Wearing Rolex in London?

[m j b]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I don’t wear mine out of the house.

I never leave the house.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by m j b

I never leave the house.

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[TK-710]

I never understand these posts. Taking a watch on vacation is a want not a need. In fact now that just about everyone has a cell phone no one really needs to wear a watch ever. Those who do, do it primarily for the enjoyment. If you believe wearing a watch, or more specifically an expensive watch, will in anyway cause you stress, harm or lessen your enjoyment while on vacation simply don’t wear it. It will be waiting when you get home.

[R.bartlett]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Let me say firstly I’ve had many lovely holidays in the Canaries and will be going again shortly. I truly can’t remember where I was in Tenerife. It was a centre with amazing fountains and a Rolex shop as well. The woman beckoned us into the shop and pointed at whoever was following us. She’d watched them apparently. I believe they may have been English. Point is these things can happen anywhere. I meant no offence.

that's on the area called the golden mile.


given the fact they may have been English means it's even more likely there was an over reaction or mistake. There are no English gangs roaming around. There are a few Romany gipsy's pickpocketers operating but mainly in winter, they tend to prefer mainland in Barcelona or Madrid during summer. we have Moroccan gangs who can be a bit troublesome and violent towards tourists especially white women

but English. no that's just not the case. honestly I'd say if so. the Brits come to drink, drug and occasionally fight but robbing tourists isn't part of their holiday plans and the British living here know what the police are like here so operating in such a high profile area you mention is just not going to happen

no offence taken.

[Boothroyd]

Be particularly careful in Soho (especially in the rain), Mayfair, near Trader Vic's or a restaurant called Lee Ho Fooks. Hear that can be nasty.

[Boothroyd]

Duplicate.

[Madman37]

Originally Posted by R.bartlett

I was born in Brixton and spent a lot of my working life all over London so I feel free and able to comment. London is (in the main ) a shite hole. Sure there are nice spots but generally those who live in the nice areas are far out numbered (by a factor of 100x easily) by those who live in dog rough area's. And by dog rough I mean downright dangerous. Robberies have gone up 16% in the last year and little or nothing is being done to stop it.

https://crimerate.co.uk/london/city-of-london

"The overall crime rate in City of London in 2021 was 665 crimes per 1,000 people."

Doesn't make for good reading tbf..

Name one street you'd happily walk around at night with a in short sleeves sporting a gold Rolex on in London? (I mean London not the suburbs)
Handy hint: there isn't one!

As an aside, your Tenerife story doesn't particularly ring true..

a woman working in a store, spots 'a gang' following you (how did she know they was following you btw?) in a 'town centre' leaves her shop to grab you and called a cab?.. hardly plausible anywhere in the world let alone some fictitious 'Town centre in Tenerife' but who knows?? IMHO

Tenerife is an island of nearly 1m people but 99% of Tenerife is absolutely safe. Watch theft is almost unheard of. I've only ever heard of one person who was robbed of their Rolex. He was absolutely blind drunk and out of his head on drugs and staggered across a park opposite 'Veronica's' pretty much the only dodgy spot in the South. Sadly he was jumped for his wallet and watch. Not that he actually remembered what had happened apparently..

Back on topic,
Best advice, simples> don't bring it. No one will be impressed and you won't get any girls wearing it either , apart from the Rolex rippers

Don’t wear your watch in Tenerife the people there will grope you while they are stealing your watch

https://www.canarianweekly.com/posts...-far-this-year

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by JoeJoeBobo

I never wear mine, I buy them and take them directly to the bank. Where I then secure them in a safe deposit box until I am then ready to either sell them during a high or low market. Those I don’t sell are to be removed upon my death by brinks security and destroyed so my next of kin won’t be at risk wearing them in London or anywhere else!

Sounds like a plan!

[R.bartlett]

Originally Posted by Madman37

Don’t wear your watch in Tenerife the people there will grope you while they are stealing your watch

https://www.canarianweekly.com/posts...-far-this-year

The Spanish G.ment treated it's people extremely badly during the covid crisis leaving many many families completely destitute. Zero income because they were banned from working but no financial aid was available to most whilst they stayed locked down. My friend helps in a charity and they simply couldn't cope with the number of families seeking help and still some need assistance. Benefits here are means tested and time restricted.

It's not an excuse for crime of course but if people outside Spain realised how the G.ment lied to people telling them "help is on the way" then just ignored their pleas when it never came it's no surprise crime increased.

