Morocco Travel

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by swish77

I’ve traveled to Morocco frequently for more than 30 years, and my family owns a house there. I’ve spent time mostly in Marrakech, but also in Casablanca, Agadir and smaller coastal towns like Essaouira.

It is FAR safer than any U.S. or European city, as are most Muslim countries. I have always worn my Rolexes there without any concern.

Is there crime against tourists there? Yes, of course, but it’s minimal. You’re far more likely to be ripped off by over-paying for a carpet at a souk than being mugged for your Rolex.

Nice input

[Deepsea Florida]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Nice input

I think most US cities are pretty safe.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Deepsea Florida

I think most US cities are pretty safe.

I agree.


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[noobs]

Marrakech is safer than many major US cities. Just avoid leaving stuff unattended.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Rolexken

As safe as Seattle….

Very true!

[LukasMatsson]

People here are insane

Most countries/cities are safe. Don't be a wanker and you'll be fine.

[Watchdog]

Wear it with a Rolex hat and keep your head on a swivel. Make it double fun.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by LukasMatsson

People here are insane

Most countries/cities are safe. Don't be a wanker and you'll be fine.

That’s cute. Tell that to the dozens of tourists who get pickpocketed daily in places like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and not because they were clueless, but because scums there use distraction, sleight of hand, and team setups that fool even experienced travellers. But hey, keep telling yourself it’s all about attitude.

My dad was in the food court of a mall in Frankfurt when a kid ran up, snatched the phone out of his hands while he was texting, and took off. He went to report it, but no one was even willing to file a report, let alone do anything to actually address the theft.

[siforest65]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

That’s cute. Tell that to the dozens of tourists who get pickpocketed daily in places like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and not because they were clueless, but because scums there use distraction, sleight of hand, and team setups that fool even experienced travellers. But hey, keep telling yourself it’s all about attitude.

My dad was in the food court of a mall in Frankfurt when a kid ran up, snatched the phone out of his hands while he was texting, and took off. He went to report it, but no one was even willing to file a report, let alone do anything to actually address the theft.

That’s a sensible post in my opinion. Personal choice and just because someone got done in a big city doesn’t mean everyone will and vice versa.

[eugenetsang]

If you need to ask... Don't bring it. Simple as that.

[LukasMatsson]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

That’s cute. Tell that to the dozens of tourists who get pickpocketed daily in places like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and not because they were clueless, but because scums there use distraction, sleight of hand, and team setups that fool even experienced travellers. But hey, keep telling yourself it’s all about attitude.

My dad was in the food court of a mall in Frankfurt when a kid ran up, snatched the phone out of his hands while he was texting, and took off. He went to report it, but no one was even willing to file a report, let alone do anything to actually address the theft.

That’s cute

Then you should lock your watches at home and never wear them anywhere on the off-chance that you might get pickpocketed

In fact, even that is too risky because someone might enter your home and steal your vault with your watches. Actually, even having a home is risky because then it gives the thieving scum a point of weakness they can exploit

I’ve been to all of those cities and nothing has happened. Others have had their kidneys stolen. Risk exists everywhere. That’s life.

Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t act like a wanker (good advice for everyday). Don’t go to dark alleys. Don’t let people touch you. Enjoy life.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by siforest65

Out of interest has anyone done Barcelona trouble free with an expensive watch on here?

We’ve been all over Europe. FWIW, we have friends in Barcelona and they adamantly told us to leave our Rolexes at home.

We did exactly what they told us to do out of respect, but we’ve worn our watches just about everywhere else. Venice, Prague, Vienna, Athens, Munich, Budapest, many other cities….


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[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by LukasMatsson

That’s cute

Then you should lock your watches at home and never wear them anywhere on the off-chance that you might get pickpocketed

In fact, even that is too risky because someone might enter your home and steal your vault with your watches. Actually, even having a home is risky because then it gives the thieving scum a point of weakness they can exploit

I’ve been to all of those cities and nothing has happened. Others have had their kidneys stolen. Risk exists everywhere. That’s life.

Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t act like a wanker (good advice for everyday). Don’t go to dark alleys. Don’t let people touch you. Enjoy life.

