Travelling to the US later this year...
 

Travelling with my family to see extended family in Philadelphia and New York later this year. Basically wondering if I should leave my watch at home, or bring it with me....

London is essentially lawless, and frequently leave it at home when visiting the not so nice areas.

This may seem laughable to some of you, but it's a big thing in London, and I'm not keen to get into any scrapes etc. whilst away with the family...

Watch is fully insured both at home and for international travel.

We are visiting towards the end of the year, so likely won't be wearing short-sleeved shirts etc, and would of course use the usual level of discretion etc...

Having never been to the US before, I'm just trying to gauge the level of risk.

Thanks in advance.

Since you will be traveling during cold weather, meaning long sleeves I wouldn’t worry at all. We frequent both cities regularly and I always wear a watch. We keep to popular areas with crowds, don’t stay out too late, and stay aware of our surroundings. We have never had any issues or felt unsafe especially in NYC.

Bring one you enjoy most and you will be fine.

Walking around NYC you'll see every conceivable watch being worn out in the open.

Be conscious of your surroundings and you'll be fine.

But if you have any trepidations, then leave it home.

It's funny, there used to be a couple members on here a few years ago who staunchly defended London and said there was hardly any watch theft. Eyewitnesses, victims, and reports said otherwise.

I'll defer to the northeast natives, but I'm confident it's safer when compared to London. We certainly don't have the moped gangs here that'll run up on you.

Check out this five page thread from 2021 for an example. They've gotten much quieter since.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=810440

I’d leave the Rolex at home, if you’re uncertain.


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Thanks to you all for your responses.

I am inclined to take it with me, my Mrs on the other hand would prefer me to leave it at home!

Will keep mulling it over....

FWIW - watch crime in London is out of control. FACT. Anyone who says other wise is delusional or lives in a bubble.

Thanks for linking that thread.

Yes, it seems as if plenty of the comments were just plain naive or badly informed. I note one post from a chap in Florida saying that London is a relatively safe city, says he's going to wear his when he visits.

London is lawless. FACT. FWIW - I love London, it's a great city, but the social and economic downturns leave the have-nots feeding off the haves. It is a great shame.

Lawless. Have a word. Just because crime is committed, doesn’t make it lawless.

It depends on what watch/watches you are going to wear. Where you wear them and the time of day. I have gotten into traveling with my Tudor FXD and both straps and a Casio G-Shock. I am always concerned about leaving watches in my hotel room almost as much as when they are on your wrist. Let us know what you decide and I hope you have a good trip.

I think the key to your opening statement is “ frequently leave it at home when visiting the not so nice areas”.

Same applies to almost anywhere, so if your travels to Philadelphia and New York will include visiting the not so nice areas, I’d leave it at home. Otherwise, practice common sense, wear your watch and enjoy the trip.

I spend a lot of time in London, I know it very well. I have seen in the last 10 years things downhill. Not only that, but I have also seen a huge increase in watch theft from owners and from watch shops, you will have seen the same.

Come on mate, the stats don't lie!

Over the past 15 years, crime rates in London have experienced notable fluctuations, with significant increases in certain categories, particularly violent and knife-related offences. Here's an overview of the trends:

Overall Crime Trends

Total Recorded Crimes: In the 2023/24 reporting year, London recorded 938,020 crimes, up from 743,728 in 2015/16. This marks a 26% increase over eight years.

Crime Rate per 1,000 People: The crime rate rose from approximately 100.9 in 2022/23 to 105.8 in 2023/24 .

Knife Crime

Incidents: Knife crime offences increased from 9,086 in 2016 to 15,802 in 2024, representing a 74% rise.


Recent Trends: After peaking at 15,928 offences in 2019/20, knife crime saw a decline during the pandemic but rose again to 15,016 offences in 2023/24 .

Violent Crime

Incidents: Violent crime offences increased from 186,488 in 2015/16 to 252,545 in 2023/24, a 35% rise .


Homicides

Annual Figures: Homicides fluctuated over the years, with a low of 107 in 2016/17 and a peak of 159 in 2017/18. In 2023/24, there were 116 homicides recorded .

Robbery and Theft

Robbery Offences: There were 34,465 robbery offences recorded in 2023/24, up from 24,958 in the previous year .


