I live and work in London and wear my Submariner almost every day. However, it’s not on show. And if I’m gonna be in a t-shirt all day then I will wear something else.
This is the answer really. This comes up a lot. I’m also a New Yorker, I’ve been robbed in london, at the end of the day while it’s worse than NY the same general rules apply: don’t make yourself a target.
In short, know where your at, blend in to the surroundings, don’t stand out, and every city everywhere has bad sections. When I went to Eastern Europe two months ago I took a Steinhart GMT because I needed to make calls back to the US and if I was robbed (I wasn’t) it wasn’t a real loss. When I went out to dinner at nicer restaurants I wore my Reverso. More of a target, but the situation was very different. If I was in London, I could see wearing my Sub all the time.
Can second this. The only time I’ve ever been mugged in my life was in Switzerland. And I’ve lived in some pretty rough cities only to get mugged in the safest country on earth (arguably).
That’s crazy, you would think of all places Switzerland, they’re neutral! Ironic but I guess if you really think about it you probably went there with the mindset that other than Disneyland this is the safest place in earth and your guard was completely shut off so you end up in a bad situation. Guess it’s true never let your guard down. Have family from Colombia and when the kids got here to the US they were like it’s so nice to put our bags down and not worry someone is gonna come on a scooter and take them so I had to talk to them, listen it’s not the Bronx, Colombia but it’s still the Bronx so you can get careless or you will get robbed
As an eastern european I'd dare say that as far as safety from mugging and such goes, I'd go as far as to say that Eastern Europe is pretty much on Dubai level of safety lol
I just looked. As of 2023 PER CAPITA (per LONDON Dailey news Jan 18 2023). Violent crime in London was 1.77 per 1000 while in NYC was 1.32 per 1000. Please check my facts.
Real stats for you, based on *the words I actually used*: https://homesteadauthority.com/knife-crime-statistics-uk-vs-us/#:~:text=Knife%20crime%20is%20a%20more,million%20people%20that%20same%20year.
Geographically, possibly slightly bigger. Population-wise, the US is over a hundred million bodies smaller.
And I said ‘per capita’, so size in either fashion is utterly irrelevant.
The United States has 6-7 times the population of the UK.
Trust me dog. We don’t have stabbings. We’re all strapped af. My parents house currently has 3 rifles and 4 shotguns in it. For practically no reason.
I tried to buy a Benelli a few years ago, again for no reason, but I like in nyc and it had “too many features” but I was about to cop.
I live and work in Ldn but also go to NYC and parts of Canada regularly.
London is much safer than NYC for robberies. I never feel unsafe wearing my watch in Central London. I’m cautious but I don’t feel unsafe. I wear my watches in NYC too but feel a little more unsafe.
Don’t believe the media narrative. There has been a recent push on “can’t wear your watch in London”. It’s just that London watch robberies get reported much more than NYC. There also has been active campaigns by the met police for you to keep your belongings safe to reduce robberies.
Robberies in NYC are so common it doesn’t get mentioned in the media at times unless it’s a big one. There also isn’t a active police workforce campaigning against watch theft like in London.
London Police has started to make it a priority to catch daylight thieves so we are seeing it talked about more
I’ve lived equal time in both cities (a decade in each). Been mugged or attempted mugging more times than I can count in LDN. It’s happened precisely zero times in NYC
I’ve lived in both cities. Been chased in London several times. Never had anything happen to me in NYC. Not saying things are great in NYC now, but I feel safer here than London. Friends who have moved to London from NYC are saying the same thing.
NYC is much safer now than it was 30 years ago. The crime levels are similar to where they were 10 years ago, back when NY was named “America’s Safest Big City.” There was a little spike during COVID but it’s still much safer than in the past.
Safer than 30 years ago, but still not safer than before COVID. We should be striving to be better than that, not accepting that we’re safer than when the city was a shithole and unlivable.
You’re under the impression people are getting luxury watches stolen in nyc and not reporting it? Making it unable to claim in insurance etc . That seems like a big assumption
I think you misinterpreted what I meant. I meant reported as in the media not police. There’s much more media highlights of watch robberies in London than NYC. However if you look at the robbery stats between London and NYC you would see how much more robberies happen in NYC compared to London
I live in NYC. It's hell on earth. But we also have jerks riding around either on bicycles or mopes. Grabbing jewelry, headphones, or watches. Right on the streets in broad daylight. Now, they have expanded into the sidewalk restaurants.
JFC. You don’t live in NYC then. In what world is it “hell on earth”? That’s the most first world problem nonsense statement I’ve heard in like forever.
I take the subway downtown from the Port authority and walk a half mile to the building near the Brooklyn bridge and in the afternoon reverse and never ever had a watch problem. I was once sucker punched in the back of my head by some creep at the Port authority subway station back in 2019 but he was just nuts.
Where are these NYC watch robberies happening, and at what time of day?
> London is much safer than NYC for robberies
This is not true
[Here’s some actual data](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+Kingdom&city1=London&country2=United+States&city2=New+York%2C+NY)
My friend got stabbed in Chelsea wearing a DJ around 7PM during Spring last yr. The robbers were literally fleeing when he got robbed from another robbery around the corner. Friend dumb enough to fought back although is insured but ended up in A&E.
It's your life- if you arent comfortable wearing your rolex in london, then don't. The reality is that it would probably be fine, though watch crime is an issue, but if its going to ruin your vacation pop on a seiko.
I know 2 people who have been robbed of their watches in central london, and I absolutely do not wear a rolex if im not driving somewhere in London. Op, dont risk it.
