I got mugged for my watch in London!
Discussion
- UPDATE NOW ON PAGE 6**
So, Wednesday 11th December, after the Bonhams watch sale, went for a couple of drinks and dinner with friends.
Dropped them back at their hotel off Bond Street, and walked up to Selfridges on Oxford Street.
Browsed around for Christmas gift inspiration in the lower ground floor, and took the escalator up to the watch room.
Mooched around the watch counters for a few minutes, into the Rolex room, and then walked through to the food hall.
Left by the side door, and walked up Baker Street to Portman Square, and was approaching the Home House exclusive members club when BANG! jumped by four Asian men in their mid-20's at 19:57.
I called for help as they pushed me up against the fence. I hooked my arms through the railings, and bear-hugged myself into the fence as two of my assailants tried to rifle through my coat pockets, one muffled me with his arm across my face, and the fourth worked on getting the watch off my left wrist.
Having finally got my watch, they ran off towards Baker Street. I ran after them, but by the time I got to the corner, they had disappeared (I suspect into the Co-op Supermarket opposite).
I went back to reception at Home House, where the staff and guests were very sympathetic and supportive.
The security men played back the CCTV footage showing the full mugging (scary!).
No weapons used, no verbal threats, over in seconds. My Barbour jacket with its pop-stud and zipper pockets saved everything else, and even my messenger shoulder bag and brolly were still with me.
Back at my hotel I recorded the theft with The Watch Register and Audemars Piguet, and the Police turned up at midnight to take my statement.
So yes, I was targeted for wearing a rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, and "marked" (-most likely-) in Selfridges watch room.
Other than a few bruises and dented pride, I'm absolutely fine.
I have to admit, it's a wake up call I didn't want, but will remember for a long time.
Be safe all, and learn from my misfortune!
Mike Wood
The watch is reported with The Watch Register, the Police, and the manufacturer.
Details:
18ct rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm black dial automatic date watch on brown crocodile strap with 18ct rose gold AP folding buckle.
Model ref. 15300OR 3580 3120.740297
Case no. G37699
Edited by mikewood on Thursday 19th December 10:43
king scary! Pleased you're OK though, and seem to be in rather good spirits, considering.I read your post on TZ this morning
A nasty sounding incident, and while there are lower forms of crime scum still doesn't quite cover it.
I would suppose the watch is long gone however with your links in the trade would that raise the chances of recovery? Not that the watch matters more than your personal well-being, of course.
A nasty sounding incident, and while there are lower forms of crime scum still doesn't quite cover it.
I would suppose the watch is long gone however with your links in the trade would that raise the chances of recovery? Not that the watch matters more than your personal well-being, of course.
Very glad you are OK, OP.
The AP Royal Oak seems to be a target for muggings. Was with a colleague at our Christmas party last Thursday, and he wears one. Bouncer as we walked out of the place warned us that while Alex had been outside smoking, a group of chaps had clearly been marking his watch and advised to take a cab home right from the venue, not to wander off.
The AP Royal Oak seems to be a target for muggings. Was with a colleague at our Christmas party last Thursday, and he wears one. Bouncer as we walked out of the place warned us that while Alex had been outside smoking, a group of chaps had clearly been marking his watch and advised to take a cab home right from the venue, not to wander off.
untakenname said:
Imo it's worth handing it over rather than resisting, a friend of a friend was stabbed to death this month outside Harrods when his Rolex was robbed
I assume you are talking about Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Araimi. Very sad indeed and shows what could have happened to the OP. I rarely think about the watch on my wrist outside of the UK but did feel attention when I was last there. Particularly in Manchester.
Some people take the fun out of life. At least they are in the minority.
Yikes!
Glad you're OK ....
I have worked in London all my life and, rather naïvely, never think twice about wearing expensive watches. Leaving home for London and taking off a nice watch before the journey seems so alien.
A good friend was mugged for his iPhone in Mayfair not long ago. His story and yours makes me reconsider strolling about with expensive things.
Glad you're OK ....
I have worked in London all my life and, rather naïvely, never think twice about wearing expensive watches. Leaving home for London and taking off a nice watch before the journey seems so alien.
A good friend was mugged for his iPhone in Mayfair not long ago. His story and yours makes me reconsider strolling about with expensive things.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff