The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I wasn't sure if this should go in the "Off Topic" section or not, but as it is watch related, I'm posting it in "General."

Anyway, I'm heading to Istanbul, Turkey next week and am vacillating between bringing my Chronomat 01 or not bringing a watch at all. I've done a fair amount of research on safety in Istanbul and the city appears to be one of the safest in Europe. Many sources have said that Westerners are welcomed by the Turks and that tourists are not messed with very often. However, if someone has experience traveling/living in Istanbul, any opinions are welcome.

I definitely don't want to make myself more of a target with a blingy Chronomat on my wrist, but I hate not having a watch on. As I don't have a beater, it's either Breitling or naked wrist. As an aside, I'll also be pushing around my 7-month old daughter and lugging my 65-year old mother around with me, so I do have some additional precious cargo I need to ensure remains safe.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

well, as you say, Istanbul is a very, very safe city basically - though you should beware of pickpockets like in any major tourist destination, especially in the Bazaars. Another advantage is that it would be a rare knowledgeable pickpocket to recognize a Chronomat - if you have it on deployant or bracelet, the risks are minimal, straps are a bit easier to open and slip off your hand, still quite a theoretic risk ?

Thanks for the input, Fred. I did know that pickpocketing was an issue in Istanbul, but I'm pretty careful when it comes to this and have never had an issue in other sketchy cities I've been to. My Chronomat is on a steel bracelet, so it's unlikely someone could get it off my wrist without me knowing. I'm mostly concerned with getting mugged for my watch. However, as I only have 1.5 days there, I"ll be sticking to the touristy places and won't be out at night.

In all honestly, New York City can be a pretty sketchy place and I feel comfortable wearing my watch there.

Other opinions/thoughts are welcome.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

risk of a tourist mugging in Istanbul is minimal.

There are places in any city where wearing a nice watch is a risk, there are far fewer in Istanbul than in most other cities - amazing place, wear it and enjoy.

Unless yr watch is gold or with plenty of diamonds on it, it is not likely to attract pickpockets. You should be more careful with yr wallet instead, as pickpockets tend to focus their attention on where u keep your money and wallet. However I might not encourage you to wear yr Chronomat 01 because you will need to carry your 7 month daughter so I would advise that you avoid wearing accessories on the wrist (especially when Chronomat is rather big and heavy) to prevent unforseen " accidents" such as knocking yr watch against yr baby and hurting her accidentally or getting her clothes "entangled" to yr watch when u carry or lay her down. I don't have children yet but my friends who have new born babies normally avoid wearing anything on their hands to prevent hurting the baby accidentally.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

Been there for multiple weeks for work and have felt nothing but safe in that city. Its a lovely city, enjoy!

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worked on cruise ships for 11 years went to Istanbul many many times and never had an issue and wore a Breitling everytime I went TBH 900% of people will think its a replica anyway so wear and enjoy.

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Your joking, right? No really, this is a gag, eh?


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SHARKMAN

Where's the 'count' when ya need him?? He can weigh in on this topic I am sure.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Get the wife to carry the baby. Problem solved

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Sounds silly but happened to a friend of mine before. So far almost all my friends who have new born babies avoid wearing anything on the hands, even rings. When I have my own one day I will avoid that too, at least when I am carrying my baby, I don't take chances.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

Erm...Not sure if his wife is tagging along. Even if so, can't expect her to carry all the way because he is wearing his Chronomat. I would suggest that even if he wants to wear a watch, choose a smaller one.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

Sound like a good reason to buy a beater!

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. It seems the consensus is that I don't have much to worry about in regards to getting mugged. My own research corroborates this, so I'm definitely leaning towards bringing a Ling.

Regarding injuring my infant, I don't personally feel this is a problem for me. I've worn both my Breitlings around her and have never smacked her with one. It certainly could happen, but I'll take my chances.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000