Who said don’t wear your watches outside? I’m not arguing for bubble wrapping your wrist every time you leave the house. And I’m with you in regards of being aware of your surroundings and not being a show off.

But your claim that “most countries/cities are safe” is just factually wrong. And the “I’ve been to all these cities and nothing happened to me” line isn’t proof of safety - it’s anecdotal luck. That logic is like saying “I’ve driven drunk many time and made it home fine, so drunk driving must be safe.”

Think of it like sex: you wouldn’t say “risk exists everywhere” as an excuse to skip a condom. Same thing here

[LukasMatsson]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Who said don’t wear your watches outside? I’m not arguing for bubble wrapping your wrist every time you leave the house. And I’m with you in regards of being aware of your surroundings and not being a show off.

But your claim that “most countries/cities are safe” is just factually wrong. And the “I’ve been to all these cities and nothing happened to me” line isn’t proof of safety - it’s anecdotal luck. That logic is like saying “I’ve driven drunk many time and made it home fine, so drunk driving must be safe.”

Think of it like sex: you wouldn’t say “risk exists everywhere” as an excuse to skip a condom. Same thing here

I'm not trying to imply that everywhere is equally safe or that people shouldn't be mindful of their surroundings. I've seen on this sub a weird tendency for people to think "outside of U.S. = thief haven". That is not the case.

Again, I’m definitely not suggesting people should be careless or ignore risks. But there is a huge difference between being reasonably cautious and assuming danger is everywhere.

Yes, anecdotal experience isn’t data. But crime stats do vary significantly city to city, and many places are generally safe for wearing a watch with basic awareness. That doesn’t mean zero risk, just that the blanket fear sometimes gets overstated. The number of watches stolen as a ratio to the number of tourists in cities like London, Paris, etc. is extremely low. Meaning, the chances of NOT getting your watch stolen is much higher than the small chance that someone might steal your watch.

The condom analogy is a clever one, but I’d say the better comparison might be: you don’t avoid sex altogether just because there's risk. You take smart precautions. Same with watches, necklaces, carryons, rings, bracelets, etc.

I agree it’s smart not to flash high-value items in certain areas, and there’s no harm in being discreet. But I also think there’s a line between reasonable awareness and living in fear. Be aware but live your life. And if you're someplace where you don't feel comfortable wearing your watch then don't.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by rover26c

You’re funny?! Istanbul is in Turkey. My point was Morocco is safe as well as Istanbul, Turkey. Muslim countries are generally safe to travel therefore you can wear your watch even in the summer time.


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The moment I read your reply, I knew exactly what you meant?!

[garyk]

Originally Posted by siforest65

Out of interest has anyone done Barcelona trouble free with an expensive watch on here?

I have. Wore my James Cameron DSSD and never gave it a second thought. I think there are sketchy areas in every major city so you just have to be aware of where you are.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by LukasMatsson

I'm not trying to imply that everywhere is equally safe or that people shouldn't be mindful of their surroundings. I've seen on this sub a weird tendency for people to think "outside of U.S. = thief haven". That is not the case.

Again, I’m definitely not suggesting people should be careless or ignore risks. But there is a huge difference between being reasonably cautious and assuming danger is everywhere.

Yes, anecdotal experience isn’t data. But crime stats do vary significantly city to city, and many places are generally safe for wearing a watch with basic awareness. That doesn’t mean zero risk, just that the blanket fear sometimes gets overstated. The number of watches stolen as a ratio to the number of tourists in cities like London, Paris, etc. is extremely low. Meaning, the chances of NOT getting your watch stolen is much higher than the small chance that someone might steal your watch.

The condom analogy is a clever one, but I’d say the better comparison might be: you don’t avoid sex altogether just because there's risk. You take smart precautions. Same with watches, necklaces, carryons, rings, bracelets, etc.

I agree it’s smart not to flash high-value items in certain areas, and there’s no harm in being discreet. But I also think there’s a line between reasonable awareness and living in fear. Be aware but live your life. And if you're someplace where you don't feel comfortable wearing your watch then don't.

