Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has

Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has

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Discussion

NDA

21,574 posts

225 months

Thursday 28th March
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jdw100 said:
His thinking (as I understand it) is that he absolutely loves the style of the watch.

Less keen on someone trying to rip it off his wrist which happened in (outside?) a pub in a decent area of town.

Rather than fight - he would just hand it over.

Re your comment: I’ve been out after work before and ended up in all sorts of areas until 03:00. All from a ‘quick drink after work’.

Not always easy to plan or something you even think about.
I am not sure muggers shout 'Stand And Deliver!' any more - I wouldn't rely on being able to 'just handing it over'.

The answer, unfortunately, is not to wear a decent watch in many cities - waving around a £20k watch (or one that looks just like it) is instant cash to a mugger and is too risky. It's easy to plan - don't wear it.

I bought an anonymous smart watch specifically for days in London and travelling. It's a shame I don't feel I can wear any of my decent watches and yes, the risks are small (ish), but if I don't feel comfortable, what's the point?

Deep

2,067 posts

243 months

Thursday 28th March
quotequote all
NDA said:
I am not sure muggers shout 'Stand And Deliver!' any more - I wouldn't rely on being able to 'just handing it over'.

The answer, unfortunately, is not to wear a decent watch in many cities - waving around a £20k watch (or one that looks just like it) is instant cash to a mugger and is too risky. It's easy to plan - don't wear it.

I bought an anonymous smart watch specifically for days in London and travelling. It's a shame I don't feel I can wear any of my decent watches and yes, the risks are small (ish), but if I don't feel comfortable, what's the point?
Funnily enough I feel far more comfortable wearing my watch abroad than I do in some areas of the UK, obviously that's my subjective feeling rather than objective fact.
In the last year or so I've worn my bimetal slightly blingy gmt, in Egypt, Mallorca (including at bars and pubs), Malta and most recently India (again, including bars/clubs).
Never felt in the least bit uncomfortable or paranoid in these foreign countries.

In the UK, if I'm going out out and know I will be properly pissed by the end of the night and end up god knows where I won't wear an expensive watch.

I don't understand the point of wearing a replica in this scenario and keeping the real one in the safe. You could end up being physically assaulted regardless of whether its real or fake (if that's the reason for wearing the fake) so nothing gained.

bordseye

1,984 posts

192 months

Thursday 28th March
quotequote all
If you go out until 3am in known dodgy city areas wearing and showing a piece of bling whilst getting completely pissed - are you surprised that you get mugged?

The problem here isnt the watch but the lifestyle.

Deep

2,067 posts

243 months

Thursday 28th March
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Longy00000 said:
I have found this not to be the case anymore. I had real problems last year trying to get household insurance to cover 4 watches and some jewelry. The absolute crap they put me through ref the safe was no.bodies business and the whole lot was no where near £200k prob less than £100k.
I 100% am expecting them to refuse to renew come the summer as they have only acknowledged 3 watches on the policy and not the 4th despite requests.
Apparantly insurers suffer a surge in watch claims when the economy dips so try to avoid cover if possible.
Not looking forward to the headache I will endure in a few months time frown
I went through something similar about 6 months ago and sought advice here. NFU were brilliant and all watches and jewellery now covered home and worldwide.
Initially they didn't want a safe but when I purchased my fifth or sixth watch they asked for one, but I wanted a safe anyway so that didn't bother me.

I would definitely recommend trying NFU, and you get to speak to a person who actually has some idea about watches, jewellery etc

Longy00000

1,346 posts

40 months

Thursday 28th March
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NFU have been mentioned to me a couple of times so they will be on the list of phone calls I make this summer.
Thanks

jdw100

4,118 posts

164 months

Friday 29th March
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Deep said:
NDA said:
I am not sure muggers shout 'Stand And Deliver!' any more - I wouldn't rely on being able to 'just handing it over'.

The answer, unfortunately, is not to wear a decent watch in many cities - waving around a £20k watch (or one that looks just like it) is instant cash to a mugger and is too risky. It's easy to plan - don't wear it.

I bought an anonymous smart watch specifically for days in London and travelling. It's a shame I don't feel I can wear any of my decent watches and yes, the risks are small (ish), but if I don't feel comfortable, what's the point?
Funnily enough I feel far more comfortable wearing my watch abroad than I do in some areas of the UK, obviously that's my subjective feeling rather than objective fact.
In the last year or so I've worn my bimetal slightly blingy gmt, in Egypt, Mallorca (including at bars and pubs), Malta and most recently India (again, including bars/clubs).
Never felt in the least bit uncomfortable or paranoid in these foreign countries.

