Should you wear your Rolex when traveling?

Vacation! Those precious moments when all our hard work finally pays off. We have that much needed time to unwind, explore new destinations, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also the time that we get to embrace our personal styles. After spending months in our corporate dress code, we get to wear as much or as little as we want to show our personality. One item often included in our holiday wardrobe tends to draw a bit more attention than most - the timepieces on our wrists. They often symbolize not just our style and personality, but also both extravagance and sophistication. 

As we watch collectors know, the popularity of luxury timepieces has never been higher. Demand far exceeds supply, driving prices higher and higher. And of course, that popularity has branched outside of our small collector community and is mainstream. Now that the whole world knows how much the watches on our wrists are worth, the question remains: should you worry about wearing a Rolex on vacation? Spend time in any of the watch Facebook groups or Reddit pages and you’ll see that I’m not the only one asking this. So, let’s take a look at the various aspects of this debate so that we can all make an informed decision.

Firstly, we all recognize that wearing our luxury watches while on vacation has its undeniable allure. They represent status, are aesthetically appealing, durable, and the perfect finishing touch to any wardrobe. On top of that, I’m a big supporter of making memories with your watches. There are pieces in my collection that I will always want to wear doing certain things with my family because they will always be a part of that story. So why are we all concerned about wearing our watches when we travel? While yes, there is the concern with damage to our watches, especially if we are doing a ton of physical activities. Even with their durability, no Rolex, Patek, or Panerai is completely impervious to harm and that means we can’t wear it worry-free.

The biggest concern however, is security. Let’s be honest, carrying an expensive watch on your wrist can make you a target for theft. With the increase in awareness about watches comes the increase in awareness that we are walking around with thousands of dollars sitting on our wrists, an easy target area. These concerns are not without cause. Watch thefts are proven to be on the rise. So what are the top cities for theft? London, Paris, New York City, Hong Kong, and Milan make the top 5 - all also incredibly popular vacation spots. Let’s be honest though, thefts in these and other cities are not centralized to watches. Purses, jewelry, wallets, and other valuables are often among the target list for thefts as well, yet are still items that we continue to utilize while on holiday or traveling. 

At the end of the day, the decision whether or not to wear your luxury watch when traveling is your own, but with the increase in thefts, how can we feel more comfortable about wearing our watches when away from home? 

Watch Insurance

We insure everything else that is important to us and yet most of us don’t have this simple feature on our watches. Most insurance companies now offer policies specific to watches, jewelry, and other luxury goods and this allows you to enjoy your watches worry free regardless of where you go.

Don’t Draw Attention

I know I know, if you don’t get a wristshot of your watch while on vacation, are you really #watchfam? But not only does this trigger a bit of social anxiety for you, it also brings unwanted attention to your wrist from everyone around you. Resist the urge to take a wrist shot everywhere you go and pay attention to your surroundings.

Bring Only One Watch

This is a habit I recently started. While I love to have multiple watch options for various outfits, I never feel comfortable leaving my unworn watches in a hotel room, even in the safes. Instead, I’ve started wearing just one watch the entire time I’m away to reduce any risks involved. 

Be Aware

This seems like common sense - just pay attention to where you are. Do your research ahead of time and know what areas are more likely to have crimes like pickpocketing and muggings. High tourist traffic areas or sketchy parts of town make you an easier target for theft. If you’re in these areas, just pay attention and cover your wrists as best you can.

There’s no amazing right or wrong answer to this online debate. If you have to ask “Should I wear my watch when traveling to ____”, then my advice is not to. You’re clearly already uncomfortable with the idea of it and that’s going to cause you to worry even unnecessarily the entire time you’re gone. It’s just as easy to leave your watch at home and bring a less expensive and less flashy option. The decision of whether or not to worry about wearing a Rolex on vacation ultimately depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and the nature of your trip. While a Rolex can add a touch of luxury and style to your vacation experience, it also comes with security and practicality concerns. By taking precautions and considering the tips provided, you can strike a balance between enjoying your timepiece and ensuring a worry-free vacation. Ultimately, your peace of mind should be your top priority when deciding whether to bring your Rolex along on your journey.