WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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In an era where luxury watch ownership increasingly comes with security considerations, Humanist's original post sparked a vital discussion among WatchProSite members. This article synthesizes community insights on safeguarding valuable timepieces, offering practical advice and diverse perspectives on home security, bank storage, and personal safety strategies. Humanist's initial query about balancing accessibility with protection resonates deeply with collectors navigating these complex challenges.
Inspired by several posts about the theft of watches here, I'd like to discuss how to keep the watches safe. How do you do it? In the bank - they are not easily accessible in the safe deposit box. How protected at home? In the safe, with an alarm system? Of course, I don't want to read a good guide for the next burglar here. But maybe we can all learn from the experiences of the stolen? Thank you for your thoughts.
Key Points from the Discussion
- Thieves are increasingly using social media, like Instagram, to identify and target watch owners, often establishing patterns of movement before striking.
- A common tactic in Italy involves 'left mirror assault,' where thieves target watches worn on the left wrist during car stops. Some collectors adapt by wearing watches on their 'wrong' (right) wrist.
- Employing decoy safes with less valuable items can potentially deter burglars from searching for or taking more prized possessions, though this strategy carries inherent risks if not successful.
- Bank safe deposit boxes, particularly in regions like Switzerland and Germany, are considered a highly secure option, often with good insurance coverage, despite annual costs around EURO 500 for a decent size.
- Street theft can occur rapidly and unexpectedly, as experienced by a member whose watch was snatched from their wrist, highlighting the vulnerability even when cautious.
- Some collectors consider keeping high-quality replicas as decoys to hand over during a robbery, though this is a controversial strategy within the community.
- Creative home storage solutions, such as hidden safes or camouflaging watches in everyday items, can be effective in preventing discovery by thieves.
- No security measure is 100% foolproof, and maintaining discretion about one's wealth, along with careful vetting of individuals with home access (contractors, staff), are crucial preventative steps.
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