Keep it to yourself
Octane|February 2023
Watch thieves are becoming ever more prevalent, so it pays to be self-aware
Keep it to yourself

I DROPPED INTO my local watch dealer last week. One of his customers had managed the feat of getting to the top of the Rolex waiting list and was picking up his new Submariner. After he'd had the bracelet sized, he put the watch in a travel pouch and stowed it in his inside pocket. Then he took out an old Co-Op plastic bag into which he dropped the box and paperwork, eschewing the smart bag the dealer offered. 'Can't be too careful nowadays,' he said as he shut the door behind him.

Later I asked my dealer friend if this wasn't a bit over-dramatic. After all, we weren't in central London and it was broad daylight. It might be,' he said. 'I'd be surprised if they'd bother with a Sub; not enough margin in it to make it worthwhile. On the other hand...'

He then told me about a Patek collector who'd been the victim of an attempted robbery in Mayfair a few weeks earlier. He believed the thieves had a spotter sitting at the bar of the restaurant where he was eating. The spotter messaged them as he was paying the bill and they waited by the door to take his watch. When he put up a fight and ran back into the restaurant, they followed him, still trying to pull his Patek from his wrist. Fortunately, he was unhurt and they didn't get the watch. But it gives some sense of how watch theft has moved from opportunist mugging to targeted crime.

Bu hikaye Octane dergisinin February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Octane dergisinin February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

OCTANE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Will China Change Everything? - China is tearing up modern motor manufacture but is yet to make more than a ripple in the classic car world. That could be about to change dramatically
Octane

Will China Change Everything? - China is tearing up modern motor manufacture but is yet to make more than a ripple in the classic car world. That could be about to change dramatically

China now dominates the automotive world in a way even Detroit in its heyday would have struggled to comprehend.Helped by Government incentives, the new car world is dominated by China's industries: whether full cars that undercut Western models by huge amounts, ownership of storied European brands such as Lotus and Volvo, or ownership and access to the vast majority of raw materials that go into EV cars, its influence is far-reaching and deep. However, this automotive enlightenment hasn't manifested itself in the classic world in any meaningful way - until now.

time-read
5 dak  |
September 2024
Jem Marsh
Octane

Jem Marsh

The hard-bitten Marcos boss was driven like few others and never knew when he was beaten. Thankfully

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Vandamm House
Octane

Vandamm House

A Mid-Century Modernist masterpiece that was immortalised on celluloid - despite never actually existing

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Making light
Octane

Making light

Alfa Romeo's post-war renaissance began with the 1900 saloon - and matured with Zagato's featherweight coupé version, as Jay Harvey discovers

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024
FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE
Octane

FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE

Is burgeoning classic car interest in the Middle East good for the global classic market? Nathan Chadwick investigates

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Before the beginning
Octane

Before the beginning

This rare Amazon Green pre-production Range Rover is Velar chassis number 4. James Elliott charts its historically revealing factory restoration

time-read
9 dak  |
October 2024
Ben Cussons
Octane

Ben Cussons

As the outgoing chairman of the Royal Automobile Club hands on to his successor, Robert Coucher quizzes him about the evolution of this great British institution

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024
BULLDOG & THE PUPPIES
Octane

BULLDOG & THE PUPPIES

We gather five motoring masterpieces by avant-garde designer William Towns - and drive all of them

time-read
10+ dak  |
October 2024
Below the tip of the Audrain iceberg
Octane

Below the tip of the Audrain iceberg

As the Audrain organisation grows, we take a look behind the scenes at the huge car collection that feeds it

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Flying the Scottish flag
Octane

Flying the Scottish flag

Young Ecurie Ecosse driver Chloe Grant gets to grips with the Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar C-type at Goodwood. Matthew Hayward is Octane's witness

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024