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

Hi Guys,
I was asked to elaborate on this event during a Q&A session, but it would have taken up too much time (I wanted to make the most of the views!), so I shared it in a separate video.
I get asked a lot of questions about watch safety in London:
- Is it safe to wear a Rolex submariner in London?
- What areas of London are bad for watch crime?
- Is it safe to wear a luxury watch around London?
- How should I protect my watches in London?
Rolexes are the most recognisable watches around, and they are hot targets for moped gangs in London. There are watch spotters who identify luxury watches and then get someone else to carry out the job.
However, the likelihood of you actually being mugged for your Rolex or Patek Philippe is very slim.
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[@BarkandJack]

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[@MasterFranzFick]

Just signed up to trading 212 with the link and got general electric (9,50$). I was looking for a comission free trading platform like Robinhood, that would accept german customers for a while now.

[@snarfsnarfs]

@@MasterFranzFick I also got a GE share. Makes me wonder how "random" the allocation is. Maybe they're mainly giving out low priced stocks! 🤔

[@MasterFranzFick]

@@snarfsnarfs cant realy complain, i expected the average value to be around 10$. They cant libarally hand out 100$ shares to people depositing 100$ consiedering they are comission free.

[@erickolly5810]

Gone to the dark side have you Adrian?

[@benrigby6455]

Bark and Jack spreads are huge though, the buy price is high and sell price low

[@AungTH1]

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

[@midas1929]

Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo. The safest places. But also Switzerland is still fine. I am shocked how London became in the past decade. It is when the justice system and police give up the fight against crime for a leftist agenda. The major of London is a moron.

[@woocho74]

Not really. Late 90’s, I lost one at Tokyo.

[@vinnysingh7485]

Im moving to Singapore.

[@airportdocumentaries]

Because Singapore only has rich people. Bring in shariah law and chop their hands off, that'll solve the problem.

[@rickmoss7040]

Kay Flip just because it is ‘statistically’ the safest place, does not mean bad stuff does not happen. That is as stupid as saying, ‘I feel safe, so nothing bad will happen to me’.....🙄

[@syncswim]

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

[@carloghiulgiuoglu1581]

😂😂😂😂🤣

[@graywolf6498]

Or worse, a fake Rolex.

[@dlhussain81]

sean puffy catacombs they’d probably return it and give you money to buy a seiko

[@williamstalvey6920]

Lmao .....invicta is a garbage watch a

[@AP101083]

@@graywolf6498 A Noob Rolex is way better than a Invicta.

[@mikev3245]

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.

[@dehoyosrudolph8885]

Mike V what camera shop, Helix?

[@mikev3245]

@@dehoyosrudolph8885 Yes, Helix. On my way back to work, two of Chicago's finest stopped by me as I was waiting at the bus stop and kindly offered me a ride back to the loop in their squad car. All that just to purchase a diopter for my Nikon In those pre-internet days. I hear Helix has since moved out to the suburbs.

[@ugabrew]

Pretty nice of that bus driver to give you a heads up.

[@Ronin228]

Downtown Chicago is nice and safe, it isn't Cabrini Green.

[@Mythicregard]

@@Ronin228 Perhaps the most infamous "housing estate" in America.

[@RyTyme]

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

[@mikebaldrian2268]

Like

[@edwri9759]

Nice, made me feel fuzzy and warm watching that clip 😊

[@bigc208]

Moped Muppets you mean?

[@abefroman8202]

It Makes my pee pee tingle.

[@hiyukelavie2396]

Timestamp please I don't have the time to sit through an eight minute video

[@Marco_Polo790]

Gangs having no interest in my Casio dw5610 😂

[@UsernameInvalidTHIS]

The GW5000 is nice like that. Screwback, feels solid but it just looks like a $40 watch.

[@Davi_uk]

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.

[@Pete_YT]

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

[@sheldonsplace4511]

LOL Jack Bond

[@gregs.8895]

I pictured the same thing in my head as he was talking about it. Now go back and pretend Benny Hill music is playing in the background.

