Wearing a Rolex in Russia?

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by LostInTime

Prime example of expats, and their accompanying drivel, I dislike. I am guessing they don't have many Russian friends and have never tried to learn any of the language despite living there. It seems quite obvious they have never tried to assimilate to their surroundings and are missing out on some great experiences by being close-minded...probably best they stick to their apartments and the arena as they give foreigners a bad name.

I think it has more to do with their personal experiences of being harrassed and occasionally robbed and beaten. Those things have a tendency to color one's impressions of a region. Of course, you seem to be the expert on my relative's friends, so perhaps I should defer to your vast experience of "walking around." Why don't you comment on what you know and quit babbling about things you don't.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I think it has more to do with their personal experiences of being harrassed and occasionally robbed and beaten. Those things have a tendency to color one's impressions of a region. Of course, you seem to be the expert on my relative's friends, so perhaps I should defer to your vast experience of "walking around." Why don't you comment on what you know and quit babbling about things you don't.

Why are you holding back Mark?

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Why are you holding back Mark?

It's still early in the morning here.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

It's still early in the morning here.

Go down to the dock and raise the flag.

[Puffy]

I've been to a lot of parts in Russia, Moscow and St Petersburg included, and it's like any place these days - don't flash your cash and think before you act and you'll be fine.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Gary1407

No problem there, the hotel you'll be staying in is between 4 Rolex AD's and its one of THE most expensive streets in the city so you can wear your Rolex without any worries, just enjoy your stay.

Thanks. Think I'm going to go with the advice of the guy who actually lives there ;). And depending on where I'm going at night, I'll have my old Tag with me that I keep with me for the gym. Also feel better knowing I'll be in a hotel where I can probably feel secure about the integrity of the in-room safe ;).

[Gary1407]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Thanks. Think I'm going to go with the advice of the guy who actually lives there ;). And depending on where I'm going at night, I'll have my old Tag with me that I keep with me for the gym. Also feel better knowing I'll be in a hotel where I can probably feel secure about the integrity of the in-room safe ;).

Oh and while you're there you can walk around and check the AD's with their crazy price tags. Now that i think of it, you have more chances of getting robbed in L.A. ( since i live there too) than in Moscow, rather strange imo.

[Onikage]

I always dress in plian non flash stuff when in unfamiliar territory. Basic khaki pants and plain, unmarked polo shirt. You'll be fine. carry some money in your pocket and the rest in your sock. If you get mugged (God forbid) just hand over your pocket cash and run away! :D

[Onikage]

It might be an idea to keep it covered though..especially in some particularly nasty looking pubs where all the patrons look like Captain Pugwash's crew.

[Gary1407]

Funny thing is no matter how much money you have in your wallet or how expensive your watch is , if you get mugget all you'll loose is................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .........................................YOUR CELL PHONE ROFL

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Gary1407

Funny thing is no matter how much money you have in your wallet or how expensive your watch is , if you get mugget all you'll loose is................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .........................................YOUR CELL PHONE ROFL

So in addition to the "dummy wallet" I sometimes carry when I travel, would I be advised to have a "dummy cell phone" as well :p?

[LostInTime]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I think it has more to do with their personal experiences of being harrassed and occasionally robbed and beaten. Those things have a tendency to color one's impressions of a region. Of course, you seem to be the expert on my relative's friends, so perhaps I should defer to your vast experience of "walking around." Why don't you comment on what you know and quit babbling about things you don't.

Well, having lived in Petersburg for quite a while, done a lot of business in Moscow, and traveled most of the rest of Russia, I do have vast experience and am talking of things which I know. I really have to wonder what people were doing and what frame of mind they were in to be robbed and beaten on multiple occasions. By acting normal, being respectful, and minding your own business one will encounter few problems however, go against this advice and one quickly discovers that Russia is place where you will be called out rather quickly.

[LostInTime]

Originally Posted by Puffy

I've been to a lot of parts in Russia, Moscow and St Petersburg included, and it's like any place these days - don't flash your cash and think before you act and you'll be fine.

This is spot-on.

[vsighi]

Going to russia, sound like you need to talk to your priest first in case you don't come back...good luck to you all...

[Gary1407]

Originally Posted by dannyp

So in addition to the "dummy wallet" I sometimes carry when I travel, would I be advised to have a "dummy cell phone" as well :p?

No, just the dummy cell phone

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by LostInTime

Well, having lived in Petersburg for quite a while, done a lot of business in Moscow, and traveled most of the rest of Russia, I do have vast experience and am talking of things which I know. I really have to wonder what people were doing and what frame of mind they were in to be robbed and beaten on multiple occasions. By acting normal, being respectful, and minding your own business one will encounter few problems however, go against this advice and one quickly discovers that Russia is place where you will be called out rather quickly.

Have to agree with these pointers. When I was there I was almost treated like royalty, I found the locals to be extremely helpful and interested in you as a person, not intimidating in any way.

Not sure how you'd get beaten up out there unless of course you act like a complete wanker and ask for trouble, but I guess if I come across a friendly and forthcoming American here in London I'll do everything I can to help, and at the same time punch him or her in the face if they don't conform to the rules and stadards we have here in the UK

[Gerardus]

Leave it at home and wear something less expensive imho

[ZonDer]

If you're scared to wear your watch, then why'd you buy it in the first place? Moscow or any other place, it all depends on you, whether you are going to ask for attention and draw all attention on you or not.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Gary1407

No, just the dummy cell phone

Hahaha. Well, that shouldn't be a problem; I will be carrying my Droid with me since I'll be using it for email, phone book and for calls in an emergency, but the plan is to have a cheapo prepaid cell for calls, given that Verizon wants $4/minute to make calls from Russia!!

[vsighi]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Have to agree with these pointers. When I was there I was almost treated like royalty, I found the locals to be extremely helpful and interested in you as a person, not intimidating in any way.

Not sure how you'd get beaten up out there unless of course you act like a complete wanker and ask for trouble, but I guess if I come across a friendly and forthcoming American here in London I'll do everything I can to help, and at the same time punch him or her in the face if they don't conform to the rules and stadards we have here in the UK

...dude "punch him or her".!? in this case you not better then any low life russians. I don't think I will punch her or him no matter what will be my country rules or standards.

[Onikage]

Yeah man, I like American women, I'd never punch one. Only if she look at you wrong or something. Give 'er a bloody smack.

[dieselgeek]

Originally Posted by dannyp

So in the spirit of all the "Can I wear my Rolex in..." threads, I thought I'd ask about Russia, where I'll be going next month. I'll be in Moscow and St. Petersburg, usually with a small group. I hear stories about people getting robbed in both, so I'm a little apprehensive. Mine is a SS Exp. II, so doesn't scream "Rolex" and isn't made of precious metals.

My friend always takes his Ball when he travels. The ONE time he wore his Panerai PAM 88 to buenos aires he was robbed while walking down the street. Along w/ a ton of others. Most of them were staying at the SAME HOTEL that he was. He felt bad. I knew he took it w/ him as this was the first trip with his new girlfriend.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by vsighi

...dude "punch him or her".!? in this case you not better then any low life russians. I don't think I will punch her or him no matter what will be my country rules or standards.

It was a joke. It's good for you guys from the states to get an injection of English sarcasm/humour now and then.

[dieselgeek]

Originally Posted by paddy_crow

Going through customs might be the stickiest moment. I've heard of some guys having expensive watches confiscated by unscrupulous agents.

I've worn every kind of watch you can think of though a metal detector. I never take them off. Even my Sinn U1 did not give me problems.