Reply With QuoteI wouldn't worry about it. I regularly wear my fancy watches in Thailand and only once had one stolen (from a hotel safe).
Mugging is unlikely.
I'm generally cautious about where I wear expensive watches. For example, I wouldn't wear my SD4C in London.
However, I'm wondering if, given an expectation that it would more than likely be a fake in Thailand, would I be justified in feeling less self-conscious about it there?
I'd love to be able to fully enjoy it for the few weeks I'm there, but is there a need for caution? Should I just play it safe?
I should add that I'm going with my wife, which automatically reduces the risk compared to what a single man might get up to.
Last edited by Tony; 19th November 2023 at 16:20.
I wouldn't worry about it. I regularly wear my fancy watches in Thailand and only once had one stolen (from a hotel safe).
Mugging is unlikely.
As Ryan says don't worry about it. Never had an issue or worried about wearing mine anywhere there. Take it and enjoy it,Originally Posted by ryanb741
Mine is quite partial to Khao Lak
I’d just give Thailand a miss?
Sure, he could holiday in the East Neuk instead.
To the OP, if you're going to be concerned wearing the SD, just wear a beater. I still wear my Rolex on holiday, but I feel relatively safe in France, Sardinia, Malta, etc. However, I do now swap them for a Seiko when swimming in the sea (since reading those springbar threads).
From my experience, which was getting robbed in Cambodia, I would say take a cheaper watch and buy a knock off when you're there.
So he looks like he's wearing a Rolex? How does that even help? Totally stupid idea.
I'm surprised to hear you've had an issue in Cambodia. I'm what circumstances?
I feel like a child that has been told off.
Loads of people buy knock off's while over there, whether it be watches, clothes etc.
If he did get the fake stolen it wouldn't be a big deal.
I guess the point is - not all muggings are benign.
2003 two of us landed in Siounoukville from Thailand.
Our room in the hotel was robbed while we were sleeping.
The stole a camcorder and a mobile phone from memory.
When we went to the local police station to report it there was a couple of tourists that had been robbed by moped riders.
If there are so many fakes around (which I acknowledged in the original post) I can't see why someone would go to the effort of mugging you anyway.
It may not be a mugging necessarily.
People may look at what you're wearing for example and it could be an inside job in the hotel or apartment you are staying in.
Nasty.
I've certainly been robbed in the street by moped riders myself in Thailand, but I was behaving in a way that made me a target.
Last edited by Tony; 19th November 2023 at 20:49.
Have you thought this through? Why attract attention with a fake in the first place, never mind support an industry that profits from human misery and helps fund people trafficking and terrorism? As I said, stupid idea.
Maybe they can spot a fake.
Looking back on the incident and discussing it with my mate at the time, we definitely thought it was an inside job.
We both had small backpacks and my camcorder was hanging loose on the outside and there were three or four lads from memory hanging around.
At the time We never paid much attention but in hindsight and the fact there had been a few incidents around the resort, it made sense.
Yes, it happens.
We make a target for ourselves and think we are invincible.
We just don't realise how vulnerable we are.
more details please.
Depends what you are doing.
High Quality fakes everywhere it seems,dont just dont.
I'm coming to my senses, bare with me.
When you go to certain countries, particularly in the far east you take on the culture or at lest try to.
Having fake goods is a big part of the economy and they are everywhere.
You go out, have a few beers and get involved in it all.
It's easy to do whatever the items whether it's a fake Rolex or a football shirt.
I'ts just part of the culture.
Buy a cheap beater to wear while you are away and keep your good stuff at home if you are worried.
I bought a gshock to take on holiday recently mainly because I didn’t want to risk my good watches getting damaged rather than worry about theft. I knew I was going to be jumping in and out of pools all week so didn’t want to risk bashing one.
Classic scenario. Going home blind drink in the early hours and next thing I know I have no wallet.
Couple of ladyboys on a moped, probably tipped off by bar girls.
Last edited by Tony; 19th November 2023 at 21:48.
I've always worn my 16710 in Thailand without a second of worry, however last time I was there this summer, I didnt see a single person wearing a nice watch, most not wearing any watch at all.. felt kinda stupid walking around with a Rolex. I bought a Tissot PRX quartz which is terrific value for money and will be my travel watch from now on...
The satisfaction (of duping them) would keep you going through the many months of hospital recuperation...
On a side note, take some time off - you're being even more of a knob than usual.
I've just come back from Thailand.
I was worried about taking a fancy watch, in the end I took my Seiko Marinemaster and had no problems.
Tbh I think it is very safe but I always feel it is better to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself when in unfamiliar surroundings.