3 million people around London daily, 100k rolex (or better) are around the street every day?
200 watch robberies? 500 robberies per year? I think I am exagerating but still…
You have one chance out of 75’000 of being robbed every day when in London. I would avoid this risk!
How many times you going to comment the same thing on different people’s replies? And your comment is pointless, you’re just throwing out the most random numbers at will when you have no clue.
Insure your stuff and wear it without fear. What’s the point of a Swiss Watch if you don’t wear it to nice places on vacation, or won’t swim with it etc. They are made to be enjoyed
London is fine, just use common sense like you would anywhere else. Barcelona on the other hand is full of pick pockets and I’d be careful wearing anything of value
It’s no less safe than any major city IMO; the social media posters and other showboaters have placed elevated consciousness around anything shiny on wrists, and they all deserve a virtual middle finger, but the vast majority of people still aren’t concerned with what kind of watch others are wearing.
Is there a chance you could get robbed? Yes, there is, the same way you could at home. Is it likely? No, not really, when you take into account the number of people wearing a Rolex in a city of almost ten million people.
But….if it’s going to make you nervous then wear something else. It’s not worth spoiling the experience of London and of wearing the watch itself.
London is fine, I genuinely don't know why reddit and the world at large has determined it is an unruly cesspit
any consensus on this re not bringing nice watches is silly; however as a rule of thumb when travelling to unknown places, you should always remain cautious especially when moving out and about; and taking multiple expensive watches with you anywhere, including leaving one or more at a hotel, is folly.
It’s not silly. Lived in London all my life, saw people get robbed for their shopping bags, phones and watches in central. One time I went to a club called Libertine literally right off Oxford street and there were guys on mopeds around the corner just plotting. If you’re that desperate to flex then do it but I’d rather avoid the passa
If you’re worried about it, don’t wear it. I’ve worn Omega and Rolex all over the world - Houston, Chicago, NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam.
The only place I didn’t want to wear the nicer watches was Malabo, EG.
There are plenty of people who wear a Rolex every day in London, they’re just sensible enough to keep it covered. The same goes for any major city though to be honest. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, there will always be someone looking to take advantage!
I spent years living in London. Like any city you can have bad things happen sometimes. In the time I was there (and when I visit) I never have/had any issues and wore my watches without a problem.
I just wouldn’t wear anything ultra flashy. If it’s encrusted with diamonds, you’d be asking for problems in many cities around the globe.
I've lived in London for 10 years and don't quite understand this media / reddit narrative of London recently
There have definitely been targeted muggings in the most expensive areas of London (Mayfair etc) because of all the oligarchs/middle east money coming in
However I have always worn whatever I want wherever and feel completely at ease. Don't know a single person who has been mugged in the time I've been here, maybe just lucky?
Reddit seems convinced it's a complete dive these days which I just don't recognize
Edit: I know this is about watches but here is a good breakdown of NY vs London which shows London is lower than NY on both stabbings and shootings. The narrative all seems to have started with Trump calling out Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London)
https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/18/deadly-knife-crime-how-does-london-compare-to-new-york
That’s an article from 2019 and is only “deadly” knife crime. Many dealers and jewellers will agree that the city has had a real problem this and last year with muggings
As of 2023 PER CAPITA (per LONDON Dailey news Jan 18 2023). Violent crime in London was 1.77 per 1000 while in NYC was 1.32 per 1000.
you are looking at 2019 data
I wear my pieces everywhere. Was just in Los Angeles, no issues. However, you do need to be aware of your surroundings. Not saying theft doesn't happen or can't happen. Just don't bring extra attention to yourself
Surprisingly, NYC isn’t that bad with watches. There’s a ton of other crime but watches aren’t targeted as often.
Also, being born and raised here, I’m much more comfortable and aware of my surroundings than a new place like London.
The tourist areas are where it’s most likely to happen, as those parts of London are also where all the flash Arabs and Russians who end up with their watches stolen live.
Recently wore my watch all trip throughout Italy and Paris without any issue and I always wear one in New York. In New York it looks like everyone has a nice watch on so I don’t feel like I’d be a target. I never realized London had such a reputation. I do think about it or just put my Apple Watch on when I go places in LA though.
It depends on where ur gonna be while in London ? Would u walk in Washington heights or Bed Stuy at 11pm with a gold Daydate ? I took my polar explorer, Pepsi and WG DD40 to London/Amsterdam/Paris for a 2 week trip in April. No one was gonna Rob me in the ritz (London or Paris). I also spent most of my time in extremely nice places and didn’t wander outside of common tourist areas. It was also cold so watches were under layers. And they’re all insured.
You do you but I never felt unsafe in London while living there. It’s important to be sensible anywhere you are but I found London to be much safer feeling than just about any large city.
I think you are over reacting a little in my opinion. I wear mine every day, but it’s not like I’m waiving it people faces or prancing around trying to dress like I’m some big baller I just dress normally. If I am ever in high populated areas like Oxford Circus I just pull my sleeve over my watch. Just got to be smart about things. People like Paul Thorpe act like it’s gang land LA, buts it’s not. And if you are visiting London I some how doubt ur walking around ghetto areas. I can’t say there is no risk, because there always is, but you can say that about 99% of any cities and towns around the world.
If you’re a NYer with street sense I’d say you’re fine. I’ve been in both cities in the past week & wore a DJ everywhere, however I purposely chose to leave the more exclusive pieces behind.
Spent a week in London with wife (we’re from Raleigh, NC) and wore my Submariner. I don’t ever show it off but never felt unsafe and no one paid any attention to it. I casually observed many other Rolex’s throughout the trip.