In the UK, if I'm going out out and know I will be properly pissed by the end of the night and end up god knows where I won't wear an expensive watch.

I don't understand the point of wearing a replica in this scenario and keeping the real one in the safe. You could end up being physically assaulted regardless of whether its real or fake (if that's the reason for wearing the fake) so nothing gained.
My usual watch is a Octo Finisimo is Ti.

Never think twice about wearing it. Mind you I also don’t think twice about leaving my phone on the table in a cafe if going for a pee, no one has chains for motorbikes, most leave helmets on the mirrors.

My wife, like many others, leaves keys in the bike when stopping at shops or at gym. We keep car keyless fob in the car when parked up at home.

There was an attempted mugging of two girls not that far from us a few days back - been in the news, promises of extra patrols and security etc. Thief left his motorbike at the scene when confronted - genius! Good job ‘locals’ didn’t get him.

Wore my GMT2 all around Japan for three weeks back in Jan - again not a consideration. Also walking around a lot in JKT and Singapore this year.



Deep

2,067 posts

243 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
jdw100 said:
My usual watch is a Octo Finisimo is Ti.

Never think twice about wearing it. Mind you I also don’t think twice about leaving my phone on the table in a cafe if going for a pee, no one has chains for motorbikes, most leave helmets on the mirrors.

My wife, like many others, leaves keys in the bike when stopping at shops or at gym. We keep car keyless fob in the car when parked up at home.

There was an attempted mugging of two girls not that far from us a few days back - been in the news, promises of extra patrols and security etc. Thief left his motorbike at the scene when confronted - genius! Good job ‘locals’ didn’t get him.

Wore my GMT2 all around Japan for three weeks back in Jan - again not a consideration. Also walking around a lot in JKT and Singapore this year.
Where do you live??
It sounds like you're living in a different dimension compared to London lol.
Genuinely intrigued to know, sounds like the kind of place I would like to retire to.....

ZesPak

24,430 posts

196 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
Deep said:
Where do you live??
It sounds like you're living in a different dimension compared to London lol.
Genuinely intrigued to know, sounds like the kind of place I would like to retire to.....
Tbf I like going to London for work every so often, it's a great city with so many iconic landmarks and locations.
But being there for a couple of days every now and then makes me think everyone who wants to live even close to it is verified insane.
You have to be paranoid about everything, worry where you park your car or motorcycle, lock up you bicycle with a lock that's at least as expensive as the bike, watch your belongings at all time when out and about. Again, can't believe people get into that lifestyle and accepting it as their status quo.

I live in a suburb on mainland Europe now and my experience is the same as jdw100. Have left cars and bikes on my driveway unlocked for days without an issue. Forget your phone in the bar and people will deliver it to you the same day at your door.

paulguitar

23,431 posts

113 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
ZesPak said:
Tbf I like going to London for work every so often, it's a great city with so many iconic landmarks and locations.
But being there for a couple of days every now and then makes me think everyone who wants to live even close to it is verified insane.
You have to be paranoid about everything, worry where you park your car or motorcycle, lock up you bicycle with a lock that's at least as expensive as the bike, watch your belongings at all time when out and about. Again, can't believe people get into that lifestyle and accepting it as their status quo.

I live in a suburb on mainland Europe now and my experience is the same as jdw100. Have left cars and bikes on my driveway unlocked for days without an issue. Forget your phone in the bar and people will deliver it to you the same day at your door.
Where do you live, ZP?

Octoposse

2,160 posts

185 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
ZesPak said:
Tbf I like going to London for work every so often, it's a great city with so many iconic landmarks and locations.
But being there for a couple of days every now and then makes me think everyone who wants to live even close to it is verified insane.
You have to be paranoid about everything, worry where you park your car or motorcycle, lock up you bicycle with a lock that's at least as expensive as the bike, watch your belongings at all time when out and about. Again, can't believe people get into that lifestyle and accepting it as their status quo.

I live in a suburb on mainland Europe now and my experience is the same as jdw100. Have left cars and bikes on my driveway unlocked for days without an issue. Forget your phone in the bar and people will deliver it to you the same day at your door.
My fluffiest daughter had to spend a year in London, working in her chosen specialism, between her first degree and her Masters / professional qualification. Workplace was just off Trafalgar Square, and on a salary of £14k she chose to live in the cheapest place that was walking distance - so a flat share on a 1970s estate south of the River.

Whilst there she twice lost her purse . . . each time local kids / “youths” found her to return it intact!