[@FarouqJanmohamed]

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

[@anotheroldytaccount3379]

Farouq Janmohamed id love this

[@FarouqJanmohamed]

Spazzer right! I quite like coffee too, it’d be interesting to see Adrian’s thoughts!

[@NLJamba]

Yes! Wear a watch and try Kopi Luwak coffee. Because I don’t dare to!

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

That’s a brilliant idea.

[@davidhill431]

He has in a qna, he isn't an expert on coffee, he doesn't like filtered and his favorite would be x brand. Not gunna be a long episode lol

[@lucioledizerot196]

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

[@robertschmidt9584]

Luciole Dizerot exactly. If you don’t know- you don’t know. Remember seeing a guy in Germany (Munich) at a Biergarten with a Richard Mille. The minute I took a long distant stare, he put a jacket on in 20 C weather and left 10 minutes later.

[@KD__.]

Because the Jacob isn't worth s**t and London crims aren't as dumb as Jacob buyers !

[@lucioledizerot196]

@@KD__. Interesting that a watch retailing at $1 million "isn't worth shit"

[@KD__.]

@@lucioledizerot196 I suggest you check out the difference between "worth" and "retail" before you make any reference to jaccob... I've seen $1000,000 Jacob in Harrods .... Never seen a Daniels in there ... There's a f**kin reason for that !

[@lucioledizerot196]

@@KD__. so are you suggesting that an Astronomia is worth less than a Submariner? If not then I don't see the point of your reply to my original comment

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

Never buy a watch you're afraid to wear.

[@TECHFIGHTER]

💯

[@michaelbishop9157]

victim blamer

[@solesurvivor1142]

@@michaelbishop9157 No thats not victim blaming. If someone smoked their whole life you can still say, that it would have been wiser not to smoke

[@michaelbishop9157]

@@solesurvivor1142 that's not remotely the same

[@petersmith2040]

Never buy a car you're afraid to drive.

[@90210Skye]

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

[@kayless32]

Unfortunatly, yes. But this should not be the case. Stealing is the worst thing ever.

[@fruitybiscuit]

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.

[@Blue_3rd]

fruitybiscuit agreed!

[@seanm.collins9888]

Most british men are very metro now. Kolasinac would beat up the whole gang.

[@jarrodlee1506]

He knew the area like the back of his hand

[@blessedlion5329]

What's a Raj and ahmed going to do behind the till when Tyrone and the Elephant and castle street gang have got hold of him. Do me a favour pal

[@jameswilson8820]

People do what they have to do to survive muggers

[@trkersten]

"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.

[@UnknownChimera]

Same for Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore etc

[@johnbarnes5237]

@@UnknownChimeraAbu Dhabi, too.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

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.

[@lukespector5550]

Unlike him, criminals won't do an honest day's work for their money. Most crooks are either dumb or lazy.

[@roamready9732]

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.

[@deeseeeit]

or any other big city in the world

[@bogdan1213]

@@deeseeeit any diverse city

[@Pentonavalsolutions]

So did I. SAME place, 2017 it was a rolex Air king.

[@roamready9732]

@@Pentonavalsolutions that's awful, I'm sorry to hear it. Hopefully you had insurance, I was new to the luxury watch/jewelry world so I didn't have insurance 🙄

[@AngryBritain]

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.

[@takuyakimura9]

they would shank you for an invicta, let alone an apple watch...

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

most show offs do coke to feel brave

[@511dydy]

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.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

That's nice

[@chriscross9505]

I'm in Jakarta too. I wear a gold Daytona and a bluesy sub. Never felt worried, and yes muggers would get slaughtered here. Just walking around the watch and jewelry shops in Block M amazes me when you see how little security they have. My son may be studying in London this year. I worry for him :(

[@humblewiz4953]

@@chriscross9505 buy him some Casios, Tissot etc

[@adonno00]

Jakarta is better than London.