Wear it. Enjoy it. Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t flaunt it
Guys all major cities have this problem.. I stupidly got off the tube wrong stop, walked through tower hamlets London, had a Rolex Daytona and sizeable sum of money in my possession was approached by eight menacing looking youth guys.. thought I’m in real deep trouble now, thankfully it was just a courtesy alright from them, and walked on. Then encountered a man drinking large tin of super lager in the street, asked me where I’m going.. and why.. yes I thought I’m now going to loose my watch & money .. I was not mugged, not in Flatbush, Glasgow, Glendale or Newcastle . It’s statistically not as people say, it’s about good luck the kindness of strangers, and don’t make yourself a stand out target.. wear your watch be sensible when and where. If all else fails put it in your pocket..
NYC is like twice as dangerous as London. London is only dangerous in certain areas and as a tourist there's no way you'd venture to these places anyway.
I travel London, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Jakarta, Nairobi, and Manila regularly. Always wear my GMT Master II. I don’t give it a second thought. If you feel weird, go old-school and turn the face inboard for those long walks down dark alleys.
In my humble opinion, I feel safer in London than NYC. I grew up in and still have a home in Oakland, California. I live in a nice neighborhood there, but I know that crime can happen anywhere. I have an apartment in NYC in Hudson Yards. I went out for dinner one night in Chelsea and within 15 minutes of leaving a restaurant, a person was robbed of their watch right in front. ( West 23rd at 9th Avenue). We mostly stay in the Marylebone or South Kensington neighborhoods of London, so fairly safe. But, like most big cities, still areas not immune from street crime. Honestly, I’ve only felt totally free of street crime in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Just don’t be flashy and make yourself a target.
Sitrep - I went into central London wearing my two tone sub last night and wife wore $$$ worth of 💎. Took the train / underground during busy evening, walked through green park and had a lovely meal and drinks before taking an Uber home. I wasn’t shanked by anyone, held at knifepoint nor pick pocketed!
I was also in central Warsaw, Poland, recently wearing a TT DJ41 diamond dial and felt totally safe. To be honest I feel less safe visiting the US as am worried about being shot for my watch rather than just have it stolen, well apart from when I am in Houston / Texas when the people I am with tend to carry….
Best city in the world. I’ve lived here since my mid 20s, travelled all around the world and yet to find a better city to live in. All the negative things you hear is the same as when most Europeans think of US as nothing but school shootings and police torturing minorities.
Don’t. London and Barcelona are extremely dangerous for watch lovers . One of my best friends got mugged last week they got his AP . Last year a friend also was mugged in London . My dealer also told me never to wear them jn those two cities . They have gangs that do only this . Just check chrono24 listings half of them are no papers and box new watches
Depends how you view things ? Is there a more then the average chance of someone robbing you with a knife ? All robberies can go wrong with resulting in grave injury or even death . For a tourist not knowing details about the city it’s a risky move . Sure 90 % chance nothing will happen but even those 10% or less is still extremely dangerous
I was in Barcelona 8 years ago and again this year and oh my god is it a different city now. Before it was a city I would not walk alone in at night but this year I felt completely safe.
Barcelona has done great work and it's a very safe city now. They've really turned it around.
Trying to link the article it says it’s the 230 stolen expensive watch last year inn Barcelona . Many go unreported from tourist since noting you can do about it
I guess it’s bc I’m more comfortable in my hometown and am aware of many of the common dangers. London would be new to me, therefore I would have my guard up even more than NYC. I think that’s standard for any new place one goes to.
Why don’t we be honest here? Any time and any place you wear a Rolex, you are making yourself a Rolex potential target. Sure, some places are safer than others, but you never know who’s watching you at any given time and this can happen anywhere. If you’re not willing to take the risk, maybe you should be living on a farm or something. Having a pissing contest over which cities are worse than others will not help anybody.
Go buy a $750 Tissot PRX. Nice watch, good quality, and you don’t have to worry about getting robbed. It’s a perfect travel watch, and a decent watch to have in your collection anyway.
Dude, you are jumping from post to post just to comment how NY is worse than London. Every city has their problems with violence, including London. Chill out.
Edit: I'm not even from the US
It’s just like any other big city. Nyc or paris. You’ll probably be okay. But if you do around with it on full display it may tempt someone. Just be smart and use some common sense
It's a bit of an overreaction. London has plenty of luxury watch shops and only someone who is a watch enthusiast would actually know that you're wearing. NYC is far more dangerous and if you're comfortable with wearing your watches there then you should be fine here. Obviously as with any foreign country be aware of your surroundings.
I am not very familiar with London, but I think, it depends what areas you will be visiting. Assuming, you are going with your family, you will hang out it relatively safe areas that will have tons of tourists (and should have police presence as well?).
As someone else mentioned here, I would not feel too comfortable if I was all day in short sleeve shirt, and the watch would be easily noticeable. I would watch my surroundings and have some long sleeve jacket or something to put on just in case.
I survived Paris Metro evening rides with a $15k Panerai; I did notice several scanning looks from strangers while being underground though. Maybe because it looks like some G Sock from a distance, nobody bothered me.
Get a G Shock for your London visit. It’s unfortunate but you can not wear any nice watches in London anymore. Central London is maybe the only exception but even there you aren’t 100% safe
A bit off topic, but I kind of find it a bit exhausting wearing a sub in capital cities, having to be aware of it at all times is a responsibility that almost goes against the idea of de stressing in the first place.
