Is it safe to wear a Rolex luxury watch in London? 

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in singapore, you could be wearing gold rolex with a shirt saying “rob me” walking around at 2am and still won’t be robbed

imagine getting mugged for your "Sub" and it was an Invicta

I worked in downtown Chicago for 30 years and always wore a Rolex or a 2tone Omega Constellation. Never had a problem but had on several occasions restaurant waiters and store cashiers notice them and complement me on them. One day though I got the bright idea to jump on the bus during lunch and visit an old camera shop on the west side which is away from the business district and a rather rough part of town. As we were leaving the safer city limits the bus driver asked me something like "hey man, where exactly are you going?" as he could tell I would really stand out in that part of town. I told him and he kind of shook his head and said "you might want to take that Rolex off before you get exit the bus". It was summer and I was wearing a short sleeve polo shirt and it never even crossed my mind that I could be a target as I had been wearing that watch for so many years without problem.

Gangs having no interest in my Casio dw5610 😂

That clip of the police car plowing down the moped-menace makes me happy.

Ive lived in elephant and castle for 28 years. I wouldnt challenge the gangs around here. Police barely ever help and you would be suprised at the amount of brutal assaults that go unreported. Glad youre ok.

"Escaped by going in and out of the construction areas" sounds like a James Bond scene 🕵️

Hey Adrian, have you ever considered for one episode where you talk about coffee and just wear watches? 🤔

It's funny that you're probably gonna be safer wearing a $1million Jacob and Co Astronomia than a $9000 sub on the street

Never buy a watch you're afraid to wear.

There's a time to wear the Rolex and there's a time to wear the smart watch. Knowing the difference is key.

If I go to London or Paris I will be careful.. However place like Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo I wont worry at all 🤣😂

I live in jakarta, a big city in a third world country. I wear my rolex, zenith, omegas, vintage heuer on the street and when i take bike taxis. The muggers here dont really know expensive watches and in most areas they are not that bold because people would just beat you to death and burn you alive if they suspect you as muggers.

"Any city in the world has a lot of crime..." - No, not in Dubai! You can wear any luxury watch and even walk around anywhere with your pockets full of money without the slightest risk of being mugged.

Can I strongly recommend that nobody else follows what Adrian did here. I appreciate your bravery, but trying to lose them in building sites (Jason Bourne!) is very, very dangerous. You should have gone into the Sainsburys, approached the tills and asked staff to call the police. Stay safe, everyone.

I did get mugged in Buenos Aires back in 2013 and had my Explorer 1 taken off me. I highly recommend wearing nice watches, if you insist on wearing them in questionable places, on a bland Nato strap. Natos tone down the bling factor. Also, don't talk on cell phones whilst walking about, it lowers your awareness of your surroundings. IMO. Thanks for the "heads up" on traveling in London.

As Mr. Thorpe said, these watch robbers would have made great dealers with their eye for detail, if only they hadn’t engaged in a criminal lifestyle.

This is the whole problem I have with luxury watches, you’re too bloody scared to wear them anywhere because there’s always one horrible little toe rag willing to knife you for it, especially in London. Good pal of mine sold his Sub for that exact reason, and now sports an Apple Watch daily instead.

your intro was amazing! Excited to see you on TB channel for a bit!

Your intro music is “boss!” You’ve now upped your game sir and honest video. Thanks! I hope to cross paths with you someday soon in a timepiece meet sort of way.

This is a very interesting and valuable account of Adrian's "near-mugging" experience. It is fair to point out that the epidemic of violent robberies in London must be kept in some kind of statistical perspective. Even if there are dozens of such incidents every day, in a huge metropolis that is home to millions of people there will no doubt still be 1000s of people who have strutted around wearing expensive watches and jewellery for 10 or 20 years without ever running out of luck. But still, the statistics also show that violent crime in London has very significantly increased over recent years, and it would seem complacent to ignore the fact. I think the policing of New York City since the 1990s shows that it is possible to crack down hard on street-thugs and make a big inner city environment into a relatively safe place.

