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Okay, so I've been performing the watch steal in walk around for a long while now, and I'm getting to the point where I'm comfortable doing it confidently.

I've been meaning to put it into the act for a long time, and just pushed myself finally.

My one big problem, and this has only happened twice, but I can see it happening more. And there is no out.

Obviously magicians have the "oh, watch your wallets!" impact on people before you even get to perform anything. And while I don't believe it's fair, it happens.

So, I get the watch, I then go into another routine or two before giving the watch back at the end. But what if the person in the group realises their watch is gone before you have chance to give it back? If there a way to prove you were going to give it back? A way to avoid them noticing its gone? Any suggestions?

Cheers!

Whenever i do the watch steal I always make sure one of their mates know I have it to reinforce the lack of 'dodgyness'.

My watch steal routine though generally tends to have it out on one of their mates, before a 'watch transposition' effect whereby I hold both of their wrists and the watch 'travels through my body'. Always gets an amazing reaction, as the only possible way in which it could be done, is the correct one!

WHOA! Crosbie is back!

Haha - what can I say? I missed you guys!

NINE OF CLUBS!

I wouldn't worry too much.

As long as you have no intent to deprive the person permanently then all is fine. Should an accusation be made, always try and ensure that the watch steal isn't your first effect on that person. That way you are both involved in a bit of a contract where the spec is aware he is taking part in a magic performance and can therefore state if he/she wishes to play no part.

I would also say that if the watch looks expensive, just don't risk it!

Sounds like a great thing to pull off! What sources would you recommend?

Alec

Alec Kobain wrote:Sounds like a great thing to pull off! What sources would you recommend?

Just do it! I learnt from watching David Blaine do it on youtube!

I've seen a good few people steal the watch and immediately hold it up above and behind the person it was stolen from. It means difficulty in delaying the return until later but completely eliminates any hassle from someone thinking you're a thief. Whether or not it would work for you would depend on your style and intention.

I've played with that idea, but I already have the "everyone's in on it but you" feeling with card to mouth. I want a backup that only comes into it if they call me on it.

Beardy wrote:

Alec Kobain wrote:Sounds like a great thing to pull off! What sources would you recommend?

Just do it! I learnt from watching David Blaine do it on youtube!

I would also suggest "Mastering the art of pickpocketing by James Coats and Nicholas Byrd" . Informative dvd and one of the way's I learned to Tenkai palm from that dvd.

leave a little sticker of arnie saying 'i'll be back' on their wrist in place of the watch
i'd just show it to one of their mates on the sly so they know you have it & don't intend on doing a bunk with it

You could always do something as simple such as...As you are thanking them for their help, say that you would like to see them later as you have a surprise gift for them as they have been so helpful.
Then if they do spot it before you return it, you have a get of this free ticket, with something like..... Now you have spoiled my surprise. And before I could borrow a nice gift box from some else's pocket too.

Alec Kobain wrote:I wouldn't worry too much.

As long as you have no intent to deprive the person permanently then all is fine. Should an accusation be made, always try and ensure that the watch steal isn't your first effect on that person. That way you are both involved in a bit of a contract where the spec is aware he is taking part in a magic performance and can therefore state if he/she wishes to play no part.

I would also say that if the watch looks expensive, just don't risk it!

Sounds like a great thing to pull off! What sources would