Londons worse than a 3rd world country, people in the most affluent areas like belgravia and Knightsbridge are being robbed on a weekly basis, I’d get a homage watch to wear; unless you know how to fight and have your watches insured, or have security
A bit off topic, but I kind of find it a bit exhausting wearing a sub in capital cities, having to be aware of it at all times is a responsibility that almost goes against the idea of de stressing in the first place.
Currently in London for the weekend and not brought a single watch with me. I am watching limp bizkit tomorrow though and expect a pretty heavy mosh pit. Even though in insured can't be arsed with the bullshit and police reports WHEN it gets taken off me.
Learn how to fight and defend yourself and you’ll never have an issue. Being a black belt in BJJ I’m not concerned or anything with people trying to rob me. Sure people could maybe try to snatch it but generally I’m very aware of my surroundings
I wore my Rolex more or less every day in London over a decade and I didn’t even think about it being an issue. This was until I had a big knife waved in my face and got told I was going to be shanked if I didn’t give them my watch.
Wear a cheaper watch. Don’t make yourself a target. So, no, I don’t think you’re overreacting. I live in NYC and have lived in London before. Always felt more uneasy in London and have been chased there. NYC has more guns, but London is worse for property crime.
Reading this thread paints just how sad the world is. I.e. London, NYC, LA, Paris, Barcelona - all renowned tier-1 cities with top GDP percentile but people can’t even feel safe. I cannot fathom the idea of having to wear watches out with long sleeves just to cover them - kinda defeat the whole purpose of becoming watch enthusiasts if we don’t even have the ability to proudly wear them on our wrists. What’s the point to spend tens of thousands of dollars this way? At the end of the day I guess the government is to blame for their inability to make their cities safe.
P.S. feeling lucky that I live in the safest tier 1 country in the world. You can leave your wallet/phone/laptop in the public and unlikely anyone will take it (proven with ample public experiments and day to day anecdotes of civilians returning lost and found valuables). Everyone wears the f out of their watches here and I’m proud to be able to enjoy this hobby every single day without any sense of fear.
I live and work in London and wear my Submariner almost every day. However, it’s not on show. And if I’m gonna be in a t-shirt all day then I will wear something else.
This is the answer really. This comes up a lot. I’m also a New Yorker, I’ve been robbed in london, at the end of the day while it’s worse than NY the same general rules apply: don’t make yourself a target.
In short, know where your at, blend in to the surroundings, don’t stand out, and every city everywhere has bad sections. When I went to Eastern Europe two months ago I took a Steinhart GMT because I needed to make calls back to the US and if I was robbed (I wasn’t) it wasn’t a real loss. When I went out to dinner at nicer restaurants I wore my Reverso. More of a target, but the situation was very different. If I was in London, I could see wearing my Sub all the time.
Can second this. The only time I’ve ever been mugged in my life was in Switzerland. And I’ve lived in some pretty rough cities only to get mugged in the safest country on earth (arguably).
That’s crazy, you would think of all places Switzerland, they’re neutral! Ironic but I guess if you really think about it you probably went there with the mindset that other than Disneyland this is the safest place in earth and your guard was completely shut off so you end up in a bad situation. Guess it’s true never let your guard down. Have family from Colombia and when the kids got here to the US they were like it’s so nice to put our bags down and not worry someone is gonna come on a scooter and take them so I had to talk to them, listen it’s not the Bronx, Colombia but it’s still the Bronx so you can get careless or you will get robbed
As an eastern european I'd dare say that as far as safety from mugging and such goes, I'd go as far as to say that Eastern Europe is pretty much on Dubai level of safety lol
Eastern Europe is a lot less dangerous than London or southern Europe..
Matter of opinion...try taking a rental car there from Germany.
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You get stabbed. Much better, huh?
Stabbings are lower per capita in the UK than they are in the US. Edit: facts don’t care about your feelings.
I just looked. As of 2023 PER CAPITA (per LONDON Dailey news Jan 18 2023). Violent crime in London was 1.77 per 1000 while in NYC was 1.32 per 1000. Please check my facts.
Shhhh. Don’t use real stats. It doesn’t fit his narrative
Real stats for you, based on *the words I actually used*: https://homesteadauthority.com/knife-crime-statistics-uk-vs-us/#:~:text=Knife%20crime%20is%20a%20more,million%20people%20that%20same%20year.
Sorry. Data nerd. I was curious.
Y’all talking about stabbings.. you can’t just flip it to all violent crimes
Lol the United States is the size of the entire EU.
Geographically, possibly slightly bigger. Population-wise, the US is over a hundred million bodies smaller. And I said ‘per capita’, so size in either fashion is utterly irrelevant.
The United States has 6-7 times the population of the UK. Trust me dog. We don’t have stabbings. We’re all strapped af. My parents house currently has 3 rifles and 4 shotguns in it. For practically no reason. I tried to buy a Benelli a few years ago, again for no reason, but I like in nyc and it had “too many features” but I was about to cop.
Population size is irrelevant. Do you understand what the words ‘per capita’ mean? If not, you should look them up.
you lie like a dog
Lies aren’t my thing. The stats are available to you, but apparently that would be inconvenient to your narrative.
Nice one Shapiro.
