A top Mayfair jeweller has argued that London is too dangerous a place to flaunt a Rolex watch over fears of robbery and violence.
Stephen Webster, whose avant-garde designs are favoured by the likes of Kate Moss and Madonna, claims that people who show off expensive accessories in the capital are “idiots”.
His comments came after Donald Trump claimed that crime in London is going “through the roof” under mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
Legions of celebrities have sported Mr Webster's rings, necklaces and bracelets over the years, including Jay Z, Johnny Depp and Sir Elton John.
But speaking at the launch party of Nela London in Bayswater, Mr Webster said that Londoners “have to be smart” when wearing jewellery in public.
He told the Daily Mail’s Eden Confidential: “You can’t go around London flaunting, ‘Here’s my gold Rolex’.
“You’re an idiot. It will attract the wrong kind of attention and can make you a target.”
Mr Webster, 66, believes his creations are safer to wear than those of his competitors, including fellow British jeweller Laurence Graff.
He said: “I don’t make necklaces that cost $10 million. I make jewellery that people wear, literally, every day.
“I chose not to do that many years ago. I’ve not ever had someone who’s come to me and said, ‘I’ve been mugged for my Stephen Webster jewellery’. Never. So far, so good.”
According to a recent survey by global database The Watch Register, nearly half of luxury watch owners in the UK feel nervous about wearing one in public for fear of it being stolen.
Between 2019 and 2024, 29,000 watches were reported stolen to the Metropolitan Police, with one in five of those thefts involving violence.
This trend has accelerated since the coronavirus pandemic, as thieves have shifted from targeting businesses to individuals.
It has led to a rise in incidents at high-end restaurants and properties in affluent neighborhoods, including Knightsbridge.
Last December, a thug broke into the Primrose Hill mansion of socialite influencer Shafira Huang, making off with £10 million of diamond jewellery, including rare pieces from De Beers, Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Earlier this year, Brittny Ward, the wife of former Formula One world champion Jenson Button, spoke out about how “unsecure” she feels London is after her suitcase carrying £250,000 worth of jewellery and designer handbags was nicked outside St Pancras International station.
And Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns Manchester United football club, has said he refuses to wear a watch in the city because he is scared he will be mugged.
Westminster is the most targeted borough for jewelry theft and saw more than 1,596 reported incidents in 2023/24 — nearly double second placed Kensington and Chelsea, at 810.
In a follow-up interview with the Standard, Mr Webster said the increased presence of luxury cars and people owning high-end goods from distinguished brands is encouraging criminals to commit these robberies.
“There can be a bit of flaunting that goes along,” he said. “When someone looks for an opportunity they are going to go to Mayfair. Do I think it has got worse in recent years? It may have done. Because you have more obvious wealth in front of you.”
He added: “We live in a world that is very polarised and you are fortunate that you have got things that have high value, and you have to be sensible.
“I want to be clear I don’t run away in fear. However, I am in an industry where you always have to be aware of everything around you. If you are going to be walking around showing off your wealth that is very obvious, you are asking for trouble and be a target.”