"What's the time?" is one of the most dangerous questions when being asked by strangers as they want to rob your smartphone or wristwatch. The best answer when asked this type of question is "I don't know."

Great video Adrian & I'm so glad you finally made it after referencing it so many times in previous videos. I get a lot of questions about wearing expensive watches in Chile & my attitude is the same - it has much more to do with where in a city you are and also just being aware of your surroundings & whats going on around you. Thanks for making this video more about informing people & less about fearmongering like some other videos on this topic do.

Working in LA I had a similar experience with my Explorer II. Walking to a restaurant for lunch, some guys gathered around me asking for directions. The one behind me grabbed my watch arm and tried to pull my hand out of the pocket. I was so very fortunate at that moment two Police officers walked out of a nearby shop. Very much enjoy your channel, fuels my interest for watches while denting my wallet. Cheers

There were two things i absolutely loved about London. First thing when i got there, and second thing when i was able to leave the place

I was almost mugged in Central London thrice in 2 years. Moved to Zürich and it's so much better here. Could wear the flashiest watch at 2AM on the tram and still won't get mugged.

Great story...thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to the watch shopping video :)

Not just watches, had my phone taken. Police do not care about petty theft either.

We have the same problem in Stockholm! It is heavily organized with people waiting just outside or inside the stairwell with a Gun! Also there was this story about a bouncer that had given information of which watches the guests wore to these gangs - this was at an upscale club

In México City you don’t wear even a Casio...

Your gut reaction to avoid the situation was correct and the action you should have taken. Your choice to keep on going was your ego taking control. That time you got lucky in evading and escaping, but next time you might not. When in public you should always be in a relaxed state of alertness. Which means, knowing what is happening around you at all times, ready to act with a plan if necessary to avoid, and if you cannot avoid then evade and escape a bad situation as it arises.

Swiss on the wrist German in the holster! 16610 Sub and Walther PPS M2 EDC.

If your gonna wear a Rolex, you better live up to it and be the Marathon Man.

Hey, not all rich cities have high crimes. Singapore is one good example of a rich but relatively safer city that you can be at ease to wear your Rolex around.

Every city is different, but crimes of opportunity exist and can happen anywhere. I lived in Manhattan most of my life, wore my Nautilus, 1675, 5513 and other watches there with no incident. But I was always situationally aware and I always wore a G Shock when I was going to be in a riskier part of town. Glad you were able to avoid getting robbed

Happened to me in Barcelona several times (i am a local). 2 times wearing a vintage Sub (one in an going-out area and one at my front door!) without success and one we were a group of 5 and they did it to one of us. They succeeded but he wore a fake Hublot... The modus operandi is always the same: they ask for the time or make some kind of friendly hand shaking and while taking your hand they open the bracelet and with some strange movements they try to get the watch off...

My wife and I just wear a Timex or G-shock square when traveling to foreign countries, or in some of the USA big cities. He who steals my purse steals trash.

Whenever I'm in the city (any city) I wear my Casio and keep my Rolex's at home. Just isn't worth the risk and they are too sentimental to me to lose even if already insured.

I work in Chicago and started wearing an Invicta after I was spotted wearing my Coke luckily I was with a large group and figured it wasn't worth loosing my first Rolex purchase.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Only this year, almost 200 watch robberies has occured in Stockholm. So a small heads up for people travelling there..

Hey Adrian. We’re still waiting for that comparison video between the Kermit and your latest Submariner.

I'm moving to London literally in a week (Brockley) and I've never been there before. I've been a bit nervous regarding the topic of crime. This video has eased me a lot. Thanks, Adrian.

Great video Adrian. I live in London as well and it’s good to hear someone else beating the drum on how it is safe 99% of the time but also that people need to be aware. 👍🏼 One thing which i think makes a difference is wearing watch on a strap rather than a bracelet.

