Patek Philippe Theft Risk & Wearing Habits

patekova · 2022-09-17T18:31:44Z

Explore how rising luxury watch thefts, especially Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut, impact collector wearing habits. Insights from WatchProSite members.

patekova

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

59 replies21514 views0 photos

Patekova's original post sparked a vital discussion within the WatchProSite community, addressing the growing concern among luxury watch collectors regarding the safety of wearing high-value timepieces in public. His candid reflection on how increased brand recognition, particularly for Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut models, has altered his wearing habits resonates with many who cherish the joy of wearing their watches but are increasingly wary of the associated risks. This article synthesizes the community's diverse perspectives on balancing the pleasure of ownership with personal security in an evolving world.

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For me, the great joy of owning a Patek is wearing it. When I first started collecting Pateks it seemed like very few non watch people had ever heard of the brand. Then years later it seemed like a majority of people had heard of the brand but probably had no idea what a Patek looked like. Now Patek is very much recognizable and coveted. And certainly thieves know exactly what a Patek looks like especially Nautilus.

Until recently I never had any concerns about wearing a Patek anywhere anytime. I felt the brand was totally under the radar, but not anymore. Very sad!

Now I avoid wearing a Patek, particularly Nautilus or Aquanaut (or sport Rolex) in certain places or at certain times unless it is under my sleeve and I am dressed in a relatively inconspicuous way. I prefer not to be noticed either because of my watch or the way I am dressed. When traveling by plane, I forgo the joy of wearing a Patek for the comfort of feeling unnoticed and safe. This bothers me tremendously but I feel I have no other satisfactory alternative.

Since for me 99% of the joy of owning a Patek is wearing it the new reality is very distressing. I am still buying Pateks and wear a Patek frequently BUT in a manner, and at times and in places where I feel the risk is extremely minimal. I think twice before going into a luxury watch store even if the Patek is under my sleeve. I am paying much more attention to who and what is going on around me.

So I ask my fellow forum members have you changed your Patek wearing habits? What precautions, if any, do you take? And generally has the current seemingly more risky climate influenced your Patek buying habit?

I look forward to a discussion of what I feel is one of the most important issues facing the Patek (and other luxury watch brands) collecting community.

Best, Patekova

Key Points from the Discussion

The risk of violent robbery for a luxury watch is distinct from other forms of loss, carrying potential for severe injury and psychological trauma beyond the financial cost.
Some collectors view watches like sports cars, meant to be enjoyed and used, accepting the inherent risks of wear and potential loss as part of the experience, provided the investment doesn't impact essential finances.
Despite concerns, luxury watches, including Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, are still openly worn in high-profile European tourist destinations like Monaco, Cannes, Florence, and Nice, often with increased police presence in these areas.
Increased brand awareness for models like the Patek Philippe Nautilus has shifted the experience from private joy to public spotlight, leading some owners to sell their pieces or opt for less conspicuous alternatives.
In some regions, like Costa Rica, luxury watches may not attract specific criminal attention, with general situational awareness being sufficient, as evidenced by an anecdote where an Omega Planet Ocean was overlooked during a mugging.
The rise in watch thefts is attributed to organized crime recognizing luxury watches as a new revenue source, exacerbated by economic disparities, making a luxury watch on the wrist comparable to carrying a large sum of cash.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Sep 17, 2022

While I don't have a patek, I am on my way out downtown to waterfront with kids. Would wear my Pepsi gmt but decided for my rado for this reason.

Bill

Sep 17, 2022

Today the reality is that we must be completely aware of our surroundings at every instance. So yes a lot more cautious.

Steve E

Sep 17, 2022

When I bought it in 2012 it became a daily wear for the next 5+ years. Totally loved wearing it anywhere anytime all the time. But the heightened brand awareness emerging more recently encouraged me to put the Nautilus away, and earlier this year, at the apparent height of the fenzy, I sold it. In the beginning the 5711 was a personal private joy to have around. More recently, when it turned into the spotlight, that joy was lost. Yet there are other watches to wear... Wearing an attractive watch

patekova

Sep 17, 2022

can’t wear it the way you like (as an every day watch) one might ask oneself “why keep it”? On the plus side, you wore a watch that you loved everyday for 5+ years, apparently had no problems, and when you no longer felt comfortable wearing it, you presumably made a tremendous profit. For me, selling is not the answer, but ….

socal to az

Sep 17, 2022

Was visiting La for an extended trip and took my aquanaut but swapped out the orange strap to be less conspicuous. I’ve very cognizant of my surroundings. It’s sucks that the liberal policing and enforcement policies of certain cites have destroyed the community. My parents live in LA and all their friends never take out their watches or jewelry anymore. It’s just not safe.

Clueless_Collector

Sep 17, 2022

I just came back from 10-day trip to Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Florence and Pisa. I brought only a pair of Chopard Alpine Eagles and a SeaMaster Diver 300M. I had similar discussions on this topic before the trip at the Chopard forum and the votes were split…mostly to where your concerns are but some members were fine with wearing whatever. However during the trip in Cannes, I saw a family in Chanel store wearing 5980/1R, 5711/1R and a pair of RG AP ROs. I also see lots of hype watches in Monte Carl

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