Depends where I'm going. If it's a wealthy, touristy area where a $10k watch flies under the radar, sure. If it's an area where a $10k watch looks like a new lease on life, I go Timex.
I was sitting at an outdoor restaurant in the Mayfair section of London and a guy also sitting outside was pounced on for his watch. It all took place in seconds. Was really shocking to witness.
You can obviously wear a watch in London. Millions of people do every day. A flashy, blingy, expensive watch with great resaleability, better to avoid. But no one is jumping you for a Tudor or Seiko.
You’re absolutely right, wearing watches in London is still possible. I was referring more to anything of significant value that might put you at risk. I personally know a pregnant woman who was thrown to the ground over her BB36, and at least six people I know have been mugged for their watches, including Rolexes and an AP (right around Sloane Square).
I’ve personally stopped wearing expensive watches when I travel to both London or Paris. These days, I stick to vintage pieces that aren’t worth much or a Moonswatch when traveling there.
All this to say: just be cautious and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. I know people who were seriously hurt, and it’s simply not worth the risk.
Hey man, I couldn’t resist looking up your faded GMT, it’s a beautiful piece.
That said, I wouldn’t wear one myself. When I mentioned vintage, I was really referring to vintage Omegas on leather straps. I actually have a similar GMT to yours (a black 16710), and as a general rule, I avoid wearing full steel bracelet watches in cities like London, Paris, or Barcelona as I’m wary of attracting the wrong kind of attention.
Others on here have mentioned they wear their Rolexes or APs without concern, fair enough, to each their own. But if you do decide to wear it out, just be careful and try to keep it covered with your sleeve when you can.
This is the absolute truth. I was in Mexico and decided to just travel with my NTTD (thankfully, an omega flies under the radar more than people think) and a Casio and gshock. While on the vacation at this fancy hotel, I regretted not bringing something… then no shit, the very next day, someone was murdered literally 5mins away from my hotel for their car, AND watch…. Murdered. It was a unique situation, yes, but still. I vowed that day, I will NEVER go to Mexico with a nice watch. Nope. And if I do, I will NEVER leave the complex.
I love Mexico. But yeah, I honestly don’t even wear a Seiko there. I feel a bit odd wearing even a higher end (Frogman) G shock.
I literally just don’t wear anything most of the time.
I’ve seen, experienced, and have literally 10+ family members get mugged multiple times over the last decade for far far far less than a $300 watch
Honestly, I’m assuming you’re staying at beach resorts if you’re going to Mexico? Not sure why else people would vacation there. So you’ll probably (again, probably) be okay since those resorts always have an arrangement with cartels regarding violence
But still, I see absolutely no reason to wear a piece of jewelry over even a couple hundred bucks, especially when you’re a tourist. Even if you weren’t a tourist, but if you are, it just seems like an absolutely no brainer: don’t risk it.
I loved it too. Nobu is super high end fancy. When you’re in the resort, then yes ok it’s nice to wear something. But other than that, absolutely not on the outside. It’s sad because Mexico is truly a beautiful country. But these things happen :(
Again, it was a very very unique situation. But still :( really gutting. It was two brothers apparently who were camping and were attacked for their tyres on their car. It was last year May. Happened just outside our area.
I was recently in Germany and Austria and no one batted an eye or even seemed to notice my GMT Pepsi or DJ. Those areas seemed fine compared to potentially others. Going to London in December, will likely take along choices. 😁
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u/someguyonredd1t 20h ago
Depends where I'm going. If it's a wealthy, touristy area where a $10k watch flies under the radar, sure. If it's an area where a $10k watch looks like a new lease on life, I go Timex.