Another, "Is it safe to wear your Rolex in...." thread...

[brettpaul]

Going to Cape Town on business for 4 days and want to wear my SD....am i safe or am I now a target? I always stay alert of my surroundings, but us that enough?

I've worn the SD across the US and Europe without issue, and currently live in the Middle East with an almost zero crime rate so I'm spoiled in a way....can anyone help?

Thanks!

[Chewbacca]

when in doubt, don't wear it.

[MonBK]

As always.............if you have to ask.

[Reu]

Oh jeeeez!?!?

Work it out!

[dysondiver]

you know the answer , or you wouldnt ask ,,,

if in doubt , dont.

[brettpaul]

I was hoping to elicit replies from people who'd actually been there versus relying on the potential 'hype' of crime in the country/city....

[Reu]

Do you have dreadlocks? If not I think you'll be fine...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/worl...icle-1.1275091

[Cc1966]

just when you think it could not get more crazy....

[ceconomakis]

I travel there at least once every 6 weeks.
It is a great place and a fantastic place but one must be careful.
It depends on where you go and where you stay.
If you got to the main hotels and tourist areas and stay in a crowd no worries. If you plan on hiking or walking up table mountain then don't take it along.
If you plan on going bar hopping in downtown then leave in hotel safe.
Many people there wear Rolex, AP, Panerai, and other watches.
In fact with the discounts and VAT you will find it is one of the lowest price for high end watches.
But as all the above say, you must be confident and know yourself. So if you must ask, leave it.
Let me know when you will be there.

[DCgator]

I have colleagues stationed all over Africa. Cape Town is one of the best locations to be posted. However, as with anywhere else, do not go to places where even the locals wouldn't. Bring a Casio, Timex or something to wear when in doubt.

[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by ceconomakis

I travel there at least once every 6 weeks.
It is a great place and a fantastic place but one must be careful.
It depends on where you go and where you stay.
If you got to the main hotels and tourist areas and stay in a crowd no worries. If you plan on hiking or walking up table mountain then don't take it along.
If you plan on going bar hopping in downtown then leave in hotel safe.
Many people there wear Rolex, AP, Panerai, and other watches.
In fact with the discounts and VAT you will find it is one of the lowest price for high end watches.
But as all the above say, you must be confident and know yourself. So if you must ask, leave it.
Let me know when you will be there.

Will be there from 12 Jan through 18 Jan....only p,an on being in tourist areas near the office and hotel, and day trips to the vineyards.

[ceconomakis]

Unfortunately I shall be in Lagos during that time. Even in Lagos I do take a Panerai and/or Explorer II Depending on how long I stay there. But always I take a black Casio G shock to wear if we go out. No exceptions.

As for your trip, the wine area is great and safe. Stellenbosch and franschoek are great and fairly safe areas. As are Cape Town's southern suburbs.

But as I and many others mentioned before if you are not confident then leave at home.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by ceconomakis

Unfortunately I shall be in Lagos during that time. Even in Lagos I do take...

Even in Lagos? Are you sure you did not mean to say "Especially in Lagos" ?

[kmleffler]

When I went to Cape Town in 2004 a former resident advised me not to wear expensive jewelry, including watches, in the city at night. In fact the hotel we stayed at took us to the restaurant and picked us up afterwards so that we didn't have to walk around at night. I'm not sure that the same problems still exist there, but I would not take a chance.

[Vincent65]

I wouldn't

[tfly212]

I was there last summer...great city. Just like any big city there are some sketchy areas but if you are staying in and around the tourist and business areas you should have no problem. If you need a restaurant recommendation try the Test Kitchen...it's fantastic.

[GedgeDS]

I have been there many times on business and never felt 'unsafe' but it is all in perspective. A colleague of mine was robbed in the back of a black cab by the taxi driver in Central London after we went our separate ways from Empire Casino, Leicester Square - they got £50 (as usual, we had lost a lot) but he thinks the cause was his 2004 datejust bought second hand for little over £2000. Unfortunately the Rolex logo can attract some unwanted attention at times.

I don't worry too much as my vintage pieces aren't covered in diamonds or too 'in your face' so tend to stay under the radar (my thinking is that there are enough fake rolex's covered in diamonds and pearl dials that would get snatched before mine).

[Laszlo]

Do you have life insurance? If so, go for it!

[HL65]

I would not...better safe than sorry.

[Mystro]

I make it a habit to not want to go anywhere it might be unsafe for a Rolex. If you can't wear a Rolex there, its not that great.

[Presa canary]

It's technically not safe to wear a rolex anywhere. If someone is starving, homeless, high on drugs, suffering from withdraw, mentally ill, a professional thief, and you in any way look like a mark, you may be asked to donate your watch. This can happen pretty much anywhere at anytime. I've been to ZA a few times. I never felt nervous. I've been to a few of the "most dangerous" cities throughout the world. Venice, new orleans, bogota, medellin, guatemala city, Mexico city, Sao Paulo, and good old Compton Ca to name a few.The most ruthless guys I've encountered where always in groups and in my own backyard, Philadelphia... In my opinion, you'll be fine.

[kxux]

It's your call. I've been to J-burg earlier last year with GMT and I had no issues (heard from local colleagues that Cape Town is much safer).

Though I had pre-arranged cab to/from the office every day and I went out only when I had someone local with me never alone. I was very careful knowing that few of my friends that live in the country got jumped few times.

[Israguard]

There are lots of threads like this one. Usually, they get the same correct answer "if in doubt.. Don't"..

I must ask the question.. Can you not survive without a Rolex for 4 days?. A Seiko or Casio is just sooooo bad?.

I'm going to Capetown myself. Putting on a $200 Seiko and I will enjoy my trip. Don't get the necessity if walking around an unknown ace with a 10k watch on.

[zama]

To the previous comment, go with a cheap watch or no watch and just check the time on your i-phone, I think Capetown in major areas would be as safe as any major world city for the record.

[zion_rasta]

I'd say wear it!
The chances are slim and if you get robbed, I am sure you are ousted by your business.

[Stuxnet]

You may need your SD if you plan to dive with the Great Whites. It would be a shame to go to Cape Town and not get your feet wet.

[1explorer]

Has anyone had problems in Costa Rica?