Then we had a steady influx of boat people from Africa who were set free not long after arriving to roam the islands without much support so many supplement their 'looky looky man' income by drug dealing and robberies.

We are not crime free but Spain on the whole has a much lower crime rate.

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/ranking...mid&region=150

UK comes in at no/8 Spain is 23 and as we are a small group of islands within Spain we are mid table within Spain so our actual ranking would be even lower.

I wear my watch everywhere at night but perhaps a couple of small areas of a few streets and the odd park. During the day I wouldn't hesitate to wear one even there if I had to (but tbf I never go there in any case ) .

Again not to say crime doesn't happen but after 55 years in UK and 6 here I know where I and my family are safe and the safest.

Enjoy the heatwave whilst it lasts . We're expecting ours to last till end of October

[AzPaul]

Originally Posted by Madman37

Don’t wear your watch in Tenerife the people there will grope you while they are stealing your watch

https://www.canarianweekly.com/posts...-far-this-year

If I don't wear a watch, will I still get groped?

Asking for a friend.

[Madman37]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

If I don't wear a watch, will I still get groped?

Asking for a friend.

No but you ll get given some drugs ama sun stroke at the same time.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

If I don't wear a watch, will I still get groped?

Asking for a friend.

Thanks Paul, let me know if anyone says “Yes” and where I need to go

[BNA/LION]

Buy Watch ☆ Wear Watch ☆ Enjoy Watch!

[R.bartlett]

those heading to London
https://youtu.be/JZIRNgfGeQM

[RRGHOST1]

Untill Rolex sort out the supply problem,and we get rid of these inflated prices, wearing a Rolex outside is a liability, the robbers know how much a Rolex is worth. That is why there have been so many watch robberies.

[youthagainsttt]

Last time I went back to London I wore my piaget polo 45- rubber/ titanium kind of a stealth look compared to the shiny steel of Rolex or other similar

[R.bartlett]

Originally Posted by RRGHOST1

Untill Rolex sort out the supply problem,and we get rid of these inflated prices, wearing a Rolex outside is a liability, the robbers know how much a Rolex is worth. That is why there have been so many watch robberies.

inflated prices are irrelevant. if a Rolex is 20k 10k or 5k list there's plenty of profit to sell it at retail if it's been ripped off someone's wrist..

[Black Bay Dan]

I have to go London once a week for work (Waterloo & then South Bank). All I will say is don't have your Rolex Watch on display when walking about. I always have mine up a shirt or jacket sleeve. One of the reasons I sold my Submariner 16610LV, was that I no longer felt comfortable being in London with a watch that are now being sold for north of twenty grand. You will be fine - just don't draw attention to the fact you are wearing an expensive watch.

[R.bartlett]

Originally Posted by Air King Dan

. You will be fine - just don't draw attention to the fact you are wearing an expensive watch.

a large % of Rolex owners heads have just exploded...!

[Peter99]

This argument will go on and on regarding the safety of Rolex and other valuable watches in London.
I would say a lot depends on who you are, what your job is, what you look like and where you go.
I am an oldie, wear casual smart, shoes not trainers/sneakers and go up to the tourist area of the West End, i.e. Piccadilly, Jermyn St and New Bond Street etc wearing either my Sub Black date or Exp 39 Mk2.
Go to shops and restaurants but am not seen in vulnerable places like the back streets of Soho but that's quite a tame area compared with what it was years ago or milling about in Night Club areas at 2.00am!
I wear the watch normally, not loosely by my palm and I do not mix or have friends with flash harry's, big mouths and goblimeys! People who seem to have the 'money' and likely to attract attention.

[bluetrain]

Some interesting pros and cons here. Sure I can take my g-shock with me and call it a day. but I feel kind of naked without my "real" watches. I hope you understand, it is a watch forum, after all... (;

I never dress "blingy" or behave in a way that draw unnescessay attention but, most of the time, not like a bum either. Maybe I take he watch with me and if I feel too unsafe I keep the watch locked up in the hotel.

Before I didnt care when going to new places but nowadays I guess I do and because I heard some negative stuff about London I just wanted more data before deciding what to do.