Only place in the world I’ve been violently attacked was Bordeaux. Only place in the world anyone has tried to rob me was Moscow (non violently and entertainingly . . . a variation of the con at the start of “The Sting” . . . which doesn’t work if you’re honest. I laughed, shook hands with the guys, and walked away).

Watch robberies slightly academic anyway, since neither AD I’m “listed” with will actually sell me one! (Litmus test for the bubble being over is when they do).

bordseye

1,984 posts

192 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
ZesPak said:
Tbf I like going to London for work every so often, it's a great city with so many iconic landmarks and locations.
But being there for a couple of days every now and then makes me think everyone who wants to live even close to it is verified insane.
You have to be paranoid about everything, worry where you park your car or motorcycle, lock up you bicycle with a lock that's at least as expensive as the bike, watch your belongings at all time when out and about. Again, can't believe people get into that lifestyle and accepting it as their status quo.

I live in a suburb on mainland Europe now and my experience is the same as jdw100. Have left cars and bikes on my driveway unlocked for days without an issue. Forget your phone in the bar and people will deliver it to you the same day at your door.
You dont need to be in mainland Europe - mainland UK will do outside London. I live in SE wales previously in S Yorkshire. Never in my life, and I am an old phrrt, have I been burgled or had anything stolen, been mugged, assaulted etc. Sure I wouldnt leave my car unlocked but thats because in the highly unlikely event that it did get nicked, the insurance company wouldnt pay out.

Harry Flashman

19,358 posts

242 months

Friday 29th March
quotequote all
London is an absolute mess. There is virtually zero visible policing here, and random crime has become violent. Witness two stabbings on Wednesday on public transport - one at 4pm. Shoplifters are simply left to get on with it with police refusing to turn up, schoolkids kicking in doors for after school japes (the last two in my neighbourhood). I have lived here for 20 years, and never has it before felt this lawless to me.

We are thinking of leaving, frankly. I'm tired of the scum just getting away with anything. Antisocial behaviour is now an almost daily thing I witness, road rage (and terrible driving manners) everywhere, and a widening gap between rich and poor driving even greater ghettoisation, unrest and subsequent crime.

I love this city for its life, its multiculturalism, its art and for my short commute to the office. But I hate the crime, the cost and the traffic.

Anyway, I'm off somewhere on holiday where I won't get stabbed for a Rolex, so have packed a few from the safe to take with me, to enjoy wearing out and about without catching the attention of some felon. Have taken the keys to the safe with me, and left the house to a housesitter as burglary is yet another thing that seems to be on the increase in our splendid capital.


Cupid-stunt

2,578 posts

56 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
Harry Flashman said:
London is an absolute mess. There is virtually zero visible policing here, and random crime has become violent. Witness two stabbings on Wednesday on public transport - one at 4pm. Shoplifters are simply left to get on with it with police refusing to turn up, schoolkids kicking in doors for after school japes (the last two in my neighbourhood). I have lived here for 20 years, and never has it before felt this lawless to me.

We are thinking of leaving, frankly. I'm tired of the scum just getting away with anything. Antisocial behaviour is now an almost daily thing I witness, road rage (and terrible driving manners) everywhere, and a widening gap between rich and poor driving even greater ghettoisation, unrest and subsequent crime.

I love this city for its life, its multiculturalism, its art and for my short commute to the office. But I hate the crime, the cost and the traffic.

Anyway, I'm off somewhere on holiday where I won't get stabbed for a Rolex, so have packed a few from the safe to take with me, to enjoy wearing out and about without catching the attention of some felon. Have taken the keys to the safe with me, and left the house to a housesitter as burglary is yet another thing that seems to be on the increase in our splendid capital.
Just move out.
As a family man, surely there are better places to bring up kids and have less stress yourself?

I do wonder why people know that there are issues, that aren't going to be resolved, continue to remain there.

You have the means, and ability. Move away from the toxic environment ... enjoy your watches, enjoy the space, enjoy not having to be worried if you left a window open, door unlocked...... it is quite liberating.

(he says having come ot London from Scotland and had to chose which watch to bring....)

stanlow45

304 posts

6 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
London is a crime ridden cess pool indeed…

https://twitter.com/Conservatives/status/177232171...

paulguitar

23,431 posts

113 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
stanlow45 said:
London is a crime ridden cess pool indeed…

https://twitter.com/Conservatives/status/177232171...
It's hard to believe any party would put out a propaganda video as ridiculous as that. The community note is scathing.

