Stolen Rolex Perpetual, serial number A161298

[Mdave]

Stolen in Berlin, Germany, by pickpocket/scammer, 17 December 2017, near Potsdamer Platz. Perpetual Date, gents, pink face, serial number A161298. Reported to Berlin Police.

[77T]

Welcome to TRF - albeit under stressful circumstances. You can also report the stolen OP to Rolex directly - if it isn’t recovered by the local authorities soon, this will help recover it IF an unsuspecting owner sends it to an RSC later for servicing.


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[ppbskis]

I would love to know what the move is for a pick pocket to slip a Rolex off ones wrist?

[ferrissteve11]

There's actually an entire magic/street performing routine centered around pick-pocketing...specifically watch steals. Though usually it results with the spectators watch being returned.

[superstarmar]

I’d walk with a jacket on, wallet and anything valuable
on the inside of coat jacket ... Arms folded across my chest ...
Rolex on wrist not in pocket !!!
pick pocket that !!! You’d have to knock me down and steal it
at that point ...

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by ferrissteve11

There's actually an entire magic/street performing routine centered around pick-pocketing...specifically watch steals. Though usually it results with the spectators watch being returned.

Buckled watches only. Will not work with a standard oyster bracelet.

[Mdave]

Well, it involved him asking me for directions, a kind of high-five thing followed by 'playful' football moves. Believe me, you can't feel more stupid (and angry) than I do for letting it happen. And I'm not the first either, it's a well-practised move apparently. Luckily my wallet was well-hidden - to defeat pickpockets!

[ferrissteve11]

Actually there is a specific method used for taking 'Rolex style' watches, not just buckles.
Again, its used in the guise of a magic trick...when done correctly its hard to notice.

[The_Watch_Clocker]

Happens. At least you got beat by a skilled pick pocket.

I had a friend lose his sky dweller to a 22 year old "model" who dropped a pill in his drink.

Dude thought he was getting IT... but what he ended up was, losing it.

[PatronMTL]

That sucks, hope it was insured..

I made it a habit to always high five and shake hands with my dominant hand, since watch is on the other wrist.... if someone offers the opposite hand I let them switch (even with friends as you never know if theyll miss and knock your watch with theirs or something).

[Karbo]

Instagram : @stolenwatches

[pilotjim]

Originally Posted by Ra_88

Buckled watches only. Will not work with a standard oyster bracelet.

This kinda makes sense....after unbuckling, you don't then still have to slip the watch over the hand.

It's hard to understand how skilled a thief would have to be to be able to distract someone's attention enough to pull this off.

[Rad22]

That sucks. I hope it was insured?


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[Al1969]

Feel for you OP. Wish you luck getting it back.

[ferrissteve11]

There was a magician named Chappy Brazil really that pioneered the method. It's doable...takes balls and $%^ of misdirection.

[VicLeChic]

There was a crminal organisation in Barcelona last year specialised in taking watches off people wrists. They would spot the watches in trendy places then follow people in the street till their hotel doorstep, ask for indications to distract them and then pull hard on the watch in such a way one of the spring bars would break lose.

[bradyb]

Apollo Robbins