Still confused, but on a higher level. (:

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Peter99

This argument will go on and on regarding the safety of Rolex and other valuable watches in London.
I would say a lot depends on who you are, what your job is, what you look like and where you go.
I am an oldie, wear casual smart, shoes not trainers/sneakers and go up to the tourist area of the West End, i.e. Piccadilly, Jermyn St and New Bond Street etc wearing either my Sub Black date or Exp 39 Mk2.
Go to shops and restaurants but am not seen in vulnerable places like the back streets of Soho but that's quite a tame area compared with what it was years ago or milling about in Night Club areas at 2.00am!
I wear the watch normally, not loosely by my palm and I do not mix or have friends with flash harry's, big mouths and goblimeys! People who seem to have the 'money' and likely to attract attention.

I find Jermyn St to be a mans shopping paradise. I always go there whenever I go to London. Fabulous place.

[TheVTCGuy]

This info is dated, pr-covid, but the last time I was in London I walked (and walked and walked) all day and night in to several areas and neighborhoods. I was wearing short sleeves and my 42MM Explorer II. I never felt threatened or uncomfortable… (But boy you guys sure talk funny ).

[R.bartlett]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

This info is dated, pr-covid, but the last time I was in London I walked (and walked and walked) all day and night in to several areas and neighborhoods. I was wearing short sleeves and my 42MM Explorer II. I never felt threatened or uncomfortable… (But boy you guys sure talk funny ).

Just to update you:

https://news.met.police.uk/news/appe...-london-451160

Detectives investigating high value watch robberies in central London are appealing for the public’s help to identify those responsible.

Over recent weeks the number of knifepoint robberies where victims have been threatened to hand over their watches has increased, often by suspects on mopeds and e-bikes.

A targeted operation has been launched by officers in the area to tackle these robberies head on and prevent them from taking place.

In Central West BCU, which includes Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham, there were 42 watch robberies of this type between 26 April and 30 May. In the following four weeks (31 May to 27 June), 67 offences were recorded, an increase of more than 60 per cent.

Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, in charge of policing for Central West BCU, said: “We want people living in and visiting our city to enjoy the summer safely – no-one should have to go about their day in fear of thieves.

“Sadly across Westminster and neighbouring boroughs we are seeing a rise in these offences as criminals take advantage of the longer days and the busy streets.

“We know the impact these crimes have on each and every victim and that is why we have this week launched an operation focused on tackling this issue. Extra officers have been put in place in locations where these crimes are most common, including those from specialist units like our Operation Venice teams.

“This is a top priority for us and we have already made a number of arrests, but we need your help. As well as asking people to report these robberies as soon as they happen, we know lots of these offences are recorded on mobile phones or doorbells and we are keen to see this footage.

“Please, if you have anything that shows a street robbery taking place, get in touch with us. Anything that helps us build up a picture of individuals carrying out these crimes could be crucial to us finding them and putting a stop to their abhorrent behaviour.”

Recent offences include:

- Boltons Conservation Area, Chelsea, on Tuesday, 12 July:

At around 10:10hrs a couple were followed by a moped rider who threatened them with a machete. They were forced to hand over their Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches.

- Mallord Street, Kensington and Chelsea, on Monday, 4 July:

At around 21:54hrs, two people on a motorbike approached a woman and threatened her with a knife, forcing her to handover her watch and bracelet, before fleeing the scene.

- Oakley Street, Kensington and Chelsea, on Monday, 4 July:

Between 21:00 and 22:00hrs, two people on a motorbike knocked down a man, aged in his 50s. While he was on the ground one of them produced a knife and took his Rolex watch, believed to be worth around £20,000. His wedding ring was also stolen. He suffered no serious injuries.

Anyone who has footage or information about these cases – or any street robberies – should call 101 quoting Operation Furbish.

During the summer, London, like many other cities across the UK, will see increased footfall. Bigger crowds of people and more densely-packed streets create a more agile operating ground for street robbers.  

Alongside proactive operations, we have dedicated teams of officers and detectives focus on responding effectively to reports of robbery as they happen on a daily basis. They work to attend to calls quickly, search the area with victims and witnesses for suspects, secure CCTV and forensic evidence.

People should remain aware of their surroundings, look up and look out and where possible keep valuables out of sight. It is also vital that people call the police and report it at the time so we can catch those responsible quickly.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by R.bartlett

Just to update you:

https://news.met.police.uk/news/appe...-london-451160

Detectives investigating high value watch robberies in central London are appealing for the public’s help to identify those responsible.

Over recent weeks the number of knifepoint robberies where victims have been threatened to hand over their watches has increased, often by suspects on mopeds and e-bikes.