[@Gundal66]

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

[@happyface4234]

Cuz in singapore, you'd probably get executed if do so😂. they even banned bubble gum.

[@maromorostar6621]

​@@happyface4234best country in the world, you need to go before you know. Also Qatar is one of the best safe countries I visited.

[@petersmith2040]

"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."

[@TheCameltotem]

Or "You got a smoke?"

[@raksh9]

Yes. These questions are sometimes called the 'interview'. It gives the crim an idea of what you've got, and what kind of person you are, by your reaction. 'Got the time?' 'Got a light?' 'These questions, and the fact that someone is attemping to enter your space, is your alert. Your answer is a firm, 'no, I don't' while looking at them, then flicking your gaze to see if the person has accomplices.

[@sharky_mike]

@@TheCameltotem Now : "You got a mask ?". It happened to my mom

[@commentjedi]

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

[@SuperCidalFilms]

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

[@navykeef]

They care, there is just very little they can do about it.

[@AOK342]

Had my phone snatched too. It’s not that they don’t care but are underfunded. Thank A decade of Tory cuts.

[@patrickbateman529]

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.

[@sdemosi]

So true and anyone who looked like they had any designs on mugging you would be arrested. Zurich is extraordinarily safe

[@carloghiulgiuoglu1581]

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...

[@Cashrock]

"...blue eyes and I think he was blond", now why would you even mention that unless you're trying to make a point, I call bulls*t on the whole story "Carlo".

[@LarryGanz]

Carlo Ghiulgiuoglu here in the USA I can tell my attacker to not bring a knife to a gun fight...

[@jarrodlee1506]

@@Cashrock bit harsh

[@Cashrock]

@@jarrodlee1506 the truth often is. Reread his comment and you will see the "blue eyes and I think he was blond" part doesn't fit, it was added to make a point, why would he have mentioned it otherwise? I suspect this gentleman is actually Turkish not Greek as he claims.

[@Mythicregard]

@@Cashrock What's not to believe? The prevalence of criminality amongst the blue eyed blonde people of the world cannot be overstated according to random anecdotal comments on the internet.

[@_-MiamiVice-_]

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

[@lukespector5550]

The smells of it aren't good either. They seem unhygienic too, didn't you find?

[@dyong28]

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.

[@gobbiner]

The punishment fits the crime in Singapore, in London you get sit on the naughty step.

[@dyong28]

@@gobbiner Lol...that is one way to put it...

[@ahpadt]

It is also a total surveillance state. Not comparable to London.

[@jarrodlee1506]

99nine percent of large cities then

[@Mythicregard]

@@ahpadt With all the gov't controlled CCTV cameras in London, how is it not a surveillance state?

[@carlgouder]

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

[@raksh9]

So sorry about your friend. Disgusting louts need to get what's coming to them.

[@robertschmidt9584]

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.

[@ShahLusso]

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.

[@bmt336]

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

[@adaptivekalman]

It's London. Only the criminals are allowed to carry arms. Not the law abiding citizens.

[@bmt336]

@@adaptivekalman Yes, I know. He didn't move far enough away, short about 3000 miles.

[@jambalaya428]

How about neither and keep your life.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Edmundiga Coward.

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

@@adaptivekalman LOL id not be caught slackin! they wanna pull a knife ill pull out my .45 :D

[@j.burgess4459]

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.

[@kelseywinter-troutwine1928]

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

[@cheynewalls]

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

[@mr.nodate]

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

[@hueydough1430]

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

[@Alex-mo9qt]

I carry a Sig Sauer 9mm P365

[@raksh9]

Not to mention the regular training that makes German protection worthwhile.

[@drwindsurf]

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

[@JoolioA]

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

[@Mark-kj4xd]

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.

