Is It Safe to Wear Your Rolex in Europe? The 2026 Travel Guide

This article provides general guidance based on publicly available crime statistics and travel advisories as of January 2026. Conditions change frequently. Always check current travel advisories and take appropriate precautions based on your specific circumstances.

You've saved for years, waited on a list, and finally own the watch you wanted. Now you're planning a trip to Europe and facing a question that didn't exist a decade ago: is it safe to actually wear it?

The short answer is complicated. Some European cities have seen watch theft surge by 30-60% in recent years, with organised criminal gangs specifically targeting tourists wearing luxury timepieces. But "don't wear your watch" isn't practical advice for a two-week trip.

This guide covers:

• Which European cities are highest risk for watch theft
• How criminals identify and target victims
• Practical safety measures that actually work
• What to do if your watch is stolen abroad
• How to ensure you're properly covered before you travel

Why This Matters for Asian Travellers

Singaporeans and Malaysians travel to Europe in significant numbers. London, Paris, and Italy rank among the most popular long-haul destinations from Southeast Asia. And watch ownership in Singapore and Malaysia is high: both countries have thriving luxury watch markets with strong collector communities.

This creates a specific vulnerability. Tourists from Asia visiting European capitals are often well-dressed, carrying expensive accessories, and unfamiliar with local crime patterns. Criminals know this.

The Scale of the Problem

Watch theft in Europe isn't petty crime. It's an organised, often violent, multi-billion dollar industry.

Key Statistics

Most Targeted Brands

Criminals know exactly what they're looking for.

Europe's Watch Theft Hotspots

Not all European cities carry equal risk. Here's what the data shows.

Highest Risk Cities

Lower Risk Cities

City-by-City Breakdown

London

London has become one of the world's worst cities for luxury watch theft. The Metropolitan Police launched dedicated operations after knifepoint robberies surged 60% between May and June in recent years.

How thieves operate in London: Moped-enabled theft is common. Two criminals on a scooter approach from behind, one grabs the watch (sometimes using a knife), and they disappear into traffic. The whole incident takes seconds.

Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly stated he no longer wears watches in London due to the mugging surge.

Paris

Paris recorded 611 robberies per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking first among European capitals in a 2022 survey. A dedicated police task force of 30 agents now focuses specifically on luxury watch theft.

How thieves operate in Paris: Groups work together. One member distracts (asking for directions, offering a petition to sign), while another removes the watch. More violent grab-and-run thefts also occur, particularly at night.

Barcelona

Barcelona has earned the unwanted title of "pickpocket capital of Europe." Watch theft is part of a broader street crime problem targeting tourists.

Spanish police have formed a special Catalonia unit dedicated to tackling watch theft. Watches represent over 4% of violent robberies in Barcelona.

Italy: Rome, Milan, Naples

Italy presents a varied picture. Naples is the epicentre of organised European watch theft, but tourist cities like Rome and Milan also see significant activity.

Europol operation (March 2024): Police arrested 35 members of a Naples-based criminal organisation responsible for violent watch robberies across Europe. The gang operated in teams of 3-5, scouting victims at upscale restaurants and hotels, then attacking when they left.

One Italian resident's experience: "In my city, Rolexes get snatched all the time. I only wear mine in winter when long sleeves cover it."

Germany and Northern Europe

Germany and northern European countries are generally safer, but not risk-free.

A German forum user noted: "In general, it is pretty safe except for certain areas of the larger cities, especially after dark."

How Criminals Identify Targets

Understanding how thieves select victims helps you avoid becoming one.

What Makes You a Target

What Protects You

Practical Safety Measures

If you're determined to wear your watch in Europe, take precautions.

Before You Travel

While Travelling

Bracelet Considerations

The bracelet affects visibility more than you might think.

One practical tip from watch forums: "One of the simplest ways to make a Rolex feel less attention-grabbing is to swap the bracelet. A matte black rubber strap tones it down instantly."

If Your Watch Is Stolen Abroad

Knowing the process helps you act quickly.

Immediate Steps

Documentation Needed for Claims

Watch Register

The Watch Register is a global database of stolen and lost watches. Registration is free and increases the chance of recovery if your watch surfaces in the legitimate market.

The Insurance Question

Here's the uncomfortable truth: even with perfect awareness, theft can still happen. Moped attacks take seconds. Organised gangs are professionals.

What Standard Policies Typically Don't Cover

What Specialist Watch Insurance Covers

For Singaporean and Malaysian Travellers

A few specific considerations for travellers from Singapore and Malaysia.

Your Watch Is Worth More in Europe

Due to currency and regional pricing, your watch may actually be worth more to European criminals than you paid.