And for what it's worth I hope the person suggesting to give Thailand a miss gets to one day visit, it's genuinely an amazing place.
Had the pleasure of swimming here with the Marinemaster which happened to be the first time I've taken it in the sea!
Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk
Do you buy yourself a gun when you go to the US?
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
I’m in Calif. not seen one gun. Now Texas is a different matter. Don’t see many people wear expensive watches here (well the younger people anyway). I’m wearing my 7234G with impunity as no-one recognises it.
Heading into LA before flying home so will just be sensible wearing the Patek
Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 20th November 2023 at 04:24.
“ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG
You love it, babe. And, of course, it's only your opinion, which means jack to anyone except yourself
Do you mean real or fake.
Im currently in Thailand, been here 6 weeks, got 2 more weeks left...back home for Christmas and the new year, then back in January for another 3 months.
This trip, Ive taken 3 watches, A Tissot PRX (as said fantastic value!) a Longines Legend Diver and a Rado Captain Cook.
Maybe Ive been lucky, Ive never had any trouble in almost 40 years of travelling in Thailand. The means streets of Cardiff, or anywhere else in the UK are a different matter! I honestly feel a lot safer in Thailand.
Do you work in Thailand?
No.
I retired from work in the U.K. 3 years ago at age 60.
When I'm in Suriname with my family it feels so relaxed not having to worry about expensive stuff (don't buy much these days anyway) and walk around in brandless T-shirts, shorts and flipflops. I'd be to ashamed anyway.
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
You don't see them, they are all concealed carries.
Cheers,
Neil.
Enjoy your time in Thailand with a cheap G-Shock or whatever is your cheap watch.
Everyday that passes will have you looking forward to getting back home to your SD.
Leave the worry an expensive watch gives you far behind in the UK....not worth the worry for the feeling a watch gives you imo.
Nice! Enjoy a nice cold Singha for me
Makes sense to go to Thailand when the weather is bad here. Do you have a place out there or get a long stay rental each time?
I have use of a small 2 bed roomed house near Pattaya. So I use that…was married to a Thai, but got divorced about 15 years ago. The ex is now re married and living in England… so I use the house for the British winters!Nice! Enjoy a nice cold Singha for me
Makes sense to go to Thailand when the weather is bad here. Do you have a place out there or get a long stay rental each time?
😂😂😂
Just to update.
I had a blissful incident-free three weeks with my SD.
Only spotted one other bloke with a Rolex, a DSSD, and I assumed it was a fake so hopefully everyone did the same with me.
Only annoyance was the prickly heat from the bracelet. I think rubber's probably a better option for me.
I understand the opinion that you should leave your nice stuff at home and wear something worry-free and cheap, but that's what I do half my life because of work. It was the longest stretch I've ever had with my SD since I bought it new, and now I'm back at work I won't see it again for a month.
Great to hear - love Thailand and personally never had an issue there either
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Where did you visit.
Three nights in Bangkok.
Bus/ferry down to Koh Chang. 5 nights.
2 nights Koh Mak.
2 nights Koh Khood.
Back to Koh Chang for 5 nights.
Taxi back to Bangkok for 2 nights.
I note the OP splits his time between Teeside and Angola so do you wear a Rolex whilst either in or transiting through Luanda? I lived there for several years, wearing my Explorer II every day. I have also worn my Milgauss and SD whilst in Thailand and really wouldn't give it a second thought. I am much more careful when in Middlesbrough!! Enjoy your holiday.
Just back from Bangkok, finalising divorce proceedings with my Thai wife. I wore my Vacheron Constantin Overseas DT everyday and night. Never once felt threatened or afraid. Mind you I didn't go to any of the 'naughty' nightspots so can't comment there.
The ex did give back my Rolex GMT that I gave to her back in 2019, which was nice of her. It was in pristine condition. I wore the GMT for the last few days I was in BKK, again no problems at all.
Sent from my SM-S911B using Tapatalk
Blimey that seems beyond damn decent of your soon to be ex, sure she´s not a keeper?
I dont think she actually liked the watch that much to be honest seeing that its in almost pristine condition. She probably didn't wear it very often. We also separated on pretty good terms.
Sent from my SM-S911B using Tapatalk
Well I guess that's the main thing.
Did you marry here or in Thailand.
Corrosion always a risk.
Married in Thailand. Decided to do the divorce proceedings there as its much easier as long as both individuals have agreed on the terms of divorce. From beginning to end took a just over an hour. No lawyers or judges involved. Just me, her and couple of witnesses. Didn't even have to make an appointment, just walk in.
Posting Permissions