[@EatMaTreat]

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

[@cylai8]

Damn...Stockholm? 1 of the best city to live in the world perhaps? I thought Sweden is such a civilised and safe country to live in, now you said they even have a gun, that's insane. I supposed the safest city in the world is Singapore, really you can literally wear anything you want, even if unexpected crime occur, police will usually track down a criminal within the next 48 hours.

[@tombarsens1277]

@@cylai8 Well Sweden has open borders and welcomed plenty of immigrants in the last decades. When he says gang, he doesnt mean blonde Swedish dudes.

[@cylai8]

@@tombarsens1277 I see, thanks for sharing 🙏🏼

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

@@tombarsens1277 lol diversity enrichment

[@MikeOBrien1945]

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.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

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

[@mikelindbergh642]

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.

[@happyface4234]

put ur hand in ur pocket and take you ur phone

[@JeffJacquesmd]

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

[@davidh4632]

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.

[@davidh4632]

@Mikes a degenerate not as common as you think. Big stigma against them here, although dead easy to buy from china, government here cracks down hard on selling of fakes.

[@SuperPeleke]

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

[@kierondicks5611]

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.

[@HS1891]

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

[@Cain124]

Yeah ok some perspective would be great. Gangs targeting Rolex owners have popped unfortunately and they target people outside their front doors

[@MagicAccent]

Source please

[@HS1891]

@@MagicAccent SVT news (state-owned media) www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/stockholm/polisen-satter-dit-fler-klockranare

[@deeseeeit]

@@Cain124 happend to me!

[@AG-eu6xm]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@AndyDyer1]

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

[@yetidh9]

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.

[@HarveyMushman]

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.

[@SS-bp8yq]

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.

[@AP-pg5dx]

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

[@jarrodlee1506]

Two subs hmm?

[@John-wl9pg]

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.

[@djmrprivate]

Brockley is far more dangerous than elephant and Castle especially at night

[@John-wl9pg]

@@djmrprivate is it that bad?

[@djmrprivate]

@@John-wl9pg what adrian says is pretty much how you need to be (street smart, street savvy). If you still have the option to move somewhere else, in that area Forest Hill or Grove Park are a better choice in my opinion. Apologies if I have got your guard up about brockley, you can enjoy living in any part of london there are pros and cons to each area, for the areas with higher crime rates you just have to be a little more alert and aware of your surroundings. If you do this you should be fine.

[@John-wl9pg]

@@djmrprivate genuinely, than you for the suggestions. Will do!

[@Mythicregard]

@@djmrprivate Does it also have a giant housing estate like E&C?

[@K5ingh007]

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…

[@Andy-ri1ns]

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.

[@robc8892]

Yeah I am the same. Don't care too much about the watch, it's insured. What would bother me would be a knife in the chest prior to the mugging

[@denisdaly1708]

I wear a Glycine, a Titoni, and citizen watches. Nice, but not too expensive. Expensive watches, do not bring extra happiness. I don't mind scratching my watches either. I like looking for good off best watches. I invest in people though. Best wishes friend.

[@gabrielvalverde6133]

Awesome footage man :)

[@koski1885]

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.

[@garrycroft4215]

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.

[@barringtonsunderland8405]

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.

[@tynannida9642]

Feeling pretty safe in Maine wearing my Seiko MM300

[@huwlongmore8207]

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.

[@BarkandJack]

Hi Huw, thanks for your insight. And feel free to share it. Cheers, Adrian

[@richardsmegma5081]

Watch spotter sounds like a marvellous job!

[@Blue_3rd]

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!

[@frips1000]

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!

[@guidoVX]

frips1000 funny that in Italy people still believe that northern countries are very safe, because mainstream media don’t give such news...

[@bigwill4284]

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

[@jarrodlee1506]

Stop an expensive luxury watch

[@bigwill4284]

@@jarrodlee1506 not an expensive watch

[@jarrodlee1506]

Too me then $6000 plus australian

[@Mythicregard]

Where's Porto?

[@clyde2801]

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

[@frankv7068]

Phatso defends himself swinging his hard case briefcase from Louis Vuitton

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

Archie would likely hide away in a seedy massage parlor and never be seen until all their take out food is eaten.