Feeling pretty safe in Maine wearing my Seiko MM300

Hey man... It is a horrible experience... Unfortunately, I was robbed last year in June around Hampstead outside a coop at 20:00, so full sun up. I was on my phone texting, next thing I know a moped stops on the side, this guy gets off the scooter and pulls out a massive knife.. I ran to escape, however from the shock I assume, I fell on the street and this guy comes above me and I started screaming as I thought I was about to get stabbed. Then the guy driving the scooter starts screaming "give it, give it.." so me in shock I said "ok...ok.." having the knife right on my face.. Within 20 seconds my 8 month Hulk was gone...I will never forget the eyes of the moped driver... blue eyes and I think he was blond. All this because my friend who I was waiting for was late 5 minutes to get down to meet me from his flat. A Rolex Hulk is not worth my life, even though I was pretty sure I wouldn't get stabbed, but when in shock you don't think about it. Of course, I went to Rolex here in London and declared it stolen.. still haven't heard of them though. I am happy I am healthy now, wearing again my first luxury watch, my Tag Aquaracer Calibre 5, and I know that I will work hard and have my Hulk, or a Batman maybe, back on my wrist at some point.. Guys, insure your watches and I wish you from the bottom of my heart to never experience such situation. Keep it up man and keep posting nice videos like you do... You keep me company before I fall asleep (even though I should be drinking a nice coffee since it's about you drinking coffee). Anyway, one last, but positive this time, thing... Since you love coffee, when you will be again in London, go visit "Carpo" close to Piccadilly Circus! Top coffee and make sure you try a nice chilled "freddo espresso", you'll love it... from a Greek coffee lover to a Brit coffee lover ;) Keep it up man...

Awesome footage man :)

This video made me rethink purchasing a sub as a daily watch. Will now look into The Explorer I

i have a new Rolex but these days in Sweden i wont use it outside in the streets so my interest in watches have stop!

I was on a cruise earlier this year and it was the first time IV ever been concerned. we got of the ship and had the beach towels from the ship with the name plastered all over them we which is not a good idea . we were in Porto .I had my new omega seamaster on .I no it's not a top watch or that expensive but the guys on the beach selling stuff all noticed it and the beach towels. we were like magnets IV never felt like I was going to mugged till that day .they kept following me and my wife everywhere we went we lost them in a restaurant went out the back door . IV always been able to look after myself not a lot of things scare me but when your up against people with nothing to loose it's different it's not worth getting stabbed or killed for a watch

I’m always wearing my cheap Casio while I’m abroad and non branded clothing. Reduces the chances of being targeted and also you can haggle. It’s a shame you can’t wear watches like a Rolex gmt outside, especially on vacation anymore without asking for trouble.

Nice video, thanks. You were lucky by the sound of it! As you said, it’s all down to common sense and always being aware of your surroundings. I’m sure we all have our little tricks of how to be less noticeable or to hide jewellery we are wearing when necessary. As the saying goes - if you think someone, something, or a situation looks dodgy, it probably is. Cheers!

Been following you for ages now. Love the channel. When I saw the title of this video, I was a bit hesitant to watch. Then I saw you were including news articles. You included an article about one of my closest friends, Danny Pearce. The guy that was murdered in Greenwich for his Datejust. Danny was a good guy and would of knocked 10 bells out of that coward if he didn’t have a knife. Glad you got out of London and moved somewhere you can wear whatever you want on your wrist. RIP Danny Ray Pearce. X

Rolex and Glock 27, never go out one without the other....

Elephant and castle? I had a gang fight there when I was 17😅 Obviously I've left that behind me and yh as a watch person I am more weary of what watch I have on in London. I just wear my f91w mostly when roaming around the city and leave my nicer watches at home.

So after all that your near-mugging story begins with you knowingly walking straight into a moped gang whilst wearing a sub... 🤦🏻‍♂️

The standard response to the question “what time is it” from a stranger is always “I don’t know, my watch is broken”. Don’t flash watches, jewelry or engage in conversation with strangers. Be aware of your surroundings, as thugs do not come from nowhere as if they are conjured up by magic. And...thugs are always plus one, meaning if you see one, there is at least another one more nearby.

It's getting worse out there in any City. The biggest increase is that these muggers are targeting pensioners who have little chance of fighting back or making a run for it. What really annoys me is not being aloud to carry for self protection not necessarily a gun or a blade maybe a taser or something.

You still don’t want to talk about Patreon or RU-vid’s alternative for support?

