Discretion may be the answer.

[Mick P]

I nearly had my Rolex whipped off my wrists whilst out in Spain which was fortunately solved when my wife whacked the girl who was doing it with her walking stick. I was wearing short sleeves due to the weather and the watch was a GMT11 with a coke bezel and a Jubilee bracelet, so I was hardly being careful. What worries me more than anything else is what could have happened to my wife if the girl or her accomplice fought back. Fortunately they very quietly walked off into the crowds.

I am now back in the UK and I want a decent watch that is less attention grabbing when wearing short sleeves and I have a few options.

1. Wear my 39mm Explorer1 214270 which is more laid back in appearance but still has white gold numerals which is a tad blingy.

2. Wear the Explorer1 with a brown leather strap which is definitely off the radar but I am not to keen on it for reasons I cannot really explain.

3. I have a 1986 SS Omega Constellation that I could get serviced and that is only 34mm in diameter and quite thin. Well below the radar.

4 Buy a Monofaced JLC Reverso and when I am in a risky place, I need only flip the watch over to reveal a plain metallic face.

5. My favourite watch is a 1980 Rolex Explorer11 1655. It looks nothing like a Rolex unless you know the models but the give away is the cyclops on the plastic lens. I favour this option but wonder if the cyclops puts it into the high risk category and that does concern me.

I am basically happy with any option but the days of wearing an obvious Rolex with short sleeves are over for me. 70yrs + wearing a Rolex is very high risk.


Simple question if I may be as bold - What do you think is the best option?

[cyrusir]

I nearly had my Rolex whipped off my wrists whilst out in Spain which was fortunately solved when my wife whacked the girl who was doing it with her walking stick. I was wearing short sleeves due to the weather and the watch was a GMT11 with a coke bezel and a Jubilee bracelet, so I was hardly being careful. What worries me more than anything else is what could have happened to my wife if the girl or her accomplice fought back. Fortunately they very quietly walked off into the crowds.

I am now back in the UK and I want a decent watch that is less attention grabbing when wearing short sleeves and I have a few options.

1. Wear my 39mm Explorer1 214270 which is more laid back in appearance but still has white gold numerals which is a tad blingy.

2. Wear the Explorer1 with a brown leather strap which is definitely off the radar but I am not to keen on it for reasons I cannot really explain.

3. I have a 1986 SS Omega Constellation that I could get serviced and that is only 34mm in diameter and quite thin. Well below the radar.

4 Buy a Monofaced JLC Reverso and when I am in a risky place, I need only flip the watch over to reveal a plain metallic face.

5. My favourite watch is a 1980 Rolex Explorer11 1655. It looks nothing like a Rolex unless you know the models but the give away is the cyclops on the plastic lens. I favour this option but wonder if the cyclops puts it into the high risk category and that does concern me.

I am basically happy with any option but the days of wearing an obvious Rolex with short sleeves are over for me. 70yrs + wearing a Rolex is very high risk.


Simple question if I may be as bold - What do you think is the best option?

the answer is no watch, i doubt they are that discerning, they will just rob if there is an opportunity and take a look at what they managed to pilfer later.

[Time Cat]

the answer is no watch, i doubt they are that discerning, they will just rob if there is an opportunity and take a look at what they managed to pilfer later.

What about a watch that doesn’t concern loosing it. And Keep the fine watches in house.

That’s what I do since I got robbed of a Submariner on street.

[MartynJC (UK)]

What about a watch that doesn’t concern loosing it. And Keep the fine watches in house.

That’s what I do since I got robbed of a Submariner on street.

May as well sell your fine watches if you don't wear outside the house? What about being robbed in your house or when you leave them in the house? ( sorry if this seems rude).

[Time Cat]

May as well sell your fine watches if you don't wear outside the house? What about being robbed in your house or when you leave them in the house? ( sorry if this seems rude).

Being robbed in house is less likely to happen.
I enjoy my watches in house or ar moments like travel with a car to friend.

My point is if i leave to town or places with people I wear a watch that doesn’t botter me if i loose it.

[Time Cat]

Fresh from today; an attempt to rob a watch with pistol on his head at a full restaurant in Amsterdam. News is it is a Rolex. He failled. There is this group of thieves ‘Rolex gang’ in Amsterdam for years targetting Rolex and other expensive watches.

https://www.dumpert.nl/?selectedId=100034929_31e1915c

[wileeeeeey]

Sounds like you need a BlackBay Pro or the new 36mm Explorer 1. Could even put the BlackBay Pro on rubber.

