Rolex watch lovers buy their watches to wear and enjoy with pride, not to lock in a safe. However, the difficulty of the pandemic caused crime to skyrocket in most countries. This makes people ask if it is dangerous to wear a Rolex watch in public? Let’s find out!
A Rolex watch is considered a significant investment and a symbol of prestige; however, it can be dangerous to wear one in certain places. Criminals often target people wearing Rolex and other expensive watches. Situational awareness is essential if you are going to wear your Rolex in public.
When you own a Rolex watch, you are proud of it and want to show it. But being happy with your watch doesn’t mean you have to flaunt it. Others are also drawn to the qualities that made Rolex famous and would like to get their hands on it. But just how dangerous is it to wear your Rolex on the street?
How Dangerous Is It to Wear a Rolex Watch in Public?
We don’t want to instill fear into everyone who owns a Rolex watch, but crime is high at the moment. Since 2020 the coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of poverty in many communities that caused crime to skyrocket. We think a word of warning is appropriate for Rolex wearers who consider wearing their watches in public places.
Countries and cities worldwide have crime; unfortunately, that is the harsh reality of the world we live in today.
Several cases are reported around the globe where people are robbed and attacked for their Rolex watch. Even though you might not have experience crime personally or had your watch stolen, there is no need to place yourself in a dangerous situation.
Luxury watch crime is not something new, but it is worrying and can be incredibly dangerous. Most people who wear Rolex watches are aware of it. When a violent watch robbery occurs, it often makes headline news.
Today most Rolex owners are not that comfortable wearing their Rolex watches out in public for fear of being robbed or viciously attacked.
Criminals who are also attracted to the high value and exceptional qualities that a Rolex watch embodies roam around looking for an easy target.
A Rolex watch evokes prestige and wealth and has an excellent reputation that maintains its value; criminals looking for a quick buck often target Rolex wearers for those same reasons. And it is no surprise that those unscrupulous criminals will take extreme measures to get their hands on one.
If you want to wear your Rolex watch in public, you should consider a few things and take some precautions before you do so.
International Criminal Rolex Gangs
You might feel what the point is of buying a Rolex if you must leave it locked away. A Rolex is made to be worn, after all. But then you can also ask what the point is of wearing a Rolex watch if it potentially puts your life in danger and there is the chance it can be stolen.
There are evil people in this world who will target Rolex wearers unconditionally. Being situationally aware is very important before you go out in public with your prized timepiece.
Wearing a Rolex will attract attention, and sometimes it attracts the wrong attention. International Rolex gangs operate in most major cities worldwide and look for easy targets, and a glimpse of a Rolex, however unintentional, will alert these criminals. A Rolex’s reputation and street value are very tempting to criminals.
Even though the arrests of international criminal Rolex gangs were announced in 2021, more reports have surfaced recently that there are still criminal gangs active.
International criminal Rolex gangs dedicated to stealing Rolex watches continue to operate worldwide, clearly focused on robbing Rolex watches from unsuspecting victims.
The police continue investigating these Rolex gangs and the mechanisms they use to identify victims, like spotters in restaurants and transport companies. Criminal Rolex gangs will often roam a particular high-end neighborhood looking for people wearing Rolex watches hanging out in bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Rolex robberies have often led to violent crimes, and certain luxury watches like Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are also in high demand among criminal gangs. These international criminal gangs have one sole objective to hit and run with someone’s Rolex watch.
Tips on Staying Safe When Wearing a Rolex in Public
While crime is up, it is essential to take safety precautions when considering wearing your Rolex watch in public. Robberies at knifepoint of Rolex watches in some of the most affluent areas have increased these past few years. Criminals on motorbikes have attacked victims wearing luxury watches.
Always be aware of your surroundings; that is super important. Don’t walk alone late at night by yourself while wearing your Rolex watch, regardless of what part of the city you will be in. Follow these tips to make sure you are extra vigilant when going out with your Rolex watch
Before You Go Out, Plan Ahead
Plan before you go out and consider these points. Check the route you are going to take. Calculate the risk of the neighborhood and the way back. Where you are traveling to, and the watch you are wearing should not be made from a style point of view but also a safety one.
Before you wear your Rolex in public, consider whether it will be day or night or if you be walking anywhere alone? Will you be using public transport? Is the area crowded?
Don’t draw attention to yourself in the way you act or dress. Stay alert and keep an eye out for potential dangers in your surroundings.
Think about the area you are going to and consider the watch perfect for that environment. Be extra cautious if it’s a neighborhood where crime is high.
Be Vigilant
Stay alert and be vigilant when you wear your Rolex watch in public. Be mindful of who can see your watch, don’t show it off intentionally. Be streetwise whenever you feel there’s a threat, pull your sleeve to conceal your watch, and don’t be afraid to take it off entirely if you don’t feel safe.
Try to be inconspicuous when taking it off so as not to draw attention to it.
Get Insurance for Your Rolex
Having insurance for your Rolex watch provides a certain kind of peace. You will feel comfortable wearing it publicly if you can afford to lose it. Insurance is essential if you are going to visit high-risk areas often.