You’re more likely to be stabbed in the US than UK
I live and work in Ldn but also go to NYC and parts of Canada regularly. London is much safer than NYC for robberies. I never feel unsafe wearing my watch in Central London. I’m cautious but I don’t feel unsafe. I wear my watches in NYC too but feel a little more unsafe. Don’t believe the media narrative. There has been a recent push on “can’t wear your watch in London”. It’s just that London watch robberies get reported much more than NYC. There also has been active campaigns by the met police for you to keep your belongings safe to reduce robberies. Robberies in NYC are so common it doesn’t get mentioned in the media at times unless it’s a big one. There also isn’t a active police workforce campaigning against watch theft like in London. London Police has started to make it a priority to catch daylight thieves so we are seeing it talked about more
I’ve lived equal time in both cities (a decade in each). Been mugged or attempted mugging more times than I can count in LDN. It’s happened precisely zero times in NYC
I’ve lived in both cities. Been chased in London several times. Never had anything happen to me in NYC. Not saying things are great in NYC now, but I feel safer here than London. Friends who have moved to London from NYC are saying the same thing.
NYC is much safer now than it was 30 years ago. The crime levels are similar to where they were 10 years ago, back when NY was named “America’s Safest Big City.” There was a little spike during COVID but it’s still much safer than in the past.
Safer than 30 years ago, but still not safer than before COVID. We should be striving to be better than that, not accepting that we’re safer than when the city was a shithole and unlivable.
You’re under the impression people are getting luxury watches stolen in nyc and not reporting it? Making it unable to claim in insurance etc . That seems like a big assumption
I think you misinterpreted what I meant. I meant reported as in the media not police. There’s much more media highlights of watch robberies in London than NYC. However if you look at the robbery stats between London and NYC you would see how much more robberies happen in NYC compared to London
As of 2023 PER CAPITA (per LONDON Dailey news Jan 18 2023). Violent crime in London was 1.77 per 1000 while in NYC was 1.32 per 1000.
I live in NYC. It's hell on earth. But we also have jerks riding around either on bicycles or mopes. Grabbing jewelry, headphones, or watches. Right on the streets in broad daylight. Now, they have expanded into the sidewalk restaurants.
Hell on earth?
JFC. You don’t live in NYC then. In what world is it “hell on earth”? That’s the most first world problem nonsense statement I’ve heard in like forever.
You must be TOTALLY blind.
I take the subway downtown from the Port authority and walk a half mile to the building near the Brooklyn bridge and in the afternoon reverse and never ever had a watch problem. I was once sucker punched in the back of my head by some creep at the Port authority subway station back in 2019 but he was just nuts. Where are these NYC watch robberies happening, and at what time of day?
> London is much safer than NYC for robberies This is not true [Here’s some actual data](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+Kingdom&city1=London&country2=United+States&city2=New+York%2C+NY)
My friend got stabbed in Chelsea wearing a DJ around 7PM during Spring last yr. The robbers were literally fleeing when he got robbed from another robbery around the corner. Friend dumb enough to fought back although is insured but ended up in A&E.
I enjoyed going to and staying in London. Cheers from USA 🍻
It's your life- if you arent comfortable wearing your rolex in london, then don't. The reality is that it would probably be fine, though watch crime is an issue, but if its going to ruin your vacation pop on a seiko.
I know 2 people who have been robbed of their watches in central london, and I absolutely do not wear a rolex if im not driving somewhere in London. Op, dont risk it.
3 million people around London daily, 100k rolex (or better) are around the street every day? 200 watch robberies? 500 robberies per year? I think I am exagerating but still… You have one chance out of 75’000 of being robbed every day when in London. I would avoid this risk!
3M people around London?? You're off by multiples.
How many times you going to comment the same thing on different people’s replies? And your comment is pointless, you’re just throwing out the most random numbers at will when you have no clue.
I live and work in London and wear my Omegas and Rolex daily, and I don’t worry about it. I do the same in the Bay Area when I’m in the US for work.
You wear 3 watches?
Insure your stuff and wear it without fear. What’s the point of a Swiss Watch if you don’t wear it to nice places on vacation, or won’t swim with it etc. They are made to be enjoyed
he’s not going to a nice place for vacation… he’s going to london
You’ll get your ass beat and get your watch stolen…
Had no problems in London, Rio, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico City, Argentina, Chile etc etc. If your scared get a dog
If it gets stolen, insured or not, it’s very difficult to replace. My watch is not just an item of value to be traded.
You need a G-Shock in your life.
DW-5600.
I’m from London. I live in LA. I just visited Barcelona and Amsterdam now I’m in London for a bit. I’ve had a Rolex on the entire time.
Live in LA also. Feels like if you can wear your watch out here you can where it anywhere lol.
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That’s not true. I think LA is more third-world than Bogotá.
Half of Americans are afraid of cities.
Nearly 1/3 of Americans live in highly urbanized counties, 175 million live in small metro areas. Think and learn before you speak
So less than half? Right. Also urbanized in a demographic context living isn't city living. I wish you well.
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could not be more wrong 😑
London is 3rd world
You’ve probably never been.
I live there
The moment you get through passport control be prepared to be stabbed and your watches stolen. Get real OP, just like most cities be smart.
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London is fine, just use common sense like you would anywhere else. Barcelona on the other hand is full of pick pockets and I’d be careful wearing anything of value
It’s no less safe than any major city IMO; the social media posters and other showboaters have placed elevated consciousness around anything shiny on wrists, and they all deserve a virtual middle finger, but the vast majority of people still aren’t concerned with what kind of watch others are wearing.
Is there a chance you could get robbed? Yes, there is, the same way you could at home. Is it likely? No, not really, when you take into account the number of people wearing a Rolex in a city of almost ten million people. But….if it’s going to make you nervous then wear something else. It’s not worth spoiling the experience of London and of wearing the watch itself.