MTK1919

750 posts

213 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
Managed to pickup this beauty from WoS Regent street yesterday. It was just by chance I stopped by and caught up with a sales rep who’d previously sold me my wife’s DJ36 around 5yrs ago.

I mentioned I was interested in checking out the Explorer 1 40mm and was surprised when the rep said another customer passed up on one earlier in the day and that they could offer me it. No wait list, just as it should be. The rest is history, love it.



AstonZagato

12,704 posts

210 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
Cupid-stunt said:
Harry Flashman said:
London is an absolute mess. There is virtually zero visible policing here, and random crime has become violent. Witness two stabbings on Wednesday on public transport - one at 4pm. Shoplifters are simply left to get on with it with police refusing to turn up, schoolkids kicking in doors for after school japes (the last two in my neighbourhood). I have lived here for 20 years, and never has it before felt this lawless to me.

We are thinking of leaving, frankly. I'm tired of the scum just getting away with anything. Antisocial behaviour is now an almost daily thing I witness, road rage (and terrible driving manners) everywhere, and a widening gap between rich and poor driving even greater ghettoisation, unrest and subsequent crime.

I love this city for its life, its multiculturalism, its art and for my short commute to the office. But I hate the crime, the cost and the traffic.

Anyway, I'm off somewhere on holiday where I won't get stabbed for a Rolex, so have packed a few from the safe to take with me, to enjoy wearing out and about without catching the attention of some felon. Have taken the keys to the safe with me, and left the house to a housesitter as burglary is yet another thing that seems to be on the increase in our splendid capital.
Just move out.
As a family man, surely there are better places to bring up kids and have less stress yourself?

I do wonder why people know that there are issues, that aren't going to be resolved, continue to remain there.

You have the means, and ability. Move away from the toxic environment ... enjoy your watches, enjoy the space, enjoy not having to be worried if you left a window open, door unlocked...... it is quite liberating.

(he says having come ot London from Scotland and had to chose which watch to bring....)
I have a 45 min commute to Kings Cross (from leaving my front door) but I'm in a tiny village, I can't see another house from mine. The air is clean and fresh. There is little or no crime (a third of, say, Kensington per head). I have a university city only 8 miles away with great schools, art, theatre, music, museums, etc. The local hospital is a tertiary referral centre and must be one of the best in the country. Property prices are a fraction of London so you can upsize dramatically or cash out some equity. Our friends are high-powered doctors, financiers and academics.

Moving out was the best thing I ever did. My kids have grown up in a totally different world. I have no desire to move back into London. If I ever want anything in London, it is simple to get in and out.

okgo

38,038 posts

198 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
Cupid-stunt said:
Just move out.
As a family man, surely there are better places to bring up kids and have less stress yourself?

I do wonder why people know that there are issues, that aren't going to be resolved, continue to remain there.

You have the means, and ability. Move away from the toxic environment ... enjoy your watches, enjoy the space, enjoy not having to be worried if you left a window open, door unlocked...... it is quite liberating.

(he says having come ot London from Scotland and had to chose which watch to bring....)
I think perhaps HF now sees why big houses in proper Saaarf London are cheaper. You do get some proper wrong uns knocking about. I’m between Brixton and Clapham myself and the difference between the two is dramatic!

But you don’t need to go far in either direction before things get drastically better. I’ve just been for lunch in Barnes, it was lovely and not a whiff of the general decay and drama you get in South London.

Anyway, I noted a guy wearing a root beer in Brixton recreation center soft play earlier this month so I don’t think everyone worries too much. My wife wears a Rolex daily and hasn’t ever had an issue. And I usually do too, no dramas either.

The Gauge

1,875 posts

13 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
MTK1919 said:
Managed to pickup this beauty from WoS Regent street yesterday. It was just by chance I stopped by and caught up with a sales rep who’d previously sold me my wife’s DJ36 around 5yrs ago.

I mentioned I was interested in checking out the Explorer 1 40mm and was surprised when the rep said another customer passed up on one earlier in the day and that they could offer me it. No wait list, just as it should be. The rest is history, love it.


A really lovely watch, congratulations.

Deep

2,067 posts

243 months

Saturday 30th March
quotequote all
MTK1919 said:
Managed to pickup this beauty from WoS Regent street yesterday. It was just by chance I stopped by and caught up with a sales rep who’d previously sold me my wife’s DJ36 around 5yrs ago.

I mentioned I was interested in checking out the Explorer 1 40mm and was surprised when the rep said another customer passed up on one earlier in the day and that they could offer me it. No wait list, just as it should be. The rest is history, love it.


Congrats...and do I spy the Emirates warmed nuts?