Rolex Stolen off my wrist in Barcelona
Discussion
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I don't have any problem at all with that point of view. I think the issue is that some people simply don't believe that it could possibly happen to them, let alone in Barcelona. The fact that large numbers of visitors to Barcelona report watches and jewellery being stolen just confirms that it's a bigger risk that many other places.Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
Of course it's entirely up to you where you want to wear your watch - and where you choose to have it stolen.
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
So when you hand is sliced off for a watch because you chose to where it in a place you don't know, don't bother posting a pity thread on here...Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I wouldn't walk to work early morning in a small English town called Swindon wearing an £8k watch let alone in Timor...this just makes you arrogant. Show off bling in the wrong place and I suspect you'll come off worse.
Everyone (of sense) weighs up the risk based on knowledge. Barcelona isn't as safe as it was 10 years ago. I saw immigrants fighting on the tourist strips whilst the police (they are seriously lazy in Spain) did nothing. People were there with their kids ffs. I haven't had a problem in 4 visits but each time over the last 10 years you can see it changing - for the worse.
Edited by bonerp on Monday 29th October 08:06
Edited by bonerp on Monday 29th October 08:07
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I live in Latin America, and my Sea Dweller normally stays in the safe unless I am sure of where I am going. It represents several years income to some people, people with guns, is just not worth the risk, and I would hate to lose it. Also it feels bad flaunting wealth in the face of poverty. Friend of mine lost his to a guy on a motorcycle at a red light. Pistol tap on the window, and he handed it over.
Ayahuasca said:
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I live in Latin America, and my Sea Dweller normally stays in the safe unless I am sure of where I am going. It represents several years income to some people, people with guns, is just not worth the risk, and I would hate to lose it. Also it feels bad flaunting wealth in the face of poverty. Friend of mine lost his to a guy on a motorcycle at a red light. Pistol tap on the window, and he handed it over.
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I'm sure you will rethink that strategy the same day you get a knife thrust in your face and ordered to hand over your watch.Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with simply exercising a little bit of common sense or caution.
In fact, I would say you were being foolish if you didn't.
When the police tell you to keep your valuables hidden, or leave them in your accommodation, they aren't doing it for fun, they are usually doing it because hundreds of people have been robbed in that particular area already, sometimes violently.
I enjoy my watches, but I see no point in wearing them somewhere that presents a high possibility of me getting mugged for it.
I'm not afraid to visit most places, and indeed have walked through all sorts or dodgy areas all over the world whilst on my travels. I like exploring and seeing the non-tourist areas as well as the tourist attractions. But I won't do it while waving my camera and iPhone around, and having a £7k watch on my wrist.
Your argument is a bit like saying "What's the point in owning a Ferrari Enzo and not leaving it parked in Brierley Hill, Birmingham overnight?"
The answer is that there would be nothing left of it in the morning.
Zoon said:
It does beg the question why we need to buy watches of such value, when a £6 casio does the same job and wouldn't result in you losing your life, or £8k.
Same as anything though.Why own a £1500 coat when a £100 one will be just as warm?
People like owning nice things.
But wearing, using, or driving those nice things in terrible areas quite obviously exposes you to a significant possibility of robbery.
To be honest, if a place I go to has a problem with this sort of thing, I won't wear a nice watch. I'm attached to my watches, and wouldn't like to lose any of them. It'd also ruin your break/holiday having to mess around with police, paperwork, insurance etc etc. Don't see the point.
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear what I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
I couldn’t help but agree with this, particularly the bit about buying something and then not wearing it, although I grant you, my Titan is not much thicker than 2 razor blades, and I wouldn’t wear anything resembling a Rolex anyway.Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear what I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
Reading the subsequent posts, I began to question my own judgement, but I eventually decided that I agreed with jdw after all.
Thing with Rolexes - they have individual serial numbers, which are checked whenever one is brought in to an official Rolex dealer for servicing, etc.
My sister used to work at the Rolex office in Manhattan - and the number of watches that came up as stolen when brought in by an innocent punter was frightening. Of course, they are returned to their original owner.
So, if anyone loses their Rolex I would suggest contacting Rolex and letting them know - you never know, you might get in back at some point in the future.
My sister used to work at the Rolex office in Manhattan - and the number of watches that came up as stolen when brought in by an innocent punter was frightening. Of course, they are returned to their original owner.
So, if anyone loses their Rolex I would suggest contacting Rolex and letting them know - you never know, you might get in back at some point in the future.