Was in Rome/Florence Italy in 2018. My 'Sub' drew a few stares as I knew it might. In Florence however one guy gave it the "look out of the side if his eye" which made me concerned. It was down one of the many side streets near Ponte Vecchio so be careful. Bought a G-Shock as my work/everyday and only wear my '16610' when out to Dinner etc..

With every watch that's nicer, you need to lift more weights to get stronger.

Adrian has to change his look into a 1970's outlaw biker, if he never wants to receive attempted muggings again...

Where I live I often hear of people wearing Rolex'es, Pateks or Richard Milles being mugged. But I never heard of anything happen to some one wearing a Grand Seiko

Having moved from London to Singapore I feel much safer wearing a nice watch here. Is a lot about common sense and being aware of your surroundings.

Same story in Stockholm unfortunately. Watch owners are being targeted through instagram, identified, then paid a visit. The criminals ring their door bell posing as a delivery driver, then when the victim comes down the stairwell from their apartment to collect a parcel, they are mugged in the stairwell of the building. Also a tourist had am RM011 taken from his wrist last week in broad daylight outside the 5* Grand Hotel after being asked to take a photo. What's the point in owning a nice watch if you can only wear it in the safety if your own home.

You need to phollow AC3's example and always be surrounded by ladybois trained in the marital arts.

I had a lucky escape on my bike , cycling through Brixton I forgot I had my rolex datejust on from the weekend, anyway found myself at a stop point being approached by 3 men in their 20s , without hesitation I was off like a shot peddling like crazy, then I looked over my shoulder and they all stood there in what I like to think disbelief that they missed an opportunity. I won 🙌 that day and learnt never to forget what’s on my wrist

When I'm home in the West i have to constantly be on high-alert. When I was traveling in China, Japan, and Singapore I didnt even have to think twice, headphones in and all just going about.

At 6:07 the auto caption wrote "lose a wife" instead of 'watch' 😂

I wear my 2 tone Sub all the time in London. 99% of the time I feel safe but when ever I feel there’s a possible threat as you can usually spot them a mile away I pull my shirt sleeve over the watch so they cannot see it... if I cannot do this because I’m wearing a Polo shirt then I would take it off....

The exact same thing happened to me however it was in a park. The thugs wanted my hugo boss sweatshirt. I was followed around and I thought I was gonna be mugged. Luckily I managed to get out be it was a close call

In Hong Kong there is absolutely no worry about anything like this. I do wonder would I wear my Rolex back in London though...

Adrian, love your optimism about London. I love London and agree you can avoid a lot of trouble by being streetwise, but can’t help but feel like trouble has a chance of finding you here. I really like your channel and I’ll continue to follow it, but I’m not convinced that its fair to just say you’ll be fine if you’re streetwise. It’s not the victims fault if they get mugged, it’s the fault of the criminals and often forgotten it’s the fault of the society and the justice system for creating an environment where crime can thrive. The police are being stretched too thin, the system has too many black wholes that allows criminals to get away with it and our society has too much inequality (particularly in London). I guess I just want to emphasise that it’s not the victims that should be better at keeping safe here…

I work in security advising travelers on how to stay safe overseas. To your point on criminals who know how to spot an expensive watch, I’ve heard of two incidents where travelers were targeted by armed robbers on the route from the airport, specifically for their watches. This says to me someone at the airport identified the watch and then passed the details on to a gang waiting outside who used motorbikes and firearms to carry out the attacks. One was in Mexico, the other Colombia. I’d like to use this video in a LinkedIn post if I may.

love the videos ,would have hoped you could have found a better sponsor than one where 80% of people lose their money

Hi Adrian. Do you now have your watches insured?

Ive always feared this, but hasnt happened yet thank god. But I work security and Im 201cm tall haha

Watch spotter sounds like a marvellous job!

Is say an omega speed master pro also a target

A short time ago I was in Hackney wearing a Zenith. Felt safe up until I passed a group under a bridge. Ducked into a tesco to hide the watch before I continued

This is why in the USA a Rolex pairs well with a Beretta.