A leather strap on the 39mm Explorer 1 will look awful imo.

[dkpw]

The Explorer is the perfect answer. No cyclops. Could be any simple SS watch from a distance.

[gcleminson]

The answer is simple Mick. Sell your Rolexes.

[dkpw]

The answer is simple Mick. Sell your Rolexes.

How very dare you! LOL

[MartynJC (UK)]

I had my 114060 nicked off my wrist in Barcelona a few years ago so know what you talk about. Replaced with insurance (in the day when they could be found from stock)

If you are worried I suggest wearing something unusual that does not look like a Rolex - maybe a JLC Reverso, Breitling Navitimer etc.

Alternatively

1. holiday away from Spain which seems to be notorious.
2. wear a Casio or Seiko etc
3. something like a Steinhart but that may attract the wrong crowd as it still looks like a Rolex.
4. no watch and check the time on your phone or get a ´smart watch'.

Just some ideas.

[Saint-Just]

The question has already lapsed, as we've already had our week of short sleeves for this year in the UK.

For the rest, don't think those who target valuable watches are fools: they will know not only the type of watch (so you can forget about "hiding" your reverso), but how easily they will shift them.
Just because they have chosen to "earn" their living this way doesn't mean they are illiterate idiots.

[Neil.C]

The answer is simple Mick. Sell your Rolexes.

I'd go along with this. Just sold all mine.

Saves all the aggravation of where they can be safely worn.

They are only a bit of men's jewellery after all and there are plenty of other nice watches around.

[woodruffm]

Fair play to your wife being on the ball, sounds like she might be a keeper Mick

[thegreatdogwood]

I wear a G Shock in areas that carry risk. I could wear no watch but figure that a G Shock is more likely to send a message that there are unlikely to be further rich pickings of the latest phone and a wallet worth targeting, no watch provides no such clues.

Shame we have to think about this (and I'm a rugby type big old unit, so not the most obvious choice to target) but no point attracting unwelcome interest

[boring_sandwich]

Sounds like you need a BlackBay Pro or the new 36mm Explorer 1. Could even put the BlackBay Pro on rubber. .

When I have a BB58 a few years ago I have more comments from people of “nice Rolex” than when I wore a Rolex.

Anyone who thinks a Tudor is under the radar is in my opinion mistaken.

[wileeeeeey]

When I have a BB58 a few years ago I have more comments from people of “nice Rolex” than when I wore a Rolex.

Anyone who thinks a Tudor is under the radar is in my opinion mistaken.

Fair point. There’s a difference between under the radar and an acceptable loss. I’m a lot more comfortable with 3k on my wrist than 10k. I wouldn’t be put off wearing 3k in Spain, target or otherwise.

[Mick P]

Thanks for the replies, I am genuinely surprised at the amount received.

My initial thoughts were to go for the 39mm Explorer1 but I have had two waiters comment on it and the strangest incident was when a security guard in Covera airport told me to put my Rolex in the tray which took your stuff through the Xray machines. He was standing about 3 meters away, so if he could recognise it, then a bunch of professional thieves most certainly can.

Therefore I am currently wearing the Omega Constellation and the early signs are good as I am enjoying wearing it. I think I will get it in for a good service and treat it as the Spanish watch.

Many thanks for all the thoughts.

[LondonNeil]

It's a real shame but yes I agree, when in short sleeves I think about where I am and choose my watch carefully. I think there are still plenty of quality watches to enjoy they don't have the second hand value to warrant the theft. Christopher ward, seiko, Hamilton, Oris, or micro brands like zelos, Heimdallr and so on. There are loads, I'm just naming ones more on my radar currently I guess.
Glad you and your wife got through your ordeal largely unscathed.

[Tetlee]

....
Therefore I am currently wearing the Omega Constellation and the early signs are good as I am enjoying wearing it. I think I will get it in for a good service and treat it as the Spanish watch.

That was going to be my suggestion of the options you offered, sounds like you've already made the right choice imo.

[boring_sandwich]

I would consider a Rubber B strap on your Explorer which will keep it more under the radar.

SwimSkin Alligator maybe?

[j111dja]

The simple solution is not to wear a Rolex in Spain or on holiday in general. Wear a good holiday watch like a Seiko.