[tutu2008]

Husband and I are blessed to have traveled to many parts of the world. We’ve never traveled without a watch. (That includes our travel to Morocco)
That said, be aware of your surroundings (no matter where you are!). I live in a metropolitan area in the US and when we go out for dinner, we have to sometimes be mindful of our surroundings, and it’s local! Don’t get paranoid by any means. Enjoy yourself and your watch, but an extra level of alertness when traveling anywhere! Of course anything you feel nervous about taking along, leave at home. Safe travels!

[gmtyacht]

My travel/beach/playground watch is now a Tudor Ranger. It serves a purpose and I don't think about it at all.

[kwolson59]

Morocco in May 2024 and wore my JLC Master Hometime (18k) daily with no incidents. We were more concerned about pickpockets in Spain than trouble in Africa. Great food there!

[colonelpurple]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Who said don’t wear your watches outside? I’m not arguing for bubble wrapping your wrist every time you leave the house. And I’m with you in regards of being aware of your surroundings and not being a show off.

But your claim that “most countries/cities are safe” is just factually wrong. And the “I’ve been to all these cities and nothing happened to me” line isn’t proof of safety - it’s anecdotal luck. That logic is like saying “I’ve driven drunk many time and made it home fine, so drunk driving must be safe.”

Think of it like sex: you wouldn’t say “risk exists everywhere” as an excuse to skip a condom. Same thing here

Correct

I am fine to wear a flashy bimetal in public, but it simply has to be a reasonable place, and there is always an element of luck. There are not many places I would wear a flashy watch and a t-shirt. With a long sleeve I am happy to wear anywhere in London for example.

[RiRi]

Originally Posted by joli160

Many times, staying in hotel 1898 on La Rambla.
Never experienced trouble myself. I’m not naive and never scared but maintain a high awareness.
Stumbling around intoxicated after dark is not a good idea.

I spend a few months per year in Barcelona and I have seen several thefts - in broad daylight, on people surrounded by kids, etc.

There are apparently 4 reported watch robberies per day ... In a city where few people earn more than 2,000€ per month, 15 mio annual tourists on 2 mio inhabitants in the center, and lack of policing when you actually get caught stealing, it is not surprising that snatching luxury watches is popular here.

And everybody is in on it - the cab drivers, the concierges at the nice hotels, spotters throughout the city ...

Do as you like - I only wear moonswatches outdoors, as I do not want to think about my posessions when I enjoy the city

[RichardBartlett]

It would help if those who say "I wear my Rolex Daytona rainbow walking down the crowded Ramblas without a care in the world "

would clarify it with "wearing a teeshirt" or "wearing a overcoat" as without that detail those type of comments are pretty much worthless.

Law of averages state being robbed in the vast majority of places is unlikely BUT you can greatly adjust the odds either way by your own behaviour...

[RichardBartlett]

Originally Posted by RiRi

I spend a few months per year in Barcelona and I have seen several thefts - in broad daylight, on people surrounded by kids, etc.

There are apparently 4 reported watch robberies per day ... In a city where few people earn more than 2,000€ per month, 15 mio annual tourists on 2 mio inhabitants in the center, and lack of policing when you actually get caught stealing, it is not surprising that snatching luxury watches is popular here.

And everybody is in on it - the cab drivers, the concierges at the nice hotels, spotters throughout the city ...

Do as you like - I only wear moonswatches outdoors, as I do not want to think about my posessions when I enjoy the city

I was in Barca last December, again in April and back there this Nov & April. I wear my Louis Erard Alain Silberstein quite openly because everyone thinks it's a Swatch so I get ignored as the spotters are trained on the high profile watches.. But I'm still conscious of my surroundings and have my mobile on a wrist band

My Rolex stays on the ship or if staying longer the hotel.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by eugenetsang

If you need to ask... Don't bring it. Simple as that.

Yep

Travel watches exist for a reason. Do you want to be constantly worrying about your watch? Or would you rather be enjoying your trip?

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by samson66

Yep

Travel watches exist for a reason. Do you want to be constantly worrying about your watch? Or would you rather be enjoying your trip?