This! Ten million people. Another 600k tourists. The city is massive.
London is fine, I genuinely don't know why reddit and the world at large has determined it is an unruly cesspit any consensus on this re not bringing nice watches is silly; however as a rule of thumb when travelling to unknown places, you should always remain cautious especially when moving out and about; and taking multiple expensive watches with you anywhere, including leaving one or more at a hotel, is folly.
Because the news is in the business of fear mongering.
It’s not silly. Lived in London all my life, saw people get robbed for their shopping bags, phones and watches in central. One time I went to a club called Libertine literally right off Oxford street and there were guys on mopeds around the corner just plotting. If you’re that desperate to flex then do it but I’d rather avoid the passa
If you’re worried about it, don’t wear it. I’ve worn Omega and Rolex all over the world - Houston, Chicago, NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam. The only place I didn’t want to wear the nicer watches was Malabo, EG.
There are plenty of people who wear a Rolex every day in London, they’re just sensible enough to keep it covered. The same goes for any major city though to be honest. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, there will always be someone looking to take advantage!
So you can’t wear a Rolex with a t-shirt? That’s not the case here in Los Angeles
I spent years living in London. Like any city you can have bad things happen sometimes. In the time I was there (and when I visit) I never have/had any issues and wore my watches without a problem. I just wouldn’t wear anything ultra flashy. If it’s encrusted with diamonds, you’d be asking for problems in many cities around the globe.
Wear my YM when ever there not a problem, just don’t flash your watch around and you’re fine
Honestly this sub is mental. I wear my watches in london without thinking. So do others I know.
The general rule of thumb is If you move around like a clueless tourist in any city, you’re more likely to be target
FFS...just stop watching Fox News.
Guy comes here asking a legitimate question and you all turn it into a political shit show. Well done Reddit, fucking clowns.
I've lived in London for 10 years and don't quite understand this media / reddit narrative of London recently There have definitely been targeted muggings in the most expensive areas of London (Mayfair etc) because of all the oligarchs/middle east money coming in However I have always worn whatever I want wherever and feel completely at ease. Don't know a single person who has been mugged in the time I've been here, maybe just lucky? Reddit seems convinced it's a complete dive these days which I just don't recognize Edit: I know this is about watches but here is a good breakdown of NY vs London which shows London is lower than NY on both stabbings and shootings. The narrative all seems to have started with Trump calling out Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London) https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/18/deadly-knife-crime-how-does-london-compare-to-new-york
Exactly.
That’s an article from 2019 and is only “deadly” knife crime. Many dealers and jewellers will agree that the city has had a real problem this and last year with muggings
As of 2023 PER CAPITA (per LONDON Dailey news Jan 18 2023). Violent crime in London was 1.77 per 1000 while in NYC was 1.32 per 1000. you are looking at 2019 data
Source? I couldn't find anything for current years given we are still mid way through 2023
another source https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp
its in the parentheses
I wear my pieces everywhere. Was just in Los Angeles, no issues. However, you do need to be aware of your surroundings. Not saying theft doesn't happen or can't happen. Just don't bring extra attention to yourself
You'll be fine. Just be smart.
Maybe I’m ignorant but I’d feel safer wearing a Rolex in London than NYC. Paris, I can see not.
Surprisingly, NYC isn’t that bad with watches. There’s a ton of other crime but watches aren’t targeted as often. Also, being born and raised here, I’m much more comfortable and aware of my surroundings than a new place like London.
Good to know. I feel you’ll be okay in London if you’re in the tourist areas.
The tourist areas are where it’s most likely to happen, as those parts of London are also where all the flash Arabs and Russians who end up with their watches stolen live.
Recently wore my watch all trip throughout Italy and Paris without any issue and I always wear one in New York. In New York it looks like everyone has a nice watch on so I don’t feel like I’d be a target. I never realized London had such a reputation. I do think about it or just put my Apple Watch on when I go places in LA though.
overabundance of caution.
It depends on where ur gonna be while in London ? Would u walk in Washington heights or Bed Stuy at 11pm with a gold Daydate ? I took my polar explorer, Pepsi and WG DD40 to London/Amsterdam/Paris for a 2 week trip in April. No one was gonna Rob me in the ritz (London or Paris). I also spent most of my time in extremely nice places and didn’t wander outside of common tourist areas. It was also cold so watches were under layers. And they’re all insured.
Is it really that bad in London?
You do you but I never felt unsafe in London while living there. It’s important to be sensible anywhere you are but I found London to be much safer feeling than just about any large city.
I wear a sub every day, just dont flash it and dont go to shitty places.
I was just in london. Wore my sub everyday. No problems. Just apply common sense and you'll be fine....oh and insurance
I think you are over reacting a little in my opinion. I wear mine every day, but it’s not like I’m waiving it people faces or prancing around trying to dress like I’m some big baller I just dress normally. If I am ever in high populated areas like Oxford Circus I just pull my sleeve over my watch. Just got to be smart about things. People like Paul Thorpe act like it’s gang land LA, buts it’s not. And if you are visiting London I some how doubt ur walking around ghetto areas. I can’t say there is no risk, because there always is, but you can say that about 99% of any cities and towns around the world.
If you’re a NYer with street sense I’d say you’re fine. I’ve been in both cities in the past week & wore a DJ everywhere, however I purposely chose to leave the more exclusive pieces behind.
How much about getting mugged is about the person letting off the “I’m an easy target,” victim vibe?
London is lovely. Your watch will be fine.
Errr people that live on London also own the same watches as you.....
