An American (Rolex) in Paris

[presario]

Hey everyone,

I'll be going to France and Italy for the first time in my life and I'm very excited to say the least. I've heard from people that tourists get robbed quite often in Europe and was wondering if it was a good idea to take my Rolex. It would be a shame for the GMT2c to sit this one out, but I certainly don't want to get robbed either since the 2C does stand out a bit more than your standard ss models. What are your thoughts? Can I buy travel insurance to protect myself and my watch? Am I being overly paranoid? Thanks for your input everyone!

[Lol-x]

I think you will be fine.
It is a good model to wear overseas, and I will be wearing the same in Africa very soon.

[JoeSiR]

Come on...as long as you're not going to Marseille...everything's fine in France!!!

Enjoy your trip!!

[spirotechnique]

Originally Posted by JoeSiR

Come on...as long as you're not going to Marseille...everything's fine in France!!!

Enjoy your trip!!

hum ... some silly common scam should not be written on this forum : did you know that Marseille is probably the city in France where you can spot the larger number of subs and sea dwellers ?
do you know personnally Marseille to make such statements on the city ?

[Skullring]

Andrew, Very nice photo. I don't think you will have any problems of course there are places in any country where you need to be careful with your valuables. Insurance is not a bad idea if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Enjoy your trip.

[MortgageGuy]

I would not give it a second thought.

[snow_rocks]

Don't act like a tourist, which are easy marks for pickpockets and muggings.

[Bullyterrier]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Don't act like a tourist, which are easy marks for pickpockets and muggings.

The guy is from LA he will stand out like a sore thumb!
But you wont have any problems...Its like anywhere you can find trouble if you want it. The centre of Paris is ok. If you use common sense you will be just fine.

[kcmo]

Take it and enjoy it, Andrew!

[Gaijin]

Dude, you live in LA and you are worried about getting jacked in Europe!!?

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Dude, you live in LA and you are worried about getting jacked in Europe!!?

As a Southern Californian myself, I was thinking the same thing.

To the OP, never had a problem in Europe. You should be fine.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Dude, you live in LA and you are worried about getting jacked in Europe!!?

Well it all depends where in LA, where In Paris and where in Rome
All three of the above cities have their high "yield' areas of Rolex watches..

Paris and Rome are wonderfull places to visit
and when ever I have a chance I like to go as well

...but it does not hurt to remember that..
these two cities are top petty crime areas targeting tourists.

In my opinion
Night life to be avoided unless with a group, sudden found buddies also.
"Hoes" keep away no matter how nice, in tourist areas put nothing in
your pants pockets, (back or front) always zippered inside jacket pocket.

Gypsie chidren in Rome are only coming near you to steal your belongings.

If the Rolex was the gold GMT (?) I would have said leave it home
as it would have attracted phone calls to their better equiped buddies
for "extraction"..

Be always aware of pickpockets in buses or metro (remember the pants pockets - lol..)
on your guard, do not leave anything of value at the hotel room
..only the hotel safe...

Try not to look "flush with cash" and speak as much French and Italian
as possible

Always great to be security minded
Have a nice trip...I will be in Europe as well Wednesday..

[Armand]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Dude, you live in LA and you are worried about getting jacked in Europe!!?

+ 1!

Go to Austria, and go whereever you want! NO trouble!

>I< have fear of going to the USA with my Rolexes!

Europe is safer than US, MO, but beware at typical "Tourists places", e.g. before Notre Dame, before the Louvre, Pumpeji, ...

Have fun, Hermann

[cbehnke1672]

i have traveled and lived there, never felt worried like that. IMO more Europeans appreciate fine mechanical watches than Americans and Rolex's are a bit more common there along with other fine, top-end brands. my 2 cents.

[gold4u2]

My wife and I were in Paris this past April. We both wore our Rolex watches, they are insured, we had no problems. I wore my Milgauss and she wore her DJ. It was cooler in April and we wore a lot of long sleeves shirts and sweaters, so our watch were not so exposed. It is a good idea to keep your surroundings in mind. Go, enjoy and have a great safe trip!!

[Dan Pierce]

Saw the same AD, Mark.
dP

[onefatchowchow]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Dude, you live in LA and you are worried about getting jacked in Europe!!?

I am crying over here.

Take the watch with you but just be careful. Enjoy and remember to take pictures

[RobY330i]

I've been all over Europe, especially Paris with my GMT IIc.
No problem whatsoever. I guess that's because people think that it's a fake and don't bother.

Just use common sense.

[presario]

Thanks so much for the insight everyone! I will definitely use common sense when traveling.

I'll try my best not to look like a tourist, but my camera may be a dead giveaway. Haha, darn thing.

PS. Los Angeles isn't so rough! One of the best places on earth

[JediRolex]

The GMTIIc was born for trips like this! Have a great time.

[Rolexophile]

Enjoy your watch, it defeats the joy of owning such an illustrious time piece by leaving it behind. Europe is quite safe, and you'll love Paris. Bon Voyage!

[crown71]

Been there. Wore my Day/Date no worries. But be aware of your surroundings anyway, pickpocketing is really an occupation there(they have signs posted all over). They use minors and the adults are usually the distractors. I have personal stories that will entertain. Put your wallet in your front pocket.

[redcalx]

I live in Europe, and just returned from trips to France, Belgium and Greece (I'm in the Netherlands). My watch goes everywhere I go. Always.

One word of advice though is to watch out for pick pockets in tourist areas. I like to keep my wallet in my front pocket with my hand on it when there's large crowds around.

Just be vigilant - otherwise, you're fine.

[Dan Pierce]

Insure, wear, and enjoy.
dP

[Bisquitlips]

I have worn mine all over Europe with never any problems. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. It's usually the guys that go to drinking establishments in the rather seedy areas that get hit.

[sea-dweller]

I have worn my GMT II and Explorer 1 to various cities in Europe with no problems at all. Use common sense and I'm sure that you' ll be fine. Take it and enjoy your visit to a great continent !!!

[SDDS]

take it with u and enjoy ur trip

[sexner]

Am I being overly paranoid?

I am afraid you are, yes.

Very nice photograph by the way.

Enjoy your trip.

[rajurama]

Honestly I dont wear my rolex watches because all have gold and all my trips include crazy fiestas. Cuz invariably we land up in dark areas after say clubbing or leaving a pub in late hours. Its a hassle to leave it in hotel also. Just to be safe I always avoid high cash and any sort of bling in unfamiliar towns... maybe i might wear a SS model but have had a nasty experience of being mugged at gun point in broad day light... so i would be rather safe n carefree than sorry.. Regardless of your choice have fun and post back lots of photos!

[gettocard]

Rome is fine. Just don't go to Naples with that watch....trust me,don't do that.