The day I need to consider leaving a Rolex behind because of where I’m traveling to, I’ll first question me wanting to travel there in the first place. Countless countries wearing many of mine and have never had a concern.

To date…..
Argentina
Colombia
Panama
Costa Rica
Belize
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
…….just about every island in the Caribbean
New Zealand
Australia
Tahiti
Fiji
Hawaii
Alaska
Scotland
England (inc London)
Wales
Ireland
Spain (inc Barcelona and Mallorca)
Portugal
Gibraltar
France (inc Paris)
Germany
Switzerland
Amsterdam
Italy (inc Rome multiple times)
Greece
Monaco
…….and just about every major city in the US.

Many more to come.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

The day I need to consider leaving a Rolex behind because of where I’m traveling to, I’ll first question me wanting to travel there in the first place. Countless countries wearing many of mine and have never had a concern.

To date…..
Argentina
Colombia
Panama
Costa Rica
Belize
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
…….just about every island in the Caribbean
New Zealand
Australia
Tahiti
Fiji
Hawaii
Alaska
Scotland
England (inc London)
Wales
Ireland
Spain (inc Barcelona and Mallorca)
Portugal
Gibraltar
France (inc Paris)
Germany
Switzerland
Amsterdam
Italy (inc Rome multiple times)
Greece
Monaco
…….and just about every major city in the US.

Many more to come.

The point isn't how many places you have been to without a problem. It's if the OP is asking if it's ok to wear, he may find himself preoccupied with worrying about it on his trip. I love all my luxury watches. I also love wearing a "travel watch" while in many locations which frees the mind to enjoy the vacation. It doesn't mean you shouldn't wear a nice watch. It just means #1 wear something that doesn't gather a lot of unwanted attention (i.e. Rolex) and #2 wear something that if it got lost or stollen wouldn't set you back a ton of money and ruin your vacation in the process.

I wear a GS GMT currently on travel, and before that a Tudor GMT. Both very nice watches, but neither is very flashy and neither is worth much more than $3-4K tops. I'd hate to lose one but it's low enough that I would get over it pretty quickly if something did happen. I can't say the same for my Sea Dweller if you get my drift.

In the end it's an individual decision on how much risk a person wants to take. The answer is different for everyone. Also losing a watch to a pick pocket is one thing. Getting beat over the head and robbed is an experience no watch is worth going through.

[SudiYunus]

At least, there are still quite number of sensible TRF members ;)

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by samson66

The point isn't how many places you have been to without a problem. It's if the OP is asking if it's ok to wear, he may find himself preoccupied with worrying about it on his trip. I love all my luxury watches. I also love wearing a "travel watch" while in many locations which frees the mind to enjoy the vacation. It doesn't mean you shouldn't wear a nice watch. It just means #1 wear something that doesn't gather a lot of unwanted attention (i.e. Rolex) and #2 wear something that if it got lost or stollen wouldn't set you back a ton of money and ruin your vacation in the process.

I wear a GS GMT currently on travel, and before that a Tudor GMT. Both very nice watches, but neither is very flashy and neither is worth much more than $3-4K tops. I'd hate to lose one but it's low enough that I would get over it pretty quickly if something did happen. I can't say the same for my Sea Dweller if you get my drift.

In the end it's an individual decision on how much risk a person wants to take. The answer is different for everyone. Also losing a watch to a pick pocket is one thing. Getting beat over the head and robbed is an experience no watch is worth going through.

I hear you, to each their own. Fear is real in our world. I just don’t get owning something you won’t wear.
BTW, it is about where I have been. A number of those places are frowned upon here and both watch and I not only survived, neither ever felt concerned, specially to prevent me from enjoying my vacation.
I live in South Florida so therefore I should be concerned wearing one to Miami, a city where crime is epic, yet one out of five around you wear one. My point in summary is that buying a Rolex and being afraid to wear it is no way to live. Me personally? I would sell it. But we can agree, to each their own.

[RichardBartlett]

A 24 year old man was knifed to death by a 'Rolex ripper' in central London.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/202...sbridge-hotel/
https://news.sky.com/story/man-stabb...ondon-13394965