I was in Italy a few years ago. Yes, it was Naples. There was a team of scooter riders communicating with each other. One was down at the dock watching guys leaving the cruise ship and noting what watches were being worn. Two of the scooter team were up the hill on the main walking route in to the city. Yes, one guy had his 18ct Day date whipped off his wrist. Another passenger had his 1680 Sub stolen. Both were robbed within minutes of each other.

I was in Corfu last year with my wife. Two English guys stayed near our apartment and we all socialised in the local taverna every late evening. They were pissed every single night. One had a Rolex Sub Date. The other had a Tag Monaco. (Yes we did talk watches some evenings). A blind man could have taken the watches off their wrists fairly easily. The only thing that was stolen was my white stick.

[verv]

Save the Rolex for when you're in long sleeves.

JLC is recognisable, explorer and exp2 recognisable also.
As someone said earlier watch thieves aren't stupid.

Short sleeves in European big towns or cities = Seiko, Timex, anything not worth nicking.

Of all your options, the constellation would be best as not as recognisable.

[ben4watches]

Get a few of these made up, should do the job

[Dave+63]

Is there a Rolex that you wouldn’t recognise if you saw someone wearing it?

If so, buy one of those, otherwise wear a Seiko.

[Kitsan]

This reminds me of a video I was watching a few days, ago.

A lot of people have a holiday watch that they don't need to worry about.

Found it!

[xxnick1975]

Was just going to suggest a Smith's, Everest or Commando etc

Like a Rolex Explorer, but better!

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[Montello]

Was just going to suggest a Smith's, Everest or Commando etc

Like a Rolex Explorer, but better!

Sent from my M2101K7BNY using Tapatalk

A Rolex homage seems the worst of both worlds, you carry the risk of being mugged for a Rolex without the pleasure of wearing one …

If you don’t want the risk choose something that is not obviously a Rolex or similar.

[IAmATeaf]

I think you might be worrying over nothing, have a read of this thread for some genuine down to earth advice that should quell your worries.

Rolex safety.
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

[RobDad]

Sadly, now watches are so valuable/expensive and thanks to all the social media exposure of late, most thieves I suspect can spot a Rolex from a distance - I know I can (but I’m a good guy’!). You might be ok with a Tudor on a Nato strap or similar, at least they are more readily replaceable and don’t have the same cachet. I do think it’s a shame that once relatively ordinary, affordable and plentiful watches like the 16610 are now ‘halo pieces’ that you have to be careful with and are now attracting criminal interest as they must be so easy to steal, hide and move on for a decent amount of cash - much easier than stealing and disposing of a car of similar value for instance. When we lived in West London my wife asked me to return a Submariner I’d bought her as a gift as she didn’t want to be the target of a mugger - this would have been around 2000 so even back then, as a small, slight woman she didn’t want to get mugged just for a watch. She still wears the Tag Aquaracer I bought her for £300 and loves it!


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[Idontgram]

Firstly Mick, my condolences about what I’m sure was a very frightening experience.

On the subject of the question posed, if you don’t want to be targeted because of your watch, don’t wear a watch that makes you a target. All this chat about sleeves is nonsense. Having to wear a watch which you cover up and are afraid to look at in public is no way to live. Equally, there are no less recognisable rolex, regardless of strap or bracelet.

Sounds like you’ve made the right decision with the omega.

[gcleminson]

All this chat about sleeves is nonsense. Having to wear a watch which you cover up and are afraid to look at in public is no way to live. Equally, there are no less recognisable rolex, regardless of strap or bracelet.

A neat feature of sleeves is that they can be rolled up by the used when required. I'd call it being aware of and responsive to your environment.

[verv]

All this chat about sleeves is nonsense. Having to wear a watch which you cover up and are afraid to look at in public is no way to live. Equally, there are no less recognisable rolex, regardless of strap or bracelet.

Not so sure about that. I wear long sleeves all the time as I dont like short sleeves. Still wear watches quite happily!

[Idontgram]

A neat feature of sleeves is that they can be rolled up by the used when required. I'd call it being aware of and responsive to your environment.

Fair enough, I respect your point of view. I grew up in South America and learnt very early on that the only way of not getting robbed is not to have anything worth robbing. I remember news headlines of people being shot dead for their trainers. When I go back, I don’t take any designer clothes, mechanical watches etc. My version of being responsive to my environment is either not wear the thing that highlights me as a target or not go places with it which would put me at risk.