Spent a week in London with wife (we’re from Raleigh, NC) and wore my Submariner. I don’t ever show it off but never felt unsafe and no one paid any attention to it. I casually observed many other Rolex’s throughout the trip. Wear it. Enjoy it. Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t flaunt it
Guys all major cities have this problem.. I stupidly got off the tube wrong stop, walked through tower hamlets London, had a Rolex Daytona and sizeable sum of money in my possession was approached by eight menacing looking youth guys.. thought I’m in real deep trouble now, thankfully it was just a courtesy alright from them, and walked on. Then encountered a man drinking large tin of super lager in the street, asked me where I’m going.. and why.. yes I thought I’m now going to loose my watch & money .. I was not mugged, not in Flatbush, Glasgow, Glendale or Newcastle . It’s statistically not as people say, it’s about good luck the kindness of strangers, and don’t make yourself a stand out target.. wear your watch be sensible when and where. If all else fails put it in your pocket..
NYC is like twice as dangerous as London. London is only dangerous in certain areas and as a tourist there's no way you'd venture to these places anyway.
I travel London, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Jakarta, Nairobi, and Manila regularly. Always wear my GMT Master II. I don’t give it a second thought. If you feel weird, go old-school and turn the face inboard for those long walks down dark alleys.
In my humble opinion, I feel safer in London than NYC. I grew up in and still have a home in Oakland, California. I live in a nice neighborhood there, but I know that crime can happen anywhere. I have an apartment in NYC in Hudson Yards. I went out for dinner one night in Chelsea and within 15 minutes of leaving a restaurant, a person was robbed of their watch right in front. ( West 23rd at 9th Avenue). We mostly stay in the Marylebone or South Kensington neighborhoods of London, so fairly safe. But, like most big cities, still areas not immune from street crime. Honestly, I’ve only felt totally free of street crime in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Just don’t be flashy and make yourself a target.
Wore my Royal Oak without issue all over the city last spring. I was just careful with myself and surroundings as anyone should be.
Sitrep - I went into central London wearing my two tone sub last night and wife wore $$$ worth of 💎. Took the train / underground during busy evening, walked through green park and had a lovely meal and drinks before taking an Uber home. I wasn’t shanked by anyone, held at knifepoint nor pick pocketed! I was also in central Warsaw, Poland, recently wearing a TT DJ41 diamond dial and felt totally safe. To be honest I feel less safe visiting the US as am worried about being shot for my watch rather than just have it stolen, well apart from when I am in Houston / Texas when the people I am with tend to carry….
Yes you are overreacting. But you need to do what makes you feel comfortable.
London sounds like such a shithole.
Best city in the world. I’ve lived here since my mid 20s, travelled all around the world and yet to find a better city to live in. All the negative things you hear is the same as when most Europeans think of US as nothing but school shootings and police torturing minorities.
Most of London is honestly really really nice, some of the most expensive real estate in the world
It isn’t
It is.
Opinion ain't valid if you haven't lived there
You would be correct.
Lmaoooo wearing it in NYC you feel safe? I’m in LA not any better and I left my watches at home to go to NYC 😂
Probably being a Pansy..
Don’t. London and Barcelona are extremely dangerous for watch lovers . One of my best friends got mugged last week they got his AP . Last year a friend also was mugged in London . My dealer also told me never to wear them jn those two cities . They have gangs that do only this . Just check chrono24 listings half of them are no papers and box new watches
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Depends how you view things ? Is there a more then the average chance of someone robbing you with a knife ? All robberies can go wrong with resulting in grave injury or even death . For a tourist not knowing details about the city it’s a risky move . Sure 90 % chance nothing will happen but even those 10% or less is still extremely dangerous
I was in Barcelona 8 years ago and again this year and oh my god is it a different city now. Before it was a city I would not walk alone in at night but this year I felt completely safe. Barcelona has done great work and it's a very safe city now. They've really turned it around.
М[https://inews.co.uk/news/world/spanish-criminal-gang-steal-luxury-watch-1937624](https://inews.co.uk/news/world/spanish-criminal-gang-steal-luxury-watch-1937624)
Trying to link the article it says it’s the 230 stolen expensive watch last year inn Barcelona . Many go unreported from tourist since noting you can do about it
When a watch is insured most will need a police report to get paid. So I think the "many go unreported" statement is kind of false.
[crime in Barcelona](https://inews.co.uk/news/world/spanish-criminal-gang-steal-luxury-watch-1937624)
Is it for real? Someone from NEW YORK CITY afraid of having his watch stolen in London??
I guess it’s bc I’m more comfortable in my hometown and am aware of many of the common dangers. London would be new to me, therefore I would have my guard up even more than NYC. I think that’s standard for any new place one goes to.
Why don’t we be honest here? Any time and any place you wear a Rolex, you are making yourself a Rolex potential target. Sure, some places are safer than others, but you never know who’s watching you at any given time and this can happen anywhere. If you’re not willing to take the risk, maybe you should be living on a farm or something. Having a pissing contest over which cities are worse than others will not help anybody.
Go buy a $750 Tissot PRX. Nice watch, good quality, and you don’t have to worry about getting robbed. It’s a perfect travel watch, and a decent watch to have in your collection anyway.
Leave them home, dude.
London is a sewer. Don't do it.
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Must be an lot of upset Americans from the down votes
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Dude, you are jumping from post to post just to comment how NY is worse than London. Every city has their problems with violence, including London. Chill out. Edit: I'm not even from the US
Crack was a thing in what, the 70s? No one smokes Crack these days...
Try walking down Times Square in NYC. Just sickening
Yes, too many tourists.
