How to Foil Watch Thieves

[Generation]

How does one prevent a watch thief from stealing an expensive watch? A new thread on the forums about a member getting mugged motivated me to make this thread, which I had been considering for the past couple days after getting my first Rolex. One solution I have is to wear a wristband (those cotton articles tennis players wear on the court) over the watch. They are easy to keep in a pocket, so they can always be at the ready. Of course, one doesn't always need to wear the wristband out in public -- only when going to places he or she feels there's an elevated risk of a robbery. For example, I attended a large, urban university where robberies happen about once a week. This is why I bought a Tudor instead of a Rolex earlier this year.

Do you think this is an ideal solution? If not, what do you recommend for preventing someone from stealing your watch?

Please don't post with the suggestion that one carry a weapon -- I want to keep this thread open!

[whattimeyougot]

Common sense and insurance. Give up your timepiece if the situation calls for it.

A wrist band is useless most of the time as thieves have already cased you at a bar or some other place you likely were wearing your watch as intended. You wouldn’t wear that wrist band in a bar would you? It would only protect you from thieves that happen to walk past you on the street and decide spur of the moment to jump you.


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[CKizzy]

The best defense is a good offense...be aware of your surroundings and take an appropriate course of action in advance of trouble!

[911991]

I don't believe there is a high risk of someone robbing you just to steal your watch. Usually someone is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and cash is still more desirable than jewelry, its not easy to pawn or sell a Rolex on the street as there are so many fakes, why would I believe you only want $500 for a real rolex worth thousands. You just bought a new watch and your first Rolex so you are more sensitive to something happening to it. Like buying a new car seems like everyone is trying to harm it, pseudo effect. My recommendation is if you feel you are walking in to an unsafe environment just casually take the watch off and put it in your pocket for safe keeping, enjoy your watch "own it, dont let it own you"...

[THC]

Ibtl

[Europrojektzjimmy]

I have thought about this too. I just know my surroundings and try and be low key with it.

[Generation]

Originally Posted by THC

Ibtl

I hope not! I think this is a relevant topic people would find helpful.

[fsprow]

It’s generally a good idea not to take your watch or other belongings places you really shouldn’t go yourself. I have found on subways, trains etc. where people are in close proximity (pre Covid), that I usually wear a long sleeve shirt, covering the watch.

And my wallet in a front pocket.

[EtherBrown]

Jewelers Mutual. A watch for staying alive is the only time you won’t take a bath on a trade.

But I also have a BB58 and Reverso for when I’m gonna be in social situations that require discretion about my discretionary income.


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[Xenon]

Send in the Clowns

[Thug]

If we’re being honest, normal people don’t wear wristbands out and about so if anything it calls for attention to the wrist.

OP of that thread that got mugged wears his phone on his belt lol

[htrap2294]

Originally Posted by Thug

If we’re being honest, normal people don’t wear wristbands out and about so if anything it calls for attention to the wrist.

OP of that thread that got mugged wears his phone on his belt lol

Exactly my thinking too. If anything, it makes one question why you're wearing that wrist band.

[huncho]

[Burlington]

It does hide the watch well, but how do you tell the time when you need to ?

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by Generation

I hope not! I think this is a relevant topic people would find helpful.

It’s not unfortunately. Insurance and intelligence is all one needs. Tennis wrist band with huge bulge is not going to help. Robbers know what you got on well before you feel the need to cover it up.

If your unsafe, keep it home. If you get into a situation, give it up without a fight. Have insurance and move on.

[Generation]

Thank you to everyone for sharing your input on this matter.

A note to the moderators: I just re-read the rules for TRF and see controversial topics including certain subjects are not allowed. I did my best to stymie posts relating to weapons, but I understand this thread may be in a gray area. If you deem it necessary to lock this thread, that is fine with me. I just hope I don't get infraction points, as I posted this thread with innocence and good intentions.

[dukie748]

Common sense and buying insurance is better than losing your watch and facing medical bills.

[Generation]

I am going to look into getting insurance for my watches. My AD recommended getting a rider on my insurance, but I've also heard many recommendations for Jewelers Mutual.