A targeted operation has been launched by officers in the area to tackle these robberies head on and prevent them from taking place.

In Central West BCU, which includes Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham, there were 42 watch robberies of this type between 26 April and 30 May. In the following four weeks (31 May to 27 June), 67 offences were recorded, an increase of more than 60 per cent.

Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, in charge of policing for Central West BCU, said: “We want people living in and visiting our city to enjoy the summer safely – no-one should have to go about their day in fear of thieves.

“Sadly across Westminster and neighbouring boroughs we are seeing a rise in these offences as criminals take advantage of the longer days and the busy streets.

“We know the impact these crimes have on each and every victim and that is why we have this week launched an operation focused on tackling this issue. Extra officers have been put in place in locations where these crimes are most common, including those from specialist units like our Operation Venice teams.

“This is a top priority for us and we have already made a number of arrests, but we need your help. As well as asking people to report these robberies as soon as they happen, we know lots of these offences are recorded on mobile phones or doorbells and we are keen to see this footage.

“Please, if you have anything that shows a street robbery taking place, get in touch with us. Anything that helps us build up a picture of individuals carrying out these crimes could be crucial to us finding them and putting a stop to their abhorrent behaviour.”

Recent offences include:

- Boltons Conservation Area, Chelsea, on Tuesday, 12 July:

At around 10:10hrs a couple were followed by a moped rider who threatened them with a machete. They were forced to hand over their Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches.

- Mallord Street, Kensington and Chelsea, on Monday, 4 July:

At around 21:54hrs, two people on a motorbike approached a woman and threatened her with a knife, forcing her to handover her watch and bracelet, before fleeing the scene.

- Oakley Street, Kensington and Chelsea, on Monday, 4 July:

Between 21:00 and 22:00hrs, two people on a motorbike knocked down a man, aged in his 50s. While he was on the ground one of them produced a knife and took his Rolex watch, believed to be worth around £20,000. His wedding ring was also stolen. He suffered no serious injuries.

Anyone who has footage or information about these cases – or any street robberies – should call 101 quoting Operation Furbish.

During the summer, London, like many other cities across the UK, will see increased footfall. Bigger crowds of people and more densely-packed streets create a more agile operating ground for street robbers.  

Alongside proactive operations, we have dedicated teams of officers and detectives focus on responding effectively to reports of robbery as they happen on a daily basis. They work to attend to calls quickly, search the area with victims and witnesses for suspects, secure CCTV and forensic evidence.

People should remain aware of their surroundings, look up and look out and where possible keep valuables out of sight. It is also vital that people call the police and report it at the time so we can catch those responsible quickly.

On these nights 9 million other people made it safely through the night.

[1675-David]

The first thing I do every time I return from London is to take of the Sekonda and strap on the Sub. I’ve never had any problems with this.

[Toproll85]

London is an overall safe big city.
I don't think the political forces, the police and the locals want tourists to be afraid to visit it. They must do their utmost to eradicate the theft phenomenon.

On the other hand, what must still be admitted, and which some seem to minimize ("patriots" apparently), is that the theft of luxury watches is on the rise (substantial and easy money, space-saving transport as well as disposal, etc.) is a reality.
Especially in recent years.
In Paris, for example, there is even a brigade specializing in this which must have been created since around 2019, it's a horror.
More or less than London, I don't know exactly, but it's close.

It's simple, if you have any doubts it's that there are no more doubts, leave your precious one at home and enjoy the stay without this ulterior motive...

[dba]

Originally Posted by R.bartlett

Name one street you'd happily walk around at night with a in short sleeves sporting a gold Rolex on in London? (I mean London not the suburbs)
Handy hint: there isn't one!

I'll name a few: Horseguards Rd, Whitehall, The Mall, Savile Road, Jermyn St, Piccadilly, near the Burlington Arcade, Parliament Square, St. James's Park. All of which I happily and safely traversed at night many times, with a Rolex on one wrist and my wife alongside.

[frav]

There are places you can go to with your Rolex and you know you are safe but most times theft like these happen in very unpredictable circumstances. No one’s fault but fate.

[Toproll85]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

On these nights 9 million other people made it safely through the night.

Nonsense here. The total number of inhabitants is irrelevant.

Out of 9 million, how many were wearing a luxury watch?

I googled, the median salary in London being £3400, I would be surprised if the percentage is so high.
So by logic, you would have to determine how many made it home safely who are among the potential targets...