Wear whatever, just don't be flashy. Looks like long sleeve weather in Barcelona. Sounds like some concern in your post, so wear something you don't need to think about should something happen.

 

Any one of them.

 

Something you can schrug off, if lost or stolen.

 

Could also go with the venerable SKX?

 

I was in Barcelona in 2016 and wore my Omega SMP. No problems despite the same warnings about various street crime. I just got back from Lisbon earlier this week. I wore my Tudor BB chrono. Once again, I made it back fully intact. Just be mindful of your surroundings. Wearing long sleeves will make things seamless.

 

 

I came here expecting this to be about Barcelona as in red and blue...

X-33, out of these five. The Seiko is going to attract an eye because diver. The X-33 will look like something new and maybe casio-ish at first glance. Then again, if you're already concerned, there's no reason to think every potential robber knows an expensive watch from an inexpensive one...

 

They have a separate section at the Barcelona police station just for tourists reporting theft. The line is usually very long.
So just wear whichever watch you are most willing to part with.

Keep your phone in a pocket with a zipper or button.

Since you're there for two months, make some time for Valencia:

How this beautiful Spanish tourist city became the green capital of Europe | CNN

It’s one of Spain’s sunniest cities, thanks to its Med location. Now, Valencia can also claim to be the most sustainable after winning the Green Capital of Europe title.

www.cnn.com

 

I had the pleasure of waiting on that line. I got a very good education on the pickpocketing industry in Barcelona. My watch wasn’t specifically targeted but collateral damage from a duffel bag swipe during a distraction type of theft. It was “the bag with valuables” that I guard carefully.

If you read my recent threads supporting ”watch insurance” you’ll understand why.

My incident occurred on my first day and I lost a GO. I spent the rest of my time with an Omega AT. I have to say I was very cautious with the Omega, but did see a handful of pickpocket and distraction methods.Unfortunately, the vintage Tudor story mentioned is VERY a common and very sophisticated. The little bump is well planned and likely there was 1 or more accomplices that were involved to distract the Tudor owner.

i posted about it when it happened and if you’re interested, it’s on the site.

OTOH, Barcelona is a wonderful city, loved it and anxious to go back and hopefully have an incident free trip.

if I go back, I’d likely wear an Omega GMT or a Tudor but I don’t like to be scared out of wearing watches I enjoy. I also like having a beater.

id look into a travel insurance policy..not sure they exist

have fun and wear the watch that you’re able to have fun without a concern of losing your watch…I won’t say its a high % but it happens more than a little

onthe bright side, I lost some sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes but I did pick this up

 

If you mean a watch to match your trip then the Tudor gmt.
they play in red and blue 🥳🥳🥳

 

Bustdown AM junk-diamond hublot is the only answer

 

I would probably travel to Barcelona without a watch and buy a Pita Barcelona there – directly from the AHCI Master Watchmaker Aniceto Jiménez Pita himself…

Timepieces Catalogue

Timepieces Catalogue from Pita Barcelona

pita.barcelona

 

Not to my taste, but interesting! And significantly cheaper than I would have expected.

 

A good buddy of mine had his vintage Tudor sub taken from his wrist in broad daylight on a busy street. He said that the guy bumped into him for a split second and that's when it happened. He noticed right away and both he and his son chased the guy but never were able to catch him.

Reported it to police who were helpful but other than a report nothing came out of it. He still cannot explain how quick the removal must have happened from a slight bump.

I am sure people go in and out of Spain unscathed but from my buddy's experience I would play it safe.

 

I am sure people go in and out of Spain unscathed but from my buddy's experience I would play it safe.

There's still a solution in the spirit of @Moonshine Runner suggestion - the cheap and cheerful Barcelona 666 brand with letter dials, which you can consider their calling card:

 

The PITA Oceana is interesting, no crown.

 

I’m sure the Tuna would love to see Spain.

 

The Seiko. Low key. Robust. Easy to replace if lost, damaged or stolen.

 

This is how i'm leaning. I have it on a leather strap at the moment too.

Or maybe the X33 (which is on a rubber strap). But it's not a robust as the Tuna.

 

I took my Spring Drive Tuna to Singapore a few months ago (not because I was worried about theft there, but just because I felt like it). It was a great watch.

 

The ramblers of a night is theft central.

Just be aware of your surroundings and who you share them with.

Watch wise…..this……

£12…..if they want to make all that effort, and take those risks for it, then power to their elbow 😂

 

Tuna i think.

 

Zero issues when I was in Barcelona last spring, walking around a lot of the city at all hours day and night. I was only wearing my Astron, though. Regardless of the watch you wear, situational awareness is key.

During my 2 weeks in Spain, I only had one minor incident, walking home one night tipsy in Madrid, when a kid (late teens/early 20s) was getting a little too close to my partner and I on an otherwise almost empty street. I just stopped abruptly, turned around, and raised my eyebrows at him like, "really?" He definitely didn't like that he was caught out, and walked off in the opposite direction reeling off a string of invective that I couldn't quite follow, but his tone conveyed all I needed to know. It was all I could do not to crack up laughing.

 

Maybe I'll just bring my Casioak and not worry about anything. I want to enjoy the trip, not worry about what's on my wrist.

 

not A bad idea..there’s a lot to be said for “worry free” and it’s such a wonderful city and you want to enjoy it

i also want to make the point that my incident and many others occur in what I would consider nice areas. Well dressed tourists and shoppers..

im sure there are rougher areas but I didn’t spend any time in them

 

When I went to Spain, I survived unscathed, but my Uncle’s jacket got slashed, cause they were trying to get his wallet. Thankfully, he kept his wallet in an inner pocket, and the robber was too impatient.

You mentioned that you’re going in a couple months, so I think that will be a bit too warm for long sleeves (at least, it would be for me).

In that case, go with the Seiko. It may still get pickpocketed right off of your wrist in certain areas, but - unless you have a great deal of sentimental value attached to it - it is also a loss you can prolly shrug off most easily.

Safe travels!

 

Leaving Barcelona. Went with the X33

 

Best choice.

 

Glad you survived.
Barcelona may be sketchy, but at least it’s safer than Las Vegas (the one in Nevada, USA).

 

Anywhere can be sketchy if you aren't observant. I have been all over with wife and never had an issue. If you pay attention to your surroundings and don't look like a victim, chances are you won't be targeted. Predators always go for easy prey.

 

wear the watch you like best!