Wearing your AP abroad

[JJ WA]

I will start to travel extensively to Latin America and, a bit less often, Asia. I would love to have my ROO 26470 SS as a regular travel companion, but wonder if you have any insights as to how safe it is to wear an AP in places like Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Rio, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Beijing and Shanghai. Please do not get me wrong - I am not making any assumptions here, just asking. Thanks and have a great w/e everyone.

[Dan_lie]

Asia fine, South America i wouldn't risk it...

[Speed]

Ah...the "is it safe" threads are now in the AP section ;-)

You'll get the same advice in any sub forum on this matter.

An AP thief will need to be a bit more educated one familiar with the brand. You could get unlucky in any country in any street and run into such a thief.

Cover it up on the streets or leave it at home.

[locutus49]

Situational awareness. Your safety is more important than a watch. Do not go anywhere you would feel unsafe.

[kostki]

Motorcycle with two guys stole one of my APs while taking a cab ride in Sao Paulo. I wouldn't even take it to LatAm.

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by Speed

Ah...the "is it safe" threads are now in the AP section ;-)

You'll get the same advice in any sub forum on this matter.

An AP thief will need to be a bit more educated one familiar with the brand. You could get unlucky in any country in any street and run into such a thief.

Cover it up on the streets or leave it at home.

At least there isn't an incoming every 5 minutes lol

What was said above is perfect advice and seriously bring a G Shock if you are concerned. The watch will still be waiting for you when you get back

[Lange1]

Asian well. No problem BUT only in big city. They're wearing AP, PP, VC everywhere.

Be what you are ~°~!

[Hairdude1]

Just be smart and aware. If still worried leave it

[lapince]

Asia yes, anything south of Texas no way...

[rolexington]

Firstly, I would insure the watch.

May I ask why you are traveling? Is it for work?

If so, I would consider bringing two watches. Say a G-shock and the AP. The AP is a beautiful watch and you might want it for the flight, airport lounge WIS chats and work functions. In Asia, in particular, one's watch often gets noticed and a nice watch can be an asset when doing business. Wear the G-shock when going out in the city / if doing tourist stuff.

[zama]

I only here bad news stories out of LatAm, Asia no risk in fact safer than most of the US. You have the time on your phone and leave it at that.

[ronin_ph]

In terms of Asia... Far East, yes. Southeast Asia, no.


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[el1125]

Originally Posted by Dan_lie

Asia fine, South America i wouldn't risk it...

This

[rangercadre]

singapore safest =)))

[Kadhytia]

I am more paranoid after have watched Focus.

[Colin W]

Originally Posted by Kadhytia

I am more paranoid after have watched Focus.

LOL - those guys could steal anything from anyone!


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[ronin_ph]

So, what is the alternative... Buy a seiko's for traveling? Have been looking for a vacation/traveling/beater watch that I can take anywhere as well.
Hopefully something I can wear out to dinner, etc.


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[benlee]

Depend where I am traveling too. Most places a SS AP is Ok.

[MichaelFlash]

When I go to Buenos Aires I bring the Casio. I just feel better and don't want the worry while enjoying the sites. Buenos Aires is pretty wild, we almost got my wife's purse snatched by a gang of roaming hoodlums. Always be aware!

[masterserg]

No way I would risk it in Buenos Aires or SP. They might not recognize the AP or even see that you are wearing a watch but there are higher than average chances of getting mugged and believe me, you do not want to even think about resisting. Wear a Seiko or something like that and carry a separate wallet with some cash that you can afford to lose.

I haven't been to Mexico in a while but I would still stick with a Seiko. Don't need the extra worries.

[subtona]

I was a moment away from getting jumped by four men in buenos aires ? I was dining at an outdoor restaurant. (A local took a personal risk and intervened on my behalf)

a week later another TRF member posted he was robbed very near to where I was, 2 guys on a motorcycle.

I'll say no good for South of Texas as another member posted.

[psv]

Don't risk it in Latin America.

On my last trip to Buenos Aires, two business men I was traveling with lost their Rolex watches.

[JJ WA]

All precious advice. Thank you.

[jd57]

My brother walked out of a luxury hotel in a posh part of B.A. last year and, in broad daylight, was grabbed from behind in a choke hold, had his Rolex pulled off his wrist as he struggled, and the mugger jumped onto a motorcycle at the curb driven by an accomplice and took off. Wouldn't chance any high end time piece.

