I'm none too happy

[Chozn1]

I'm headed to Ecuador Saturday to see my brother and his family. They have been serving as missionaries there for about 3 years now. My problem is, he tells me it's safe down there where they live, but not to where my Rolex

Now, I've had a Rolex of some form or another grace this arm since the ripe old age of 21, and it really chaps me to think that I wouldn't be able to wear it down there. So, A) have any of you been to Ecuador or a similar third world country and B) Did you wear your Rolex when you went? I'm in a quandry as to what to do.

[jrssv]

Add it as a special item to your household insurance. It cost a few buck but for me the peace of mind is worth it.

[diversified]

While I have never been to a third world coumtry, I would definitely listen to your brother! Hell, Don King, the boxing promoter, was mugged for his Rolex in the middle of Mexico City.

[Numismatist]

I have been to Ecuador many times. I should think you would be all right; except that in larger public gatherings you may find pick pockets. They are very good at cornering people/distracting, etc.

Quito, Guayaquil is really where I'd worry the most in public. Other than that, wear it proud!

[bodybump]

This is why you need a not to expensive watch...rather safe than never buddy...

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by jrssv

Add it as a special item to your household insurance. It cost a few buck but for me the peace of mind is worth it.

Definitely agree on that, a very good idea. That said though, there are places where wearing something as expensive as a Rolex can be an issue in terms of personal safety, not just losing the watch . . .

[cornerstore]

Buy a Seiko for Traveling ,much safer

[Mr. K]

Well.... on the bright side. An excuse to go watrch shopping for something new.

[daveathall]

Dont you trust your brothers advice?

[Deep Sea]

Dude,

Your brother lives there. If he tells you not to do it, why would you seek advice here?

Sure, the fine folks at TRF said it's not problem, so I went ahead and wore my Rolex.

I hope nothing happens to you, but if it does, you have nobody to blame but yourself.

[Speed]

Time for the G-Shock!

[Charlotte Luke]

I agree with snowbird... I have never been to Ecuador but if it was a chioce between my personal safety and a watch, I would be willing to leave the watch at home for vacation. That is more money then some people make in a lifetime. That being said, have a fun and safe trip!

[JimC]

I don't think I would want to chance it. While you might simply lose the watch in an encounter with an unscrupulous person (or persons) you never know what a desperate person might do to get that watch. Better to be safe, and to know that the Rolex will be waiting for you upon your return.

[TattooedGQ]

This is why i have a bunch of Invicta's...whenever I hit the 3rd world I never take a Rollie,

[galloman]

I'd go with your brother's advice. If he's telling you that is because he probably knows what he's talking about.

[Chozn1]

Thanks for the advice. Truth be told, I'm not real ectastic about this trip to begin with as it was postponed previously due to a new law the country passed at the last minute, which affected my wife's passport (which was completely valid btw) before we were supposed to go in July. It's a long story but we were boarding the plane to go and they pulled us off. I'm not very happy with the place. Basically, I have a bad taste in my mouth about the country and am tired of catering, which includes having to take my vacation time to make up for the lost trip rather than look like an ass with my brother.

One thing is for sure, I'd be straight ILL if something happened to my watch, so I'll probably go endure the week minus my Sub. The Yacht-Master might make the trip tho. We're flying into Guayaquil but he lives in a remote village on the west coast. I'd only wear it when in the little village, and probably then not out and about.

As regards the advice of my brother, I guess I just don't understand how he can include the words "really safe" and "don't wear one of your Rolexes down here" int he same sentence. There are places here in the States where I've tucked my watch in my pocket, albeit only once or twice, but I would tell someone they were safe areas.

[CoopJr]

I'd listen to your bro and not chance anything...that goes for the YM too.

[sakuraba]

I don't know if it's comparable to Ecuador, but I've been to the Philippines and despite the warnings, I wore my Sub. Boy was everyone wrong! The capital, Manila has more beautiful malls and buildings than Northern California! Not only did my Sub go unnoticed, I was considerably undergunned in Makati, a posh city I went to. Almost everyone was wearing Tags, Rolex and the occasional Panerai.