This means criminals targeting tourists from Asia may perceive higher value.

Travel Insurance Gaps

Standard travel insurance from Singapore and Malaysia typically covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation. It rarely covers luxury items adequately.

Flight and Transit Considerations

Long-haul flights from Singapore to Europe take 12-14 hours. Consider when and where you put on your watch.

Common Questions Travellers Ask

"Should I just leave my watch at home?"

That's one option, but probably not why you bought it. A better approach: assess each destination, take sensible precautions, and ensure proper insurance coverage.

"Is a Rolex really that recognisable?"

To criminals, yes. The sports models (Submariner, GMT-Master, Daytona) have distinctive profiles. Polished bracelets are visible from metres away. Professional thieves can identify a Rolex in seconds.

"What about less famous brands like Grand Seiko or Tudor?"

Lower risk than Rolex, Patek, or AP. But any watch that looks expensive can attract attention. The metal bracelet and polished case are often enough.

"Are certain watch styles safer than others?"

"What if I fight back?"

Don't. Criminals in organised gangs may be armed with knives. Your watch isn't worth your life. Comply, report to police, and claim on insurance. This is exactly what insurance is for.

FAQ

Is it safe to wear a Rolex in London right now?

Elevated caution is warranted. London sees 4+ reported watch thefts daily, with actual numbers likely higher. Avoid obvious tourist behaviour, keep the watch under sleeves when walking, and stay alert in Westminster, Kensington, and tourist areas. Many locals now avoid wearing valuable watches on public transport.

Which European city has the highest watch theft rate?

London has the highest absolute numbers (6,000+ thefts in 2022), while Paris has the highest robbery rate per capita (611 per 100,000). Barcelona is notorious for pickpocketing specifically. Naples is the operational hub for organised watch theft gangs across Europe.

Should I wear a fake watch when travelling instead?

Some collectors do this. The risk: if criminals target you and discover it's fake, they may react violently. A better approach is wearing a legitimate but less recognisable watch (entry-level Swiss, Japanese brands) that doesn't attract professional attention.

Does travel insurance cover watch theft in Europe?

Rarely adequately. Standard travel insurance from Singapore and Malaysia typically caps personal belongings at S$500-2,000 per item, with single-item limits of S$500-1,000. A Rolex worth S$15,000 requires specialist watch insurance with overseas coverage.

What should I do immediately if my watch is stolen in Europe?

Report to local police immediately and obtain a written report with a case number. This is essential for any insurance claim. Note the exact time, location, and circumstances. Contact your insurance provider within 24 hours. Register the watch as stolen with The Watch Register (free service) to increase recovery chances.

Is it safe to wear a luxury watch in restaurants and hotels in Europe?

Restaurants and hotel departures are prime hunting grounds. Criminals scout upscale venues, identify targets wearing expensive watches, and follow them when they leave. Keep your watch less visible, vary your departure timing, and take taxis directly from the door.

How do moped thieves operate in London and Paris?

Two criminals on a scooter approach from behind at speed. The passenger grabs the watch from your wrist, sometimes using a knife to cut through straps or threaten compliance. They disappear into traffic within seconds. Walking near buildings (away from the kerb) reduces this risk.

Are Singaporean and Malaysian tourists specifically targeted?

Not specifically, but Asian tourists in Europe are often well-dressed and carrying valuable accessories, making them visible targets. The key factors are behaviour (looking lost, stopping frequently, obvious tourist activities) rather than nationality itself.

What's the most stolen watch brand in Europe?

Rolex accounts for 44-45% of all watch thefts reported to The Watch Register. Cartier has risen to second place. Other frequently stolen brands include Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega. The common factor: instant recognisability and strong resale value.

Can I recover a stolen watch?

Recovery is possible but uncommon. The Watch Register reports locating hundreds of watches annually through their database when pieces surface at legitimate dealers. However, many stolen watches are quickly moved through underground channels or shipped overseas. Documentation (serial numbers, photos) is essential for any recovery attempt.

MINT Conclusion

Wearing your watch in Europe isn't impossible, but it requires awareness that didn't exist a decade ago. Organised criminal gangs now specifically target luxury timepieces, and cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona have become genuine risk zones for watch owners.

The pragmatic approach: research your destinations, take sensible precautions, adjust your behaviour in higher-risk areas, and ensure you're properly covered before you leave.

A specialist watch insurance policy provides worldwide coverage for theft, accidental damage, and loss. If the worst happens in a Paris side street or a Barcelona tourist spot, you'll have the documentation and coverage to recover your loss, not just a police report and regret.

Get worldwide watch insurance before your next trip