Travelling with a two tone

[bobby81]

Originally Posted by reeko

I've read a few threads with people having no issues wearing their Rolex while traveling, but from what I can tell it's only with ss models. Is there anyone that travels outside of North America with tt watches, such as Europe? Or is this a no no?

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This has been brought up in a previous thread, concerning Barcelona. I am going to Barcelona later on this year en route to another part of Spain & was horrified by some of the experiences that people had, in that particular City. It seems it is a den of thieves & pickpockets, one man had his Rolex stolen straight off his wrist which is unbelievable, but why would someone say that if it didn't happen. As I said in the previous thread I will not allow this scum dictate to me what I should or shouldn't wear or carry. I will be extra careful of course. I think if you have your wits about you then you & your valuables should be safe

[SS Oyster]

What does this have to do with two-tone?


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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

What does this have to do with two-tone?

Is this one of those, even God can’t hit a 1-iron ... even God doesn’t like TT, so no one will bother robbing you as long as you wear TT references?


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[Jackumi]

Originally Posted by Uggi

Don't do it. Europe is basically a zombie apocalypse - people have turned to savages. We steal each other's organs for food and melt Rolex watches for weapons. Stay in peaceful North America where milk of human kindness still flows and crime is thing of the past.

Come on that is a bit over the top. No really I mean if they know you have a two tone Rolex in London you might get stabbed for it, if they know you got a two tone Rolex in Detroit you might get shot for it, but that is nothing to the utter indignity you have to suffer if they find out you have a two tone Rolex on this Forum, you get laughed at for it!

[gccmd]

All my watches are insured. Beyond that, I just exercise common sense while traveling.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by bobby81

This has been brought up in a previous thread, concerning Barcelona. I am going to Barcelona later on this year en route to another part of Spain & was horrified by some of the experiences that people had, in that particular City. It seems it is a den of thieves & pickpockets, one man had his Rolex stolen straight off his wrist which is unbelievable, but why would someone say that if it didn't happen. As I said in the previous thread I will not allow this scum dictate to me what I should or shouldn't wear or carry. I will be extra careful of course. I think if you have your wits about you then you & your valuables should be safe

The place that this happens in Barcelona is the “Ramblas” street. Its been notorious for pick-pockets for decades. Previously, this street was Barcelona’s porn street, littered with video porn shops etc (1990’s). Without stereotyping too much, the thieves have almost always been Spanish gypsies or eastern European. Situational awareness is key, protect your space, keep a safe distance from people (hard on really busy streets like Ramblas), if you feel crowded, change course, walk outside/around of large congregations of people, etc. I have spent a lot of time in Barcelona and, many other risky European cities like Bucarest, Budapest, Milan, etc, and situational awareness is key to not getting robbed. Also, its important to note that confrontational robberies are very very rare in these cities. I’d say +90% are the type that you know you’ve been robbed only afterwards. If you are wearing a nice watch, keep your hand in your pocket, put your wallet in that same pocket and, do not remove it while in heavily transited areas. Get used to putting the hand back in there when you see your space likely to be temporarily compromised (large group ahead or people emerging from left or right). It is true that it makes for an uncomfortable time, when we are supoosed to be carefree and, enjoying the sights. However, if you are not careful, your carefree day or even week will be wrecked, canceling cards, getting emergency cash, filing police reports and, dealing with anguish. I prefer to be proactive, invest the time and use awareness “before” you’re forced to spend a hell of a lot more time resolving the outcome

[tie219]

I think too many people are getting overly offended by the OP's honest question. I think it's perfectly reasonable to wonder if wearing an expensive luxury item to an area you're unfamiliar with is a safe thing to do.

To answer the question, just like here in the U.S., there are safe and unsafe places, just use common sense with regards to your surroundings.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by tie219

I think too many people are getting overly offended by the OP's honest question. I think it's perfectly reasonable to wonder if wearing an expensive luxury item to an area you're unfamiliar with is a safe thing to do.

To answer the question, just like here in the U.S., there are safe and unsafe places, just use common sense with regards to your surroundings.