I have to agree with JDW.
There is nothing wrong with being sensible about visiting dodgy areas but some of the posters on this thread sound as if they are scared of anything and everything. Do any of you cautious types have the stats regarding stolen jewellery and tourist numbers in Barcelona to back up your concerns?
There is nothing wrong with being sensible about visiting dodgy areas but some of the posters on this thread sound as if they are scared of anything and everything. Do any of you cautious types have the stats regarding stolen jewellery and tourist numbers in Barcelona to back up your concerns?
Piha said:
I have to agree with JDW.
There is nothing wrong with being sensible about visiting dodgy areas but some of the posters on this thread sound as if they are scared of anything and everything. Do any of you cautious types have the stats regarding stolen jewellery and tourist numbers in Barcelona to back up your concerns?
A quick google shows some pretty damning statistics to be honest, but nothing 100% official. There is nothing wrong with being sensible about visiting dodgy areas but some of the posters on this thread sound as if they are scared of anything and everything. Do any of you cautious types have the stats regarding stolen jewellery and tourist numbers in Barcelona to back up your concerns?
It has been named the pick pocket capital of the world based on it's rather exceptional tourist crime rate.
Frank7 said:
I couldn’t help but agree with this, particularly the bit about buying something and then not wearing it, although I grant you, my Titan is not much thicker than 2 razor blades, and I wouldn’t wear anything resembling a Rolex anyway.
Reading the subsequent posts, I began to question my own judgement, but I eventually decided that I agreed with jdw after all.
I just don't see the point in practally inviting a robbery.Reading the subsequent posts, I began to question my own judgement, but I eventually decided that I agreed with jdw after all.
We all like wearing our watches. But what does it matter if you don't wear your watch for a few days here and there throughout a year while away somewhere?
A Rolex (or similar) is MASSIVELY more attractive to criminals than a phone, a camera, or a couple of hundred dollars in a wallet.
A phone these days is practically worthless.
They might get lucky with a camera if it's worth a few hundred, but less people carry cameras these days, using phones instead for photos.
Any sensible tourist/traveller will only carry a few hundred pounds worth of the local currency at any one time, and leave the cards and the rest in the hotel safe.
So an expensive watch is by far and away the big prize. Even punted on cheaply it will still yield a hefty payday.
The top and bottom if it is, I don't want any holiday or trip away spoiled by a robbery.
I certainly don't want to have waste a day sitting in a foreign police station just so I can report the crime and get a crime number, to then spend however many weeks arguing with an insurance company to get the money back.
The watches also have much more value to me than just the financial value.
A phone is a disposable item, as is my wallet with a couple of hundred quid in it. Thieves can have my phone, no problem. I'll just block it remotely the same day and go and buy another one.
I walked around with my Seamaster in Barcelona - I think I must quality for a bravery medal?
However, my uncle went to Barcelona for the Man Utd Champions League Final match a few years ago (when we were good), was mugged and the only thing taken was his match ticket.
He was not wearing a watch. Why? Because he had had it stolen on the beach in Rio!
However, my uncle went to Barcelona for the Man Utd Champions League Final match a few years ago (when we were good), was mugged and the only thing taken was his match ticket.
He was not wearing a watch. Why? Because he had had it stolen on the beach in Rio!
Lord Marylebone said:
Frank7 said:
I couldn’t help but agree with this, particularly the bit about buying something and then not wearing it, although I grant you, my Titan is not much thicker than 2 razor blades, and I wouldn’t wear anything resembling a Rolex anyway.
Reading the subsequent posts, I began to question my own judgement, but I eventually decided that I agreed with jdw after all.
I just don't see the point in practally inviting a robbery.Reading the subsequent posts, I began to question my own judgement, but I eventually decided that I agreed with jdw after all.
We all like wearing our watches. But what does it matter if you don't wear your watch for a few days here and there throughout a year while away somewhere?
A Rolex (or similar) is MASSIVELY more attractive to criminals than a phone, a camera, or a couple of hundred dollars in a wallet.
A phone these days is practically worthless.
They might get lucky with a camera if it's worth a few hundred, but less people carry cameras these days, using phones instead for photos.
Any sensible tourist/traveller will only carry a few hundred pounds worth of the local currency at any one time, and leave the cards and the rest in the hotel safe.
So an expensive watch is by far and away the big prize. Even punted on cheaply it will still yield a hefty payday.
The top and bottom if it is, I don't want any holiday or trip away spoiled by a robbery.