That said, I'd go with your brother's advice. He's local and should know better.

[WatchTimes]

NO WAY you should wear the YM, it will strike more peoples eyes than the Sub for certain.

For travel I own a Marathon and a Seiko Monster. I do still usually take a Rolex along for when I know I am in nice areas. I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks and I will wear a Rolex (not sure which I will wear) on the ship and most likely my Marathon when inland (still unsure if I want to go Marathon or Seiko Monster)

[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by JYogi

NO WAY you should wear the YM, it will strike more peoples eyes than the Sub for certain.

For travel I own a Marathon and a Seiko Monster. I do still usually take a Rolex along for when I know I am in nice areas. I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks and I will wear a Rolex (not sure which I will wear) on the ship and most likely my Marathon when inland (still unsure if I want to go Marathon or Seiko Monster)

I just care about the YM less so that's why I said I would take it if anything. I'm really just blowing off steam here guys. Just not happy about the week long loss of my child. I feel naked without it.

[cornerstore]

I just got back from Cabo and I can tell you for the first time I felt uncomfortable- as in someone was looking for an opp- to grab my EXP11. Never felt that ever in Mexico before.People are hurting and not just in the third world ,people get mugged in Miami or Seattle for watches. Always best to air on the side of caution and if need be slip your hand in your pocket when passing sketchy people.

[Sonny Crockett]

listen to your brother. your Rolex watch will be there when you get back, you want to, you don't need to. those are 2 different things. Don't do it.

[submariner16610]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

I don't know if it's comparable to Ecuador, but I've been to the Philippines and despite the warnings, I wore my Sub. Boy was everyone wrong! The capital, Manila has more beautiful malls and buildings than Northern California! Not only did my Sub go unnoticed, I was considerably undergunned in Makati, a posh city I went to. Almost everyone was wearing Tags, Rolex and the occasional Panerai.

That said, I'd go with your brother's advice. He's local and should know better.

agree..

[HL65]

I can tell you that being a missionary myself to--if you wore a Rolex while being around kids and people who are starving --you probably would want to take it back and sell it and send the money to them. Do yourself a favor and leave it at home. I am sure you could do without it and sacrafice for a short while. Merry Christmas!

[Rags]

For you own safety wear something less expensive...A Seiko or a Citizen would be fine.

[Denizen]

i generally avoid wearing hard to replace or expensive timepieces when i travel. just one less thing to worry about during the trip.

you're a classic case in point...you're in a quandry trying to decide and you haven't even gotten out the door yet!

Originally Posted by Chozn1

I'm headed to Ecuador Saturday to see my brother and his family. They have been serving as missionaries there for about 3 years now. My problem is, he tells me it's safe down there where they live, but not to where my Rolex

Now, I've had a Rolex of some form or another grace this arm since the ripe old age of 21, and it really chaps me to think that I wouldn't be able to wear it down there. So, A) have any of you been to Ecuador or a similar third world country and B) Did you wear your Rolex when you went? I'm in a quandry as to what to do.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by masugu

Time for the G-Shock!

[Salmosalar]

Originally Posted by patrick09

Buy a Seiko for Traveling ,much safer

Buy a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) SEIKO. Accurate, many of them with the great 6R15 automatic movement.

None of my good Swiss watches go outside of my secure zone i.e. no big cities, risky neighborhoods etc.

The JDM SEIKOS can purchased thru SEIYA SAN, HIGUCHI SAN or CHINO WATCH in Japan. Couple of hundred $s and your set.

Have a safe trip.

[ducatidoc]

This might be a good time to hold your nose and buy a "replica"

[dmc]

Originally Posted by ducatidoc

This might be a good time to hold your nose and buy a "replica"

For Christ sake don't ever do that................

Never, never, never, under any circumstance support the makers of fake Rolex or any other high end watch.