[@RyTyme]

I'd watch that showdown.

[@Anonymous-wh6zv]

You guys just made my day maybe he should have got sponsor's to look after him , and by the time he was about to being mugged he would have told them all about his Patek Philippe Patek, Philippe I gotta tell you guys about my Patek Philippe , I gotta tell you guys my Patek Philippe🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@carminered]

You’re obsessed.

[@deeseeeit]

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...

[@robbrennan8158]

I got mugged coming from Dublin (Irl) in London weekend of RWC Final - W%nkers took my Zenith - MET Police were unbelievably helpful - Travel to London a bit so was really p1ssed off - hate the way London has gone with crime - very sad to see such an amazing city change the way it has - Never felt unsafe in Paris or NYC. Great Video - awareness is key.

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks Rob. And I’m glad the police were helpful. I’d always assume they wouldn’t take notice.

[@Mythicregard]

Bummer. What Zenith?

[@bombazine2]

“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.

[@rico200168]

Ed Tedeschi I always wear my Daytona full everose black dial yes I may lose my life but I will take down one of them fuckers with me

[@sucker4o]

rico200168 stay safe m8 👍

[@abefroman8202]

rico200168. Yeah right thought guy! Wise up!

[@jbennison5672]

@@rico200168 No you wont take one of them down. They will stab you, take the watch and leave you dying. Idiot.

[@Mark..P]

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.

[@Mark..P]

Kyle Duncan 😂 OK. You are right, there are some safe ish places, but places that are far worse. We have knife crime but that is limited to pockets and they are between gangs. Most cities have those and say otherwise is naivety. I, as have my friends and colleagues, have lived here for years and it is a wonderful city that is welcoming and warm.

[@treedillinger5801]

Watching some of these videos I wonder how bad London really is. There’s pretty much no part of NYC in 2019 where I’d personally be afraid to wear a nice watch, and yes- I’m fully aware that there’s still plenty of crime in NY. Newark, NJ is considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities and while there are parts of that city I’d avoid altogether I wouldn’t for one second hesitate to walk around downtown Newark with a nice watch on. There are however, plenty of areas in Newark where I wouldn’t park my car because that’s a specific problem that occurs often there. So I’m wondering: is watch theft *really* that bad in London? Is there more than a 1% chance?

[@gmshadowtraders]

I've seen stabbings and shootings first hand right in front of my eyes, here in the great city of London. Let me tell you, it's becoming like Mad Max round here. No joke, we on the front lines baby. Do not wear your expensive watch when you roam the streets out here. Coming from a local, just don't risk it.

[@Mythicregard]

@@Mark..P The video shows an article of a man who was not a part of a gang that was stabbed to death in front of his girlfriend for his watch. The knife crime isn't limited only to gangs.

[@aey2579]

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

[@devinmurps4915]

Who else is here mainly because of Scottish Watches..? Love the Hautix crew! Keep it up, boys!

[@famimame]

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

[@gerry2893]

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..

[@raksh9]

Wear it under long sleeves, all the better. If you need to check the time, do so discreetly, pulling up the sleeve and covering the watch with that hand.

[@laurencefahey3132]

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

[@charliepeters755]

Adrian, love your channel - only discovered you last year, but have enjoyed steadily going through the archive and watching your encounters with watches. Huge fan, but this video didn't sit right with me. I can understand wanting to be careful in London, but you shouldn't have to be, and you saying that people who wear gold watches in the old smoke are "asking for trouble" was quite shocking. This is victim blaming. They are not asking for trouble, they are just wearing a beautiful timepiece. This is just my opinion, which counts for little, but feel very strongly that we must react against any perspective that puts the blame on victims of crime, especially in those 'asking for it' terms. To help foster our horological impulses more broadly, we must do everything we can to ensure that everyone and anyone can wear their watches freely; no matter where, no matter when. Again, love your work. Charlie.

[@marcosmcc2562]

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 👌🏻

[@WillGoesBoing]

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.

[@The_Kavalier]

White shirt Adrian is here to make sure he can feed his family 🙂

[@Archer335]

A few years ago, I met a man who told me that once when he was in San Francisco and wearing his grandfather’s 35K Rolex, that someone hit him, hard, on his head, from behind. He woke up in a hospital without his Rolex. He was in the hospital for “months,” and almost died. Now he has a permanent dent in his head, and his grandfather’s watch is gone. I believe that he said he was in Ghirardelli Square when it happened. Anyway, I would wear my Timex where our man Adrian lives, just to be safe.

[@craigfroude8109]

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....

[@JonasSorensenDK]

I feel pretty safe in Copenhagen too, but I always wears my Rolex under my shirt sleeve in the City Center. If wearing a polo, I bring my Tudor Black Bay instead

[@Mark..P]

Craig Froude Well said Craig

[@strongyang]

@@JonasSorensenDK Almost got mugged by two Moroccans in Copenhagen. They wanted me to take a picture and when I gave the camera back to them, they grabbed my arm but I’m a strong man, so I pull my arm away.

[@ajg52100]

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

[@kevokevo]

That's very James Bond of you. (pre-Walther and Omega)

[@ajg52100]

@@kevokevo Bobcat is smaller than the PPK!

[@geztaylor]

Yup, and is why your gun deaths per 100,000 is at 12.21 per as opposed to 0.23 in the UK. Always make me laugh when the Americans list on these threads like Billy Big Bollocks about the guns they have, like it makes them safer in some way.

[@Mythicregard]

@@geztaylor Most of those are suicides and a large part of the remainder are committed by a small subset of the population. For just one example of why freedom is better, compare home invasion robbery rates in the two countries. Even disperse gun ownership is a massive criminal deterrent.

[@geztaylor]

@@Mythicregard Much safer, you must be loving that "freedom" Murders with firearms14 Ranked 39th.9,369 Ranked 4th. 669 times more than United Kingdom Murders with firearms per million0.236 Ranked 44th.32.57 Ranked 10th. 138 times more than United Kingdom Total crimes6.52 million Ranked 2nd.11.88 million Ranked 1st. 82% more than United Kingdom

[@jamesfreeman7954]

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.

[@lochlannach9256]

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

[@verykeen2please]

London - never walk around with headphones in

[@raksh9]

Never walk around with headphones in, ever.

[@SmokeyRobbo]

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.

[@BarkandJack]

Hahaha. That was brave.

[@CUTEMKUltras]

Heard about that guy in Greenwich. I live up the road. Fkn terrible to die for a watch.

[@Minkjedi333]

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

[@neilsessions9744]

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

[@bonkersblock]

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

[@NLJamba]

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

[@fez877]

Not really, you could wear any watches in Singapore or Tokyo and nobody give a shit. But it sucks to be under that situation.

[@fire_watch7735]

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

[@tonymaiettasr.7340]

Canada_watch you were her in Shitcago, correct?

[@austimotive3289]

I’ve been meaning to get another daily instead of my BLNR. Does make me uncomfortable occasionally. Trading ads btw... hmm, not keen on that.

[@austimotive3289]

I know you need to make a living of course. Just saying.

[@rajgill7576]

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

[@goonermike6755]

That's what worries me getting a Rolex because if a couple of thieves notice it then they will try pinch it.

[@marksparrow474]

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

[@bigc208]

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.

[@Mythicregard]

Any cities in particular in South America?

[@humblewiz4953]

@@MythicregardMexico,Brazil, Colombian cities

[@BuckFutton]

I work in Whitechapel and my Sub is my daily wear......never had a problem. To be fair the rest of me looks like something you would find in the bargain bin at Next so I don't think I appear on anyone's radar as someone that would be wearing a luxury watch.

[@sphyoni]

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.