Shoplifting: Shoplifting incidents increased by 40.9% between 2022 and 2023, with organized crime gangs contributing significantly to this rise .

You are right. I will prob leave at home. I have always err'd on the side of caution, particularly when the fam are with me.

A quick Google search will show you that violent crime figures are higher in Philadelphia than London. But it’s pretty similar.

Realistically, there are only a handful of cities left in the world that are truly safe. The concerns about London are overblown - it’s similar to hundreds of other heavily populated areas with under-resourced police. Whether you consider that safe or not is up to you.

I do wear my watch in most countries but keep it under a sleeve. That’s no different to what I do in the U.K. (whether I’m in London or another city.)

Whatever yout decided, make sure you cover your watches in plastic stickers. That's the real issue here. Wouldn't want to have any scratches. I'll be in Queens tonight with my Royal oak and then I'll be in Baltimore tomorrow. I don't think I'll have any problems.

Exactly.

Now ask ChatGPT to compare OVERALL number comparisons for violent crimes across major cities, not just percentage increases for one city.

Why? My comments were in relation to London.

I am happy to agree to disagree, btw!

2 mins with chatgpt -

London accounts for approximately 40% of all UK watch thefts.

In 2023 alone, over 6,000 watches were reported stolen in the capital.

High-end areas such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, and Westminster are particularly targeted.

Since 2018, the Metropolitan Police have recorded 31,283 stolen watches in Greater London, valued at around £162 million.

Borough Reported Incidents (Past Year)
Westminster 1,596
Kensington and Chelsea 810
Ealing 618
Barnet 618
Camden 504
Hammersmith and Fulham 462
Harrow 420

I'd say it's more lawless than not!

Bring and wear without hesitation. I've worn SS models daily in NYC for 8 years, including in some of the more sketchy areas of Queens and the Bronx. Avoid getting overly intoxicated and don't walk around with your eyes glued to your phone. Just pay attention, as you would with jewelry and your wallet and your family members.

If you have to ask….. just leave it and don’t stress. Great excuse to get a fun Swatch.

If im traveling for vacation, irrespective of were im heading, i always take my beater. Vacation = piece of mind.

I sometimes wonder why some buy Rolex watches if it's going to cause so much heartache about wearing them in any part of the world.Speaking for myself been wearing Rolex watches for well over 50 years in many parts of the world never ever had any problems just use common sense and don't advertise the watch you are wearing.

Never understood these threads. I always wear my Rolex, it’s insured. I don’t walk down dark alleys at night regardless if I have a Rolex on or not. There are both safe and sketchy parts of every city and countryside in the world. Just choose your surroundings wisely regardless of what you wear.

FWIW,

I just asked Chat “What’s the most dangerous city in the world to wear your Rolex”?

Answer: Caracas, Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, Mexico City, Naples.

I’ve been to two of the these cities and came out alive with my Rolex :chuckle:

Carry on.

To answer your question -

I have had a long interest in watches since I was about 9 years old, and for whatever reason Rolex has always been something I have aspired to.

18 months ago I was made redundant. After opening my own company, and things going very well, I decided to buy the watch for myself as a treat.

I suppose that because I feel I have finally acquired a watch I have wanted for a long time, I am not keen to lose it!

Nothing wrong with working had, getting what you want, and then to be protective over it - that is human nature. And I make no bones about it - I frequently leave it at home when going into some parts of London, and having no real understanding or sense of how dodgy things are over the pond, thought I would ask the question.

Hey amigo! Life is too short, rock whatever you want. Here’s the deal…just pay attention to your surroundings (as anyone should be doing, wherever/whenever) and if you feel uncomfortable, put the watch in your pocket.

In your question is a concern, for that reason I'd leave it home.

Then it won't be on your mind.


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When in doubt, don't. Odds are super high nothing would happen, but why take a material possession that will have you looking over your shoulder? Take a decent enough mid-low level watch and spend your energy and efforts enjoying the trip.

I don't pay any attention to the scaremongering - I wear all of my watches in London and have never had any issues.

Same goes for NYC, if anything it feels safer because every man and his dog seem to be wearing a black Sub...