Whatever area you frequently visit for peace of mind, it is better to insure it. Your Rolex did not come cheap, and you have sentimental value towards it. Insuring your watch will prevent you from losing a significant deal of money. At least if it is insured, you can buy another if it is robbed or lost by the unfortunate event.
Don’t expose your watch when you are on a telephone call; talking on a mobile will inevitably show your watch. Be careful when a stranger walks up to you and asks for the time.
Criminal spotters use this method to locate expensive watches and actively seek to identify prospected victims.
Wear A Sacrificial Decoy
This might sound strange but carry a decoy or a watch that looks like a Rolex and swap it when you go out and travel from your destination.
An Invicta dive watch from afar looks remarkably like a Rolex submariner. Swap your Rolex for the decoy watch between the venue and your home.
Keep the decoy watch in your partner’s handbag or your pocket, and change the watches when you need to venture out into the street. It might be a bit of an inconvenience for some, but if you are unfamiliar with the area, it is worth the effort.
If someone tried to take your watch from you, you could easily hand over a $100 watch over your expensive Rolex. Robbers in the act are unlikely to double-check for fine details. They would get a $100 watch instead of your trusted timepiece.
Don’t be Flashy
Don’t be flashy when you go out; try wearing a less conspicuous watch that still projects prestige and class but is less expensive.
If you are going to be flashy and walk around showing off a gold Rolex, you are probably asking for trouble. With so many fashionable watches on the market, wear something that fits the area you will visit rather than wearing your expensive watch to a dangerous place. You could swap the Rolex strap for something cheaper to throw robbers off track.
Don’t post it on Social Media
These days everyone posts everything on social media. If you are going to advertise your location and your Rolex on social media, don’t be surprised if you become a target. The consequences of showing off your Rolex watch on social media could quickly become a nightmare.
It’s unnecessary to make yourself a target by posting expensive cars, jewelry, designer clothes, or Rolex watches on social media.
Rolex’s High Prices
The high prices that Rolex watches are known for leaves an impression on criminals. It is easy money. Rolex watches continue to gain value. They are costly; some individuals cannot afford one and will do anything to get their hands on one, even robbery.
The Watch Register
If, in the unfortunate event, your Rolex watch gets stolen, you have the added reassurance to register it on the Watch Register.
It is a registry with the most significant international database of stolen and lost watches. Insurance companies, theft victims, and police forces also use this central database to register stolen watches.
The watch register also allows pawnbrokers, retailers, auction houses, collectors, and jewelers to check the status of a watch before a transaction takes place.
The database lists over 75,000 stolen and lost luxury watches and is growing daily. Over 900 watch brands and manufacturers are registered on the database.
The database includes Omega, Rolex, A. Lange & Sohne, Panerai, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Cartier, Patek Philippe, IWC, TAG Heuer, Franck Muller, Jaeger Lecoultre, Breguet, Bremont, Girard Perregaux, Hublot, Piaget, Zenith, Baume & Mercier and Richard Mille.
The database also includes vintage and antique pocket watches and allows pawnbrokers, retailers, and auction houses to obtain the status of a watch within five minutes.
The widespread database offers theft victims, police forces, and insurers the best chance to recover stolen luxury watches.
Register your stolen or lost watch on the database to increase your chances of recovery. Your watch will be checked against other watches on the database as soon as it is registered.
Your watch will stay registered on the database until it is recovered. As soon as a watch is located that is registered on the database, you will be contacted immediately so that it can be returned to you.
You can find the Watch Register here: https://www.thewatchregister.com/
Conclusion
While we don’t want to deter Rolex watch wearers from wearing their prized possessions, we want people to be vigilant.
Wearing a Rolex watch is a sign of prestige and wealth, and while you have earned that right, some other people may be envious and all too eager to relieve you from your watch.
Even if it can be dangerous in some places to wear your Rolex watch in public, following the tips we listed in this article can minimize the dangers. Be careful when you venture outdoors with your expensive watch on your wrist; always be aware of your surroundings.
We suggest wearing your Rolex when you want but choosing the locations wisely. If you are attending an upscale event or visiting a friend at his home, wear your Rolex, but if you go to a crowded bar and must take public transport instead, leave your Rolex home for another day.
We hope you found this article informative, and even though these times are dangerous, they should not stop you from living your life; just be wise about the possible dangers when out in public.
Sources
- https://www.rolex.com/en-us
- https://www.fratellowatches.com/watch-advice-keep-your-rolex-to-yourself/
- https://quillandpad.com/2020/08/29/how-safe-dangerous-is-it-to-wear-your-watches-in-public-with-tips-for-minimizing-the-risks/
- https://www.infobae.com/en/2022/03/22/the-rolex-band-is-still-alive-with-new-theft-techniques/
- https://timeandtidewatches.com/the-rolex-robberies-when-your-watch-makes-you-a-target-for-crime/
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/07/15/police-warn-of-violent-luxury-watch-thefts-by-moped-gangs-in-londons-most-affluent-areas/
- https://www.thewatchregister.com/
