Downsides of wearing expensive watches
I currently work downtown in a non-NY city (think SF, LA, CHI, HOU) and wanted to know if it would be safe to wear a luxury/high-end watch (think Rolex or Patek Phillipe, my watch is pictured below). Would I get robbed even when walking two blocks to get lunch? What are some of the general risks one should keep in mind when wearing such watches?
I do not live in the US but in Europe, and I normally never worry about what I wear (I normally wear Rolex/Omega). They are not ostentatious (either steel or gold with leather strap), so I don't think they are all that visible (maybe the gold/leather one a little, but I don't wear it much in summer when I have short sleeves on, because well, summer = sweat, and sweat + leather sucks).
I never worry nor have worried about that, regardless of what neighbourhood of Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, or Prague (or smaller cities like Coventry or Brussels) I walked in or the time of night. I really don't know the situation in the US, so maybe it can be bad, but here I've never once been concerned, and I have walked through very shady areas by myself at night. I am pretty bulky to be fair, and guns aren't really a thing in Europe, so maybe that plays a role (although knives can be an issue, especially in the UK).
I mostly worry about scratching/damaging them on a rail/door/wall/table more than anything. If you are genuinely concerned for this where you live, maybe either make sure to wear long sleeves, or leave them in your bag/drawer in the office while you go get lunch. If someone ruffles through your stuff at work, then you can easily report that (though it would suck) but on the plus side, it's less dangerous than being mugged.
Great advice, thanks
Just saw you have a gold Patek. That, in fairness, will catch the eyes of some people. I would be a lot more careful with this kind of watch. Definitely long sleeve only or in the inside pocket of your suit (less likely to be pickpocketed).
Actually, now that I look at it a bit more closely… Is this a fake PP? I mean.. if so why not, I suppose... However, you’d run the risk of being mugged over a fake watch? Seems a tad too high risk for my taste.
No downsides. No one cares.
Sick piece bro
As someone who has a Tag (admittedly not in the same league as your watch) the biggest risk in my experience is from petty crime - ie pickpockets. In fairness this usually only happens late at night - they target drunks and will try to do a “bear hug” as if they are just drunkenly embracing a stranger, and then get your watch off and run before you can react. Had several people try that on me in different places (once in NY coming out of a nightclub, in London, and also in Greece on holiday). Each time I was able to resist easily (even in my inebriated state) and there was never any hint/threat of violence from them.
However I have heard stories of more organized gangs in both London and NY targeting people leaving nightclubs late at night wearing expensive Rolexes/Pateks etc. Their modus operandi would be to follow these people and then brandish a gun/knife and demand they hand over the watch. Tbh these types of gangs are highly organized so likely target people obviously flashing significant amounts of cash (and then check their watches) so you’re unlikely to meet these types of guys randomly.
Also more importantly both of the above threats almost always occur late at night/targeting people who have been drinking. Your chances of being robbed in broad daylight in a developed city are very low (unless you’re deliberately walking around some sketchy neighbourhoods). But if you’re the type of guy to “make it rain” at bars/nightclubs, maybe think about not wearing it at night so you don’t get targeted (still unlikely I’d say).
I second this, I've heard stories of people targeting Rolexes because they really stand out (how many other watches have cyclops's or fluted bezels?) but I'd feel very safe with a non "Instagram basic" watch (i.e. Datejust, Daytona, Nautilus, Royal Oak, etc.). I personally wear a simple Zenith chronograph on the weekends (I need a date for the work week) and I don't worry about it at all, it's so under the radar a lot of watch enthusiasts wouldn't even recognize it, but it's about the same cost as a 36mm Datejust.
No issues wearing watches worth 6 figures in 4+ years. I would never buy something as tasteless as a gold patek though.
Right, because a rose gold time-only Calatrava is tasteless...
For the same $ I can get something that isnt machine finished. The anglage on PP is a joke, machine marks on anything under $250k or so.
It absolutely boggles my mind when you see people say, "oh no one cares/notices, just wear it". Or "Ive never had a problem, it's OK". That is a level of ignorant bliss (read: stupid morons) that I never want to achieve.
I think you're right to be concerned and should definitely pick your spots carefully on where to wear it.
Let me think of a way to show off my watch to nameless, faceless dudes on the internet for God knows what reason. I got it...I will take a pic of said watch and show it to ask an asinine question. I really hope I get the love now that I did not get as a child...What OP is thinking probably.
It's not a real Patek.
The post was pathetic enough that I didnt have the heart to state the obvious.
Ha, I couldnt even be bothered to look at his older posts. I was actually hoping it was some dude taking the pizz and snagged me for replying to such an obvious troll like post. I dont know who is worse, me for actually replying to him, you for looking up his history, or patek boy for posting
We all fucking suck. Cheers
Why tf are you awake? do you trade something exotic
Ha, as a proud, arrogant American i am still shocked that people forget that this world is pretty big with different time zones. I am based in Asia my dude
Lots of envy here. The Patek is 100% authentic.
Damn, your watch is for sale from turkey on chrono24, better call your insurance company.
https://www.chrono24.ca/patekphilippe/nautilus--id21577162.htm lol...
So what? I'm selling my watch on that website.
Probably not. Downtown tends to be one of the worst locations in a given city, and although the daytime is usually better you will be the target of unsolicited begging and petty theft even in the day if you wear a gold watch. If you want, slip it on when you’re inside the office building and slip it off before you leave.
Lol “think Rolex or Patek Philippe” then proceeds to picture exactly what it is….. what’s the point ?
congrats on houston
OP appears to be based in Istanbul actually.
You can literally get your hands chopped off if you are in central London (google it). Can only recommend the MoonSwatch for now.
I have private armed security services available please contact if you are interested in such services
This account has to be a troll. He posted about wearing fake watches earlier, and I desperately don’t want to believe someone would be so foolish as to wear a fake watch and then fear for their safety
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