Perfectly reasonable.

However the OP asked whether it was safe to travel outside North America then specified Europe. Europe comprises 50-odd countries and nearly 3 times the population of the USA. Nevertheless there probably isn’t a part of Europe that matches the worst parts of North America as far as personal safety is concerned. In any case asking if it’s safe to travel to Europe with a Rolex on is like asking what the weather is going to be like in Asia next week.

I will add I have no animosity to the OP, who has asked innocently and genuinely and whose subsequent posts have been reasonable. It’s just that these threads turn up all the time. I’m pretty sure there was one dude on here from Detroit who asked if Europe was safe. From Detroit!

[tie219]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Perfectly reasonable.
In any case asking if it’s safe to travel to Europe with a Rolex on is like asking what the weather is going to be like in Asia next week.

I will add I have no animosity to the OP, who has asked innocently and genuinely and whose subsequent posts have been reasonable. It’s just that these threads turn up all the time. I’m pretty sure there was one dude on here from Detroit who asked if Europe was safe. From Detroit!

A fair point, I imagine the OP isn't a seasoned traveler

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by inadeje

The place that this happens in Barcelona is the “Ramblas” street. Its been notorious for pick-pockets for decades.

If you've spent lots of time in Barcelona, i.e. lived there, you'd know it's not contained to this area at all. It can happen anywhere, from airport to beach to rooftop hotel bar.

My best advice for traveling in Spain from the U.S.? Hire a Spanish speaking person as a tour guide, have them move you around the city, and have them talk in Spanish or Catalan (if in Catalunya) to you in open public spaces. If you're bringing kids, this is a little more difficult. Nevertheless, nod and smile as you understand none of it. It'll throw the thieves off you and onto someone else, and if you're with someone who is Spanish, the thieves know you'll be able to get proper help to yourself faster than the tourist who is entirely alone and unprepared for being robbed and will sit in shock for 10 minutes searching Google for the local police number. And walk about 30% quicker than you're used to. Nothing is a quicker tell than watching you waddling along slowly within a fast moving city with your jesus sandals or New Balance walking shoes with calf-high socks, oversized Nike t-shirt or (cringe) NFL jersey talking perfect English/German as you're looking at a city map like a lost goat in a garage. Not being overweight helps, too. Sorry, but it's true, as offensive as that sounds. Try to avoid ticking as many of these boxes and you'll only be spotted by the sharpest/hungriest of thieves. The average citizen knows who the tourists are. The pro thieves are better than you're prepared for.

Personally, I'd buy a Casio (most common watch here), put the nice stuff in the bank safety deposit box, and not worry about the $8k, $20k, $50k piece of metal on my wrist during my holiday. I should become a personal travel security advisor.

[soundserious]

Buy a nice Seiko and enjoy your trip. There are terrific options in the sub $500 range and use it as an opportunity to explore those choices. I wouldn’t travel with a pricey watch these days, just because I’m a stranger in a strange land and don’t necessarily know the parts of town or the people to avoid.

[reeko]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Perfectly reasonable.

However the OP asked whether it was safe to travel outside North America then specified Europe. Europe comprises 50-odd countries and nearly 3 times the population of the USA. Nevertheless there probably isn’t a part of Europe that matches the worst parts of North America as far as personal safety is concerned. In any case asking if it’s safe to travel to Europe with a Rolex on is like asking what the weather is going to be like in Asia next week.

I will add I have no animosity to the OP, who has asked innocently and genuinely and whose subsequent posts have been reasonable. It’s just that these threads turn up all the time. I’m pretty sure there was one dude on here from Detroit who asked if Europe was safe. From Detroit!

I did mention Spain and Portugal afterwards, but I should have included it in my main post. I've looked at that thread, "rolex on the plane" and I noticed a lot of users posting only stainless steel models when traveling. I realize a lot of people like ss because according to them its more under the radar, whereas mine which is a two tone yellow gold model might attract unwanted attention.

Since it's my first time traveling to Europe with my wife and young kids, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being foolish by taking it if I'm going to be a big target.

I didn't mean to offend anyone by painting a wide brush of Europe. After reading all of the replies it's nice reading everyone's experiences, what they've learned and the do's and dont's.

In all fairness the person from Detroit might be concerned about Europe, because at least Detroit has Robocop and Europe doesn't

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[reeko]

Originally Posted by tie219

A fair point, I imagine the OP isn't a seasoned traveler

I'm definitely not, I'm a newbie to traveling. I've been to places in North America and central America, but that was before buying my first luxury watch. Thanks for your post ;)

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[RaceDoc11]

Excellent advice. I do the exact same not just abroad but everywhere I go.

Originally Posted by whattimeyougot

Have common sense and you should be fine. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk at night in pitch black areas. Don’t walk while on your phone at night. If a stranger asks if it’s real say no I could only dream of affording a new one. If long sleeves or coat on ensure watch is tucked under cuff.


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[Hibbyx]

Originally Posted by Albatross

I wear a two tone Datejust into Detroit on a weekly basis. Enough said. Don't be stupid and you'll be fine.

I've been to Flint MI and I did not feel safe in my car at times..................only driving through and took a wrong turn

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by reeko

In all fairness the person from Detroit might be concerned about Europe, because at least Detroit has Robocop and Europe doesn't

Myth: Europe cops are soft.

Truth: Europe cops leave you alone until you act a fool, and then you find out about European use of force. They don't bring one or two, you get 5 or 6 surrounding you. Why? They don't plan on using the gun.


Example: Spanish cops --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHVBBX9zrKg

[bobby81]

I myself will only be in Barcelona for a short period of time. I fly into Barcelona Airport then there will be a Shuttle bus there to take me to Santa Susanna in the Costa Brava. So I am not too worried about Barcelona it’s is the south of Spain I am more interested in the Hotel specifies that there are safes in the rooms. I wouldn’t imagine I would be straying far from the Hotel while I’m there. I would like to hear people’s experiences in these parts of Spain, because let’s face it all European Cities have there areas of dubious reputation


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[2nastie]

Just use common sense whatever metal or watch maybe.

I personally feel it kind of funny that people need ask this question. If you have doubts don’t wear it. The majority of the time you are fine as long as you are aware of your surroundings...

But to be honest... Don’t let watch dictate you, it’s okay to leave it home on a short vacation. It wouldn’t feel sad or neglected. Enjoy your trip, keep that as the focus for your holidays not the watch.

[LesserBlackDog]

I put my watches on NATO straps for travel. Sure, it’s a little gauche but it really renders them invisible as expensive watches.

Last time I was traveling someone asked if my DJ36 on NATO was able to count my steps

[dtwer]

Buy a fake TT Rolex and wear it when you travel, problem solved. This way you have a “Rolex” to travel with while significant minimizing your risk exposure.

Ok I am just being sarcastic. Don’t buy fake.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by bobby81

I myself will only be in Barcelona for a short period of time. I fly into Barcelona Airport then there will be a Shuttle bus there to take me to Santa Susanna in the Costa Brava. So I am not too worried about Barcelona it’s is the south of Spain I am more interested in the Hotel specifies that there are safes in the rooms. I wouldn’t imagine I would be straying far from the Hotel while I’m there. I would like to hear people’s experiences in these parts of Spain, because let’s face it all European Cities have there areas of dubious reputation


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I could never understand why people trust hotel safes. Someone here just in the last week or two mentioned how they got a very expensive watch stolen from a hotel safe. Just here on the forum. The hotel security knows how to get into every safe and it's the hotel security you need to worry about. The south of Spain is fine, just like the rest of Spain. Avoid the gypsies is all. No eye contact, no stopping for a chat. If they have plants or flowers in their hands and they come up to you, avoid avoid avoid like the plague.

[SS Oyster]

I’ll ask again - what does this have to do with the watch being TT?


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[huncho]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I’ll ask again - what does this have to do with the watch being TT?


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extra bling compared to SS...i'm assuming he doesn't have full PM so thats why this thread is about TT

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

If you've spent lots of time in Barcelona, i.e. lived there, you'd know it's not contained to this area at all. It can happen anywhere, from airport to beach to rooftop hotel bar.

