, CA where the mark was followed back to his house and then shot and killed for a YG DD. Another one even closer to my house where a guy in Redwood Shores was followed home for a SS sports model, parked his BMW on his driveway, and as he got out he was robbed by two guys with ARs.

I was driving home from work yesterday and there was a lot of street traffic. I was wearing my DD in short sleeves because it was hot. I ended up sticking it under my leg a couple of times at stop lights.

For the insurance crew they’ll just shoot you in the face sometimes without even asking. So hope the life insurance is also good!

I really enjoyed Greenwich. As a mariner I always relate to GMT. To stand on the zero meridian was special to me.
There is also a nice museum in the Observatory with some beautiful clocks.
Of course we brought our favorite watches. :cheers:

My view is any city can be dangerous when unfamiliar. If you are staying in a nice hotel and taking a car service to destinations then I’m fine with wearing a nice piece. If I’m walking around and exploring, then I’m comfortable with a beater… more from a general safety perspective for my family, than value of watch.

Agreed.

Good post.


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My God ! :thumbsdow I wouldn't give such unconscious advice to my children, for example.

Travel everywhere?
So there are frankly places not to wear a luxury watch...especially certain big cities, other dangerous places or really poor countries.

On the contrary, it is very intelligent to ask other travelers about the state of affairs and security of X or Y places.

For my part, it is excluded in Paris, London, Mexico; Barcelona and Madrid (my recent trips).
While I plan to wear whatever I want in Switzerland or New York City.

As for watches, thieves and attackers can easily notice them from a distance, even if it seems undetectable to you! Don't worry about this, it's their hobby as much as you are specialized in your field. :read:

I’m visiting US 2-3 times per year and always take at least one watch. In NY I prefer to keep it under the sleeve. When in Florida, Orlando parks zone particularly, always wear openly with no issues or danger situation whatsoever. Some scratches from the rollercoasters do not count.

I’m guessing those saying that they don’t worry because they’re insured have never been the victim of a violent robbery? Fortunately I haven’t either but these types of people don’t always ask you to hand over your valuables nicely. I think some underestimate the impact of being seriously beaten/stabbed/shot.

Personally i tend to wear my panerai or grand seiko when I go away not because I’m overly concerned about being robbed (if I was i probably wouldn’t be there in the first place) I’m just less bothered about anything happening to them due to my own stupidity.

I’ve worn an AP on the NYC subways. Literally no one cares what you wear there. Certain parts of Philadelphia I would be cautious but you should be fine in either city. Just make sure you have insurance for international travel.

Definitely fine to wear in those cities with the appropriate common sense and discretion.. Also, if it's cooler weather like you're saying you can always cover up with your sleeves if ever in doubt... Safe travels!