[GOB]

Being born, raised, and currently living/working/traveling in South America, I think I have a better perspective than most here.... Been to places such as Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, but also San Salvador, Guatemala, and both San Pedro Sula as well as Tegucigalpa and I have never had any incident in the 20+ years traveling in the region. I have worn anything from a SS Datejust to a yellow gold Daytona on a strap, as well as Rubberclad, Dualtime, and currently a PP5167. That said, I often use my Seiko Black Monster when I travel, specially when going to Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.

As is the case with anywhere in the world, just be aware of your surroundings and it would be best to draw less attention to yourself than more. I'm not going to be naive enough to say that nothing ever happens down here, but by the same token, once in a while real life experience must come into play and know that anything can happen anywhere. If you don't carry bags that announce a high end brand all over the place (think LV), wear jeans and a regular shirt (no silk Versace please!), take transportation from the internationally recognized hotel chains (Intercontinental, Marriott, etc.) and don't walk by yourself at night in dark streets, you should be fine. Here is an interesting read about dangerous cities: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-m...d-2014-11?op=1

Only time I have had an issue in the region, was year before last, but that was a scam that I fell for (still under investigation, though I highly doubt I will ever recoup my ceramic Sub or the money that should have been applied to my bank account for it).

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by GOB

Being born, raised, and currently living/working/traveling in South America, I think I have a better perspective than most here....

This is an incorrect assumption mi amigo

[psv]

Originally Posted by GOB

...draw less attention to yourself than more.

Not that easy if you are 6ft1"/185 cm, blue eyed and blond, depending on where you are, of course.

[MichaelFlash]

Originally Posted by GOB

Being born, raised, and currently living/working/traveling in South America, I think I have a better perspective than most here.... Been to places such as Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, but also San Salvador, Guatemala, and both San Pedro Sula as well as Tegucigalpa and I have never had any incident in the 20+ years traveling in the region. I have worn anything from a SS Datejust to a yellow gold Daytona on a strap, as well as Rubberclad, Dualtime, and currently a PP5167. That said, I often use my Seiko Black Monster when I travel, specially when going to Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.

As is the case with anywhere in the world, just be aware of your surroundings and it would be best to draw less attention to yourself than more. I'm not going to be naive enough to say that nothing ever happens down here, but by the same token, once in a while real life experience must come into play and know that anything can happen anywhere. If you don't carry bags that announce a high end brand all over the place (think LV), wear jeans and a regular shirt (no silk Versace please!), take transportation from the internationally recognized hotel chains (Intercontinental, Marriott, etc.) and don't walk by yourself at night in dark streets, you should be fine. Here is an interesting read about dangerous cities: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-m...d-2014-11?op=1

Only time I have had an issue in the region, was year before last, but that was a scam that I fell for (still under investigation, though I highly doubt I will ever recoup my ceramic Sub or the money that should have been applied to my bank account for it).

Sorry, but this is IMHO very bad advice. My wife is Argentinian with family in Buenos Aires and they all say do not bring nice jewelry when visiting. Crime now in BA is rampant and has been for years. Lots of poverty and political strife. Anyone tells you different either is not aware or lives in La La land. The stories posted here about Rolexes and muggings etc are the norm not the exception whether or not some people would rather not believe it.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by MichaelFlash

Sorry, but this is IMHO very bad advice. My wife is Argentinian with family in Buenos Aires and they all say do not bring nice jewelry when visiting. Crime now in BA is rampant and has been for years. Lots of poverty and political strife. Anyone tells you different either is not aware or lives in La La land. The stories posted here about Rolexes and muggings etc are the norm not the exception whether or not some people would rather not believe it.

Absolutely. The situation in Buenos Aires deteriorated drastically during the last 5 years and it has become a dangerous place.

Be wary of happy go lucky advice that will put you in harm's way ... play it safe.

[GOB]

My bad. Based on the four replies after my post I now realize that the only safe place in the world is USA and that people who don't live and work permanently in Lat Am are the only ones who can accurately describe what it's like elsewhere. How silly of me to think otherwise. To the OP: please don't wear a watch when leaving your house and make sure to hire some black ops personnel to guide you when coming to Lat Am, oh, and don't forget to double up on life insurance, cause you are surely to get hurt if you step outside US territory.