silam

Thanks for those of you who kept it on topic.

My experience is a leather band has not set off the metal detector. I used to take off a watch with a metal band, but that was in the pre strip search era, where I felt like I had better control of and less separation from my valuables.

I can understand the concern some of you have with taking your valuables with you into unfamiliar or potentially riskier areas. Its always an equation between risk (losing) and reward (getting to enjoy what you worked for). How much of this equation is based on the location you are traveling to? For items like watches and rings, they seldom leave your person, so even storing them in a hotel is a risk you usually do not have to take (although there still are times when they are best removed).

For those of you who have poor reading comprehension - this thread isn't about using your cell phone or bragging about what you own. Its simply about how you transport valuable things that are often kept on your person.

mnmme

But those that had to name the brand of their watch and their reasons for not wearing them out in the big bad world were on topic?

dssxxxx

Hey........I have a lot of Rolex's and so does my wife. We wear them. When you have it, flaunt it.

I also carry a $50K rider on my homeowners for "unscheduled" jewelry.

mnmme

I point being, the initial poster didn't ask what type of watch do you own and do you wear it to the airport.

Why the half the posters felt a need to address a question(s) that wasn't asked, can only lead one to believe...................

dssxxxx

You must be a jerk.

Read the thread........my answer was number 4.

You don't read, or look any further than your nose, do something else.

mnmme

Had a non-jerk read quote to me. They agree poster doesn't ask us FTer's to identify what brand of watch we wear?

Just what we do with expensive jewlery - which may include a watch - at security.

The poster also doesn't ask anyone's opinion of why they don't wear their watch to the airport.

Poster #3 seemed to be able to answer the question without pointing out the brand of watch he wore.

Why did you?

linsj

I've never taken my watch or medic alert bracelet off at security. They are the only pieces of jewelry I wear when traveling, and neither has been a problem.

dranz

> Whats your strategy to minimized damage/loss/theft/TSA stupidity?

My everyday watch is, um, expensive. I do not take it off; ever since TSA
Supv Renee Zima tried to steal it. She no longer works for the TSA. Seems
the Airport Police caught her using her TSA badge, trying to steal one of their
K9's. Amazing. She had other "misuse of badge" problems ... one of them is
documented on YouTube.

I find it easier to opt out. Always. If asked why I'm opt'ing out, I politely
and calmly explain that a TSA supv in Detroit once attempted to steal my
watch.

If you travel with any valuables, NEVER let your bag leave your sight. NEVER.
Three weeks ago, I had to re-educate a TSA worker at BWI who insisted that
I was not allowed to keep my eyes on my gear. He lost.

Know their rules. Insist that they follow their rules. When they do not
follow their rules, file a written report w/names, dates & times.

Be polite. Be respectful. Be very firm.

mnmme

As a funny (ironic?) side note - Both coming and going through FRA last week was told - very nicely - I DIDN'T need to take my watch off.

Here I have a zipped compartment inside my zipped compartment of my backpack that I D ring the two zippers together.

N965VJ

As a gentleman of leisure, I have no need to be encumbered by a Patek Phillippe. But if I did, I would have my personal assistant place it in a compartment in my rollaboard that could be locked before approaching the checkpoint.
























Seriously though, it bugs me to see people with elite tags futz around with keys, coins, phones, etc. right before putting their stuff through the x-ray. I have that all stowed before I get to the Trained Document Checker.

xolinlevh

Well i think by knowing what type of watches, and what they cost, it helps put in perspective how people treat them. By saying "i always put my watch in the bin" vs "oh i never take it off" it helps to be able to know just how much money the poster is willing to entrust to the TSA vs keep on them

viennoisonline

Could be wrong................but:

My watch is over $10K. I still don't take it off.

nrr

I'm not too worried about someone stealing my $40.00 Casio watch--but since it never sets off the metal detector it stays on my wrist.
But, lots of NON-AIRPORT security exists (which uses the airport security model):
(1)Most of the major museums in Paris
(2)At Zurich airport, entrance to the observation deck [there is no direct access to the departure areas]
(3)Many federal buildings in the USA
If the metal detectors are set off you may be separated from your valuables (which might not always be visible to you).

chollie

Everything goes inside a locked compartment of my carry-on before I put it in the x-ray.

If the TSOs are trust-worthy, they won't mind. If they get hot under the collar, that reassures me that I made the right decision in locking my bag.

If they are honest and have no intention of rifling my bag out of my sight, if they have nothing to hide, they won't mind. Besides, they know I am also protecting myself from the other passengers they try to blame checkpoint thefts on.

Paul56

We must remember that the smart thieves pay attention
to these forums and what folks post about how they keep
their valuables secure... not that I am paranoid or anything.

The most valuable asset I travel with is myself... and I chose
to not make myself a target by looking rich with a watch or
jewelry.