Been in London for 20 years now and luckily never been approached like that. Fell asleep drunk at an Elephant & Castle bustop at 2am once. Amazed I didn't wake up mugged/stabbed. After that awful story in Greenwich I'm a lot more conscious of the threat. It's not just rich areas. Seriously thinking of selling my Kermit.

Had no idea you used to live in the Elephant mate! I lived there from '98 till 2015, mainly in metro central (above the nandos/wetherspoons...lol). Luckily i missed most of the gentrification. I moved to NY in 2015. Went back there the last time i was back in blighty...almost unrecognisable.

I travel to New Orleans very often for work and stay downtown. I NEVER take my rolex with me. I always wear my Hamilton field khaki on a tan B&J nato strap :)

Your right, all cities will have crime and you just have to keep your wits about you, be street wise and don't draw attention to yourself. Great video Adrian 👌🏻

“London” isn’t a singular place in the traditional sense. London is a collection of towns. Knightsbridge is a world away from Peckham (and a hundred other examples). Dont walk around poor areas with expensive possessions on show. Of course it can happen in rich areas too but less likely.

It happens enough in London that hotel desk clerks will often warn you if you’re wearing a nice watch or jewelry.

What’s the point having a nice watch if u can’t wear it? Calif, NY same thing. And will this effect Rolex sales?

Interesting I’ve experienced the same feeling. My 2006 Kermit and 2008 SS Daytona have risen to a price level Ievel I’m not comfortable walking around in public anymore. Not out of fear of being mugged but the message I’m sending. My well worn 2001 GMT 16710 is still sub 10k and not very flashy so I’m comfy wearing that daily. Living in the USA, in a major city, I‘ve not ever heard of anyone being mugged for their watch and I feel very safe wearing a Rolex. Go to South Florida and there’s gold and bi-metal Rolexes everywhere, nothing special. I’m originally from Amsterdam, Holland, and I hear muggings are a common occurrence there. I wear a 1992 bi-metal Seiko Flightmaster when I visit Europe as a precaution. I get more attention with that watch (good and bad) in Europe than my Rolex GMT when I visited in the past. Must be the gold plated links in the bracelet. I feel the average American is not as much aware of what people have on their wrist as Europeans do. Africa and South America are a whole different story. As an Airline pilot I go watch less if I leave hotels in Africa and South America. Walking around with ten years of income is not a good idea.

You can get mugged in London for eating corn on a cob! 🤣

It doesn't matter who you are. I am always very weary when I'm in London, I work as a graphic designer and photographer, when doing day or especially night photoshoots anywhere. I nearly always wear my Hi Vis jacket to show I am working. I have had encounters with all sorts of people and a few times I thought I was going to get mugged for my watch and/or camera. I wear my Casio MTD-1079D-1AVCF Illuminator on the Bond black and grey Nato strap, its a £60 watch but from a distance it looks more expensive great light too.

Sounds pretty scary, I'm amazed you managed to go in the Sainsburys though if you were surrounded

Pretty frightening Adrian and there are some dodgy areas in London, but it’s like any major city, they all have them. I have lived in London for a number of years and have never seen a single incident (possibly just lucky). London is a great city, and a safe one. You just have to have your wits about you.

I'm curious if people living in the UK, France, Italy, Germany REALLY knows WHY crime has become such an issue over the years. It's the same thing over here in California, New York, Chicago.... those places all seem to have one thing in common.

Hey Adrian, I was in the USA Midwest on business at a club in the middle of nowhere and I took my Sub off because of the location and clientele... It's the only time I felt I needed to take precautions. If I had known we were going to end up there I wouldn't have worn it in the first place. Situational awareness is key with all luxury goods unfortunately. Cheers

Wasn’t Mister JWW on this trading 212 thing some time ago ?

The gangs are going to be targeting the attendees at Paul Thorpe's Brighton Watch show next month, especially with the price of Rolexes going through the roof....rich pickings for the London gangs...

Doesn’t sound like you were nearly mugged for your Rolex. Sounds like you walked into a bunch of thugs who didn’t even know what watch you were wearing.

Had they seen the watch?