If I had to stop and roll down my sleeves when I went outside, holding on to the cuff with my fingertips for fear of my watch being spotted by potential muggers, and then breathe a sigh or relief and roll my sleeves back up when I’m in the safety of my home, I’d conclude it wasn’t worth the stress, I recognise others may feel differently.

Not so sure about that. I wear long sleeves all the time as I dont like short sleeves. Still wear watches quite happily!

Sun’s out, guns out! It’s sleeveless vest or broke for me!

[mikeveal]

I would not wear anything likely to make me a target for mugging anywhere that I don't know, let alone somewhere muggers are known to operate (e.g. Barcalona.)
Value of the item aside, it is simply not worth the risk to my health. You never have any idea how violent these people are prepared to be. As much as I know that fighting back isn't sensible, I also know myself well enough to know that the red mist would descend and I'd take a swing regardless of how outmatched I was.

It's simply not worth it. I don't have any watches worth more than a couple of grand, but for holidays I always pick something worth less than a couple of hundred. I've plenty of good, fun watches in that price range to choose from.

There's really no hardship or shame in not painting a target on your back.

[gcleminson]

Fair enough, I respect your point of view. I grew up in South America and learnt very early on that the only way of not getting robbed is not to have anything worth robbing. I remember news headlines of people being shot dead for their trainers. When I go back, I don’t take any designer clothes, mechanical watches etc. My version of being responsive to my environment is either not wear the thing that highlights me as a target or not go places with it which would put me at risk.

If I had to stop and roll down my sleeves when I went outside, holding on to the cuff with my fingertips for fear of my watch being spotted by potential muggers, and then breathe a sigh or relief and roll my sleeves back up when I’m in the safety of my home, I’d conclude it wasn’t worth the stress, I recognise others may feel differently.

I was being flippant of course, and your experience does sound on the more extreme end of the spectrum where I’d have to agree with everything you’ve said, but in most normal holiday / travel scenarios a little bit of healthy caution is no bad thing, without the need for outright paranoia. Even in London these days I won’t have my watch out on view when walking, on the tube etc - it’s not a question of being terrified, it’s just common sense based on the level of risk. If I were going somewhere much more dangerous (or impoverished, where wearing a luxury watch might be seen to be in poor taste) I would of course wear something more modest.

[johny]

Fair enough, I respect your point of view. I grew up in South America and learnt very early on that the only way of not getting robbed is not to have anything worth robbing. I remember news headlines of people being shot dead for their trainers. When I go back, I don’t take any designer clothes, mechanical watches etc. My version of being responsive to my environment is either not wear the thing that highlights me as a target or not go places with it which would put me at risk.

If I had to stop and roll down my sleeves when I went outside, holding on to the cuff with my fingertips for fear of my watch being spotted by potential muggers, and then breathe a sigh or relief and roll my sleeves back up when I’m in the safety of my home, I’d conclude it wasn’t worth the stress, I recognise others may feel differently.



Sun’s out, guns out! It’s sleeveless vest or broke for me!

I almost had to take my jumper off for an hour last week it was so hot. lol

[Halitosis]

…there are no less recognisable rolex, regardless of strap or bracelet.

Au contrair Rodders - the Cellini appears to tick all the boxes, and is no doubt hard to fence

[M1011]

This brings a whole new meaning to holiday watch.

After close to two decades residing in the topic country, I'd have no issues wearing an expensive watch in Spain.

It is society as a whole and would say an old mobility restricted couple make an easy target. But OP, if they're going to rob you, they'll rob you wearing a G-Shock, so don't think it is the brand specifically - it is the target.

Both combined, surely. The lady would hardly have being fondling Mick's wrist trying to slip off a Casio.

[MacDeath]

Both combined, surely. The lady would hardly have being fondling Mick's wrist trying to slip off a Casio.

They're not master criminals and will steal literally anything, so yes, if the kids need feeding, they'll rob a load of old crap.

It sure wasn't random, but I wouldn't say the OP was targeted because he was wearing a certain watch, other than last minute and their success on that occasion would have been a bumper day. Many are relieved of various cheap items, which also helps them to stay in a particular area, as many don't report the theft.