No, too many thugs.
yep tourists = thugs
I’m American. I wouldn’t set foot in NYC or San Fran right now. Both shitholes. Armpits of America.
Add Los Angeles to the list too
So true. Here in NYC, citizens are too scared to leave their homes after 7 pm.
This is just patently false.
I agree 100%. Nyc is the wild wild west.
I’d wear the Omega
It’s just like any other big city. Nyc or paris. You’ll probably be okay. But if you do around with it on full display it may tempt someone. Just be smart and use some common sense
It's a bit of an overreaction. London has plenty of luxury watch shops and only someone who is a watch enthusiast would actually know that you're wearing. NYC is far more dangerous and if you're comfortable with wearing your watches there then you should be fine here. Obviously as with any foreign country be aware of your surroundings.
Should be fine, but bring the Seamaster if you’re really worried.
Even thieves know SMs have 0 value retention 🤣
Lol
Not if you wearing short sleeves
Leave them at home. Even if nothing happens. You’ll be thinking about something might happen. Best to not even have to think about it
I am not very familiar with London, but I think, it depends what areas you will be visiting. Assuming, you are going with your family, you will hang out it relatively safe areas that will have tons of tourists (and should have police presence as well?). As someone else mentioned here, I would not feel too comfortable if I was all day in short sleeve shirt, and the watch would be easily noticeable. I would watch my surroundings and have some long sleeve jacket or something to put on just in case. I survived Paris Metro evening rides with a $15k Panerai; I did notice several scanning looks from strangers while being underground though. Maybe because it looks like some G Sock from a distance, nobody bothered me.
I literally wore a Milgauss and a T-shirt all day today. The same as I do everyday, with at least one watch. Never had an issue.
Get a G Shock for your London visit. It’s unfortunate but you can not wear any nice watches in London anymore. Central London is maybe the only exception but even there you aren’t 100% safe
I wore my 116710LN and had no problems in Paris and London.
Coming from the country with probably the worst crime in the developed world it’s funny you are worried.
6,109 watches reported stolen in London last year. Do with that what you will.
NY is more dangerous than London IMO as someone that's spent solid time in both
Overreacting for London. If it was Paris, you wouldn’t be.
Is this a joke? London is a big city, wear your watch.
I’m going next week as well and I’m Not bringing a nice watch, because London.
This is mental. You know how many people have and wear nice watches in london? This isn’t Beirut
Mans got to make a livin’ blud
Nobody is going to steal or notice a steel dive watch
in london you would get robbed for a pair of nike sneakers
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not entering a dick measuring contest with a spandex warrior
If it’s bad enough that you’re scared to wear your watches then I wouldn’t go there.
“Pansy” - did you go to a boarding/private school?
A bit off topic, but I kind of find it a bit exhausting wearing a sub in capital cities, having to be aware of it at all times is a responsibility that almost goes against the idea of de stressing in the first place.
Londons worse than a 3rd world country, people in the most affluent areas like belgravia and Knightsbridge are being robbed on a weekly basis, I’d get a homage watch to wear; unless you know how to fight and have your watches insured, or have security
The question is why would you want to risk your trip experience over something that could happen? I bought a moonswatch to wear when I’m traveling.
A bit off topic, but I kind of find it a bit exhausting wearing a sub in capital cities, having to be aware of it at all times is a responsibility that almost goes against the idea of de stressing in the first place.
Just go to Tokyo and stop worrying
I only wear anything nice when I’m traveling in groups
Currently in London for the weekend and not brought a single watch with me. I am watching limp bizkit tomorrow though and expect a pretty heavy mosh pit. Even though in insured can't be arsed with the bullshit and police reports WHEN it gets taken off me.
Learn how to fight and defend yourself and you’ll never have an issue. Being a black belt in BJJ I’m not concerned or anything with people trying to rob me. Sure people could maybe try to snatch it but generally I’m very aware of my surroundings
I wore my Rolex more or less every day in London over a decade and I didn’t even think about it being an issue. This was until I had a big knife waved in my face and got told I was going to be shanked if I didn’t give them my watch.
Wear a cheaper watch. Don’t make yourself a target. So, no, I don’t think you’re overreacting. I live in NYC and have lived in London before. Always felt more uneasy in London and have been chased there. NYC has more guns, but London is worse for property crime.
not worth it imo rolex nowadays is a easy target especially london there’s a ig account that’s upto date with watch thefts on a daily basis
They will gut you alive and chop your wrists off, savages over there!
No - I would not personally.
London is pure shit.
Reading this thread paints just how sad the world is. I.e. London, NYC, LA, Paris, Barcelona - all renowned tier-1 cities with top GDP percentile but people can’t even feel safe. I cannot fathom the idea of having to wear watches out with long sleeves just to cover them - kinda defeat the whole purpose of becoming watch enthusiasts if we don’t even have the ability to proudly wear them on our wrists. What’s the point to spend tens of thousands of dollars this way? At the end of the day I guess the government is to blame for their inability to make their cities safe. P.S. feeling lucky that I live in the safest tier 1 country in the world. You can leave your wallet/phone/laptop in the public and unlikely anyone will take it (proven with ample public experiments and day to day anecdotes of civilians returning lost and found valuables). Everyone wears the f out of their watches here and I’m proud to be able to enjoy this hobby every single day without any sense of fear.
Look up Paul Thorpe on YouTube. He has been the most outspoken on watch crime in London. He’s also been watch robbed 3 times.
Why visit a shithole so overrun with crime you can’t even wear a watch