My best advice for traveling in Spain from the U.S.? Hire a Spanish speaking person as a tour guide, have them move you around the city, and have them talk in Spanish or Catalan (if in Catalunya) to you in open public spaces. If you're bringing kids, this is a little more difficult. Nevertheless, nod and smile as you understand none of it. It'll throw the thieves off you and onto someone else, and if you're with someone who is Spanish, the thieves know you'll be able to get proper help to yourself faster than the tourist who is entirely alone and unprepared for being robbed and will sit in shock for 10 minutes searching Google for the local police number. And walk about 30% quicker than you're used to. Nothing is a quicker tell than watching you waddling along slowly within a fast moving city with your jesus sandals or New Balance walking shoes with calf-high socks, oversized Nike t-shirt or (cringe) NFL jersey talking perfect English/German as you're looking at a city map like a lost goat in a garage. Not being overweight helps, too. Sorry, but it's true, as offensive as that sounds. Try to avoid ticking as many of these boxes and you'll only be spotted by the sharpest/hungriest of thieves. The average citizen knows who the tourists are. The pro thieves are better than you're prepared for.

Personally, I'd buy a Casio (most common watch here), put the nice stuff in the bank safety deposit box, and not worry about the $8k, $20k, $50k piece of metal on my wrist during my holiday. I should become a personal travel security advisor.

OK - I have lived and worked in Spain for years. Our company has an office in this very city. I tried to offer some basic advice. My perception is completely different to yours, night and day actually. Therefore, I digress...

[Rags]

I only travel to Aruba outside of the US. Never had a problem there. Other times that I've traveled outside of the US I'll wear a Tag or a Squale.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by reeko

I've heard that some places like London and Spain could be especially dangerous with pick pockets, so I'm not sure if I'm being naive that it can be safe to travel with.

I'm planning on travelling to Spain and Portugal later this year, but I don't know if I'm safe with my rolex gmt tt or if I should take my steinhart GMT with me instead.

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I’m in Portugal right now and have no qualms about wearing my SD43 out and about with short sleeves. Have seen plenty of TT subs and GMTs today as well.

[Halitosis]

reeko,

This is obviously a big deal for you, and whatever reassurances you may get on this forum, I imagine your enjoyment while travelling may well be impeded by safety concerns.
Take the worry out of the equation by leaving your Rolex at home so that you can spend all of your time abroad focussing on the pleasures with your wife and kids.
Putting your lovely watch on again will be all the more enjoyable too.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by inadeje

OK - I have lived and worked in Spain for years. Our company has an office in this very city. I tried to offer some basic advice. My perception is completely different to yours, night and day actually. Therefore, I digress...

I lived and worked there for 4 years myself. I know the city. I took the tram, metro and train for an hour in each direction every weekday, from Diagonal Mar to Almeda in Cornellá. I've seen people get mugged with my own eyes and heard about people getting mugged in all different areas, not just the famous Ramblas. That's the statement I was trying to make. And provide some advice myself on how not to have typical tourist behaviour. I don't think Barcelona is rampantly unsafe. Not at all. I was comfortable to walk around at night at 2am, but I don't have a tourist's demeanor, and I wasn't wearing a beloved Rolex worth many thousands. Also, I'm Spaniard. What's your perception then on Barcelona, I'm curious. Your location says Miami.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

What does this have to do with two-tone?


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Was just wondering this myself. Not sure whether steel or TT, or even whether it's a Rolex would really matter. The potential assailant probably just sees it as a watch and takes his (or her) chances!

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by Halitosis

reeko,

This is obviously a big deal for you, and whatever reassurances you may get on this forum, I imagine your enjoyment while travelling may well be impeded by safety concerns.
Take the worry out of the equation by leaving your Rolex at home so that you can spend all of your time abroad focussing on the pleasures with your wife and kids.
Putting your lovely watch on again will be all the more enjoyable too.

This. Why worry on holiday? Why put your family in any potential risk or aggravation on what is supposed to be "fun" time?