[theancientmariner]

All this chat about sleeves is nonsense. Having to wear a watch which you cover up and are afraid to look at in public is no way to live.

You're taking one extreme to another. I wear sleeves most of the time, including in hot weather. There are so many shirts available that are made from very light fabrics that are very easy to wear in warmer climes. If I choose to wear a nice watch then I'm doing it because I want to wear a nice watch, not because I want other people to see it. I'll have no problem checking out the time on occasion and it will be so discrete that no one will have a clue what I'm wearing. Those who wear a high end Rolex or similar with a t-shirt are either naive or simply want everyone else to know what they're wearing. For people that have grown up in a. rough neighbourhood they'll know exactly what I mean by that. For others, they'll spend the rest of their lives wondering why it's such a shame that they can't walk down every street with their Rolex on show. Nothing has changed, it's always been this way. To paraphrase Kevin Costner in the tv series Yellowstone, the one constant in life: If you own something worth having, someone’s gonna try and take it.

[usedtobelurch]

I’d be selling some of the collection and holidaying in a more up-market location…


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[Kitsan]

I’d be selling some of the collection and holidaying in a more up-market location…


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Unfortunately, thieves are everywhere. I think the only places that you're genuinely unlucky to get targetted are countries like the UAE...etc

[Planet Ocean]

I was in Greece earlier this year and being conscious of the thread topic, I decided to take my Seiko with me instead of my usual Omega SM300 thinking that it would be less noticeable as a potential theft opportunity.

However, I am sat in a lovely taverna enjoying a drink with the wife when one of the clientele says to me "nice Willard" or words to that effect, which took me a little by surprised as I was expecting my watch to go unnoticed.

We had a quick chat, he was wearing an Oris Diver 65 two tone (bronze & SS) and he went back over to his table, obviously a watch guy but still, its seems even your Seiko gets noticed these days.

[Idontgram]

I was in Greece earlier this year and being conscious of the thread topic, I decided to take my Seiko with me instead of my usual Omega SM300 thinking that it would be less noticeable as a potential theft opportunity.

However, I am sat in a lovely taverna enjoying a drink with the wife when one of the clientele says to me "nice Willard" or words to that effect, which took me a little by surprised as I was expecting my watch to go unnoticed.

We had a quick chat, he was wearing an Oris Diver 65 two tone (bronze & SS) and he went back over to his table, obviously a watch guy but still, its seems even your Seiko gets noticed these days.

I think that’s different. One thing is a watch enthusiast recognising your watch, the other is your watch making you a target for crime. Sure, someone might still mug you for a £750 watch (they might mug you for £100 Nikes) but a £7500 Rolex is more likely to attract attention.

[forpetesake]

Surely the flaunting of trinkets can't be cool however its viewed. Maybe watches are just a personal pleasure.

[Mick P]

I was in Greece earlier this year and being conscious of the thread topic, I decided to take my Seiko with me instead of my usual Omega SM300 thinking that it would be less noticeable as a potential theft opportunity.

However, I am sat in a lovely taverna enjoying a drink with the wife when one of the clientele says to me "nice Willard" or words to that effect, which took me a little by surprised as I was expecting my watch to go unnoticed.

We had a quick chat, he was wearing an Oris Diver 65 two tone (bronze & SS) and he went back over to his table, obviously a watch guy but still, its seems even your Seiko gets noticed these days.

[Scepticalist]

As mentioned, The idea that watch thieves can be duped with a lesser model is false. However imo all you have to do is move far enough down the ladder that the gain isn't worth it to them and relatively speaking someone else is a better target.

I'd be surprised if too many dress watches or even Seamasters are targeted in muggings even though they're worth a tidy sum - less sellable and/or for less money. Look at the Lost and Found thread - outside house burglaries, virtually every theft is of Rolex or extreme value items.

[Mick P]

After wearing the Omega Constellation for 24 hours I have decided that I like it and the only downside is that it loses 35secs in a 24 hour period.

This is a Youtube of the same model. I think it looks dead normal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX4Aa7PVNjE

I will get it in for a service today and keep that as my daily beater when wearing short sleeves in dodgy Spain. Surprisingly, the town where the attempted theft happened is regarded as a very low crime rate area.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your comments and views.

[prexelor]

A few years ago I was on holiday in Canada and after I got off the tour bus, someone commented on my Explorer I. I was really surprised as I considered it to be low key.