I certainly don't want to have waste a day sitting in a foreign police station just so I can report the crime and get a crime number, to then spend however many weeks arguing with an insurance company to get the money back.
The watches also have much more value to me than just the financial value.
A phone is a disposable item, as is my wallet with a couple of hundred quid in it. Thieves can have my phone, no problem. I'll just block it remotely the same day and go and buy another one.
On telephones, I was informed by the Barcelona Police that the pickpockets are after the Sim cards, which they immediately put to work on premium telephone lines their gang own. In the time between noticing one's phone is stolen and being able to block it, the gangs can rack up huge bills to their benefit. Of course some phones will be more secure than others...
To this day I still feel oddly lucky that it was stolen through sleight of hand and not by more violent means. This incident won't put me off wearing a decent watch, as this was one incident in 16 years.
jdw100 said:
Bloodt hell there are some right namby-pambies on this thread (is that the right plural?).
Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
Tough Guy. Remind me of some Americans I used to work with based out of the company’s Florida office. Fretting all the time at global meeting in Chicago because that had to leave their guns at home. I hosted them in the UK for some joint work we were doing - again moaning because they couldn’t carry guns and London was so dangerous..staying at a hotel in Park Lane.
Honestly, people on here saying they wouldn’t go to Barcelona. Well, you shouldn’t but only because it’s had it’s day; peaked maybe a decade ago. Not because you are too scared to go out your front door for fear of being mugged. I’ve probably been there 10 times - no issues.
I wear I want, where I want. Thirty plus countries, sometimes for extended periods, often not tourist areas - never an issue.
Not long come back from the Timor/Timor Leste border. Wore mostly a Rolex GMT there, that’s three years average wages I guess. Spent time with the Police there in fact, nice guys. Funnily enough it’s still in my possession.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I. It’s my usual travel watch as that’s exactly what it is designed for - not for sitting in a safe when it’s owner travels. It goes in the sea as well..!
I literally cannot see the point in buying something and then not wearing it.
Act like a tourist and like you’re scared of your own shadow and you probably do make your self a bit more of a target.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
jdw100 said:
Bl
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I.
Bought drugs in Lisbon wearing the same watch - same watch also been in probably the dodgiest bar I’ve ever been to in my life in HK; it’s still here and so am I.
drug dealers are already mugging you off they're not going to try and rob you at the same time - its bad for businessAs for HK - it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. There is VERY little in the way of muggings and street thefts.
This dodgy bar - Lockhart road by any chance? Maybe twice a year a guy goes to the police to say he's been drugged in his hotel room and had a load of cash taken (usually Lockhart or LKF).
Quite apart from that, though - have you SEEN how many luxury watch shops there are, and how many are worn? Nobody is impressed by a Rolex.
On the flip side but to reinforce the point - fake watches are bought by tourists in such high volumes that the likleyhood of a watch on the arm of someone who doesn't look local being fake is high enough that it just wouldn't be worth the bother.
HK safety anecdote - I lost a Gucci wallet containing contactless cards (there is no limit on contactless payment values in HK), cash and my ID somewhere in Central one afternoon and got a phonecall 24hrs later from the police station in Chai Wan (6 miles away) saying it had been handed in. Everything present and correct.
As for general criminaliy in cities - I just don't get why you'd invite the attention.
I have enjoyed reading through this thread....
Not quite watches, but back in the 1980's I was on a RN warship that docked in Barcelona. I think every w
e in Spain descended on the city, it was fascinating walking out of the dock yard to the bars......
anyway on the way back after one or two beers my mate thought he would "sample" a young very fit individual, with great boobs (they were hanging out)
The next day we had a right laugh at his expense when he admitted she was a "He", and he had been mugged of his money .......but he had had the best blow job ever!
Several of the lads were properly mugged,one or 2 given a real good kicking as well
See not a lot has changed since I was last there then
I hope one day the OP gets his watch back ( or it was insured)
Not quite watches, but back in the 1980's I was on a RN warship that docked in Barcelona. I think every w
e in Spain descended on the city, it was fascinating walking out of the dock yard to the bars......anyway on the way back after one or two beers my mate thought he would "sample" a young very fit individual, with great boobs (they were hanging out)
The next day we had a right laugh at his expense when he admitted she was a "He", and he had been mugged of his money .......but he had had the best blow job ever!
Several of the lads were properly mugged,one or 2 given a real good kicking as well
See not a lot has changed since I was last there then
I hope one day the OP gets his watch back ( or it was insured)
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