[Napoleon]

How many threads on this forum talking about how no one notices their Rolex. . . So why are so many scared to wear it?

Unless I’m in the worst parts of a third world city my Rolex is on my wrist and I’m not worrying a bit. Even then it’s most likely just under a shirtsleeve.

[dukie748]

Originally Posted by Generation

I am going to look into getting insurance for my watches. My AD recommended getting a rider on my insurance, but I've also heard many recommendations for Jewelers Mutual.

Jewelers Mutual every time.

[42itus]

Originally Posted by Napoleon

How many threads on this forum talking about how no one notices their Rolex. . . So why are so many scared to wear it?

Unless I’m in the worst parts of a third world city my Rolex is on my wrist and I’m not worrying a bit. Even then it’s most likely just under a shirtsleeve.

My usual reply to the "Does anyone notice" threads is that in my opinion only two types of people notice your watch. Obviously people that are into watches and the other group is people that are interested in your money (sales people, potential thieves, gold diggers, etc.)

[Generation]

Well, I guess my idea for foiling watch thieves wasn't that great after all.

They say to beat a criminal, one needs to think like a criminal. Still, if I were a criminal and saw someone in the summer months (as this idea mostly pertains to the summer, since a shirt cuff will do the rest of the year) wearing a wristband my first assumption wouldn't be, "There's gotta be a Rolex hidden under there!" I would probably think, This person was just out playing some racket sport. It seems like a risky gamble to rob someone just for wearing a wristband, but what do I know. Perhaps the solution to my quandary is my original one: wear the BB58 in the summer and the DJ36 the rest of the time.

I understand my situation isn't the same as everyone else's. C'est la vie.

But thanks again to you all for sharing your input. I don't have as much experience as the rest of you when it comes to wearing fine timepieces.

[JonnyBCisco]

I don’t get the logic of “wear Tudor BB58 to deter thieves” idea.

[Generation]

Originally Posted by JonnyBCisco

I don’t get the logic of “wear Tudor BB58 to deter thieves” idea.

You're right; it's not perfect, but I thought it was less conspicuous than my shiny Datejust with all the telltale signs of a Rolex. The other reason for wearing the BB58 in the summer is it's a more sporty watch. Also, the bezel is helpful for grill times, etc.

[EtherBrown]

Originally Posted by JonnyBCisco

I don’t get the logic of “wear Tudor BB58 to deter thieves” idea.

That’s not what I said.

Edit: my bad. Saw what you were referring to.

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[Generation]

What do you say after getting bulldozed on TRF?

To Americans: Happy Fourth of July!

To everyone else: Happy weekend!

Let's all go back to sharing this passion for Rolex again!

[Andad]

I think wearing a wristband without a watch under it would be an even safer option?

[hnn17]

Don't put your watch in your pocket for too long when walking, the clasp will make 2 parallel marks on the case back really bad, happened to my exp2 polar.

[RJM25R]

If any of this fear or worry enters your head, just sell your nice watches and buy a Casio or fashion watch.

It’s best not to feed this fragility of mind that will become anxiety, and spend the money on something you won’t worry about.

Probably best to sell anything nice you’ve got ( be careful selling though!) and lock all your doors and stay inside.

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by Generation

How does one prevent a watch thief from stealing an expensive watch? A new thread on the forums about a member getting mugged motivated me to make this thread, which I had been considering for the past couple days after getting my first Rolex. One solution I have is to wear a wristband (those cotton articles tennis players wear on the court) over the watch. They are easy to keep in a pocket, so they can always be at the ready. Of course, one doesn't always need to wear the wristband out in public -- only when going to places he or she feels there's an elevated risk of a robbery. For example, I attended a large, urban university where robberies happen about once a week. This is why I bought a Tudor instead of a Rolex earlier this year.

Do you think this is an ideal solution? If not, what do you recommend for preventing someone from stealing your watch?

Please don't post with the suggestion that one carry a weapon -- I want to keep this thread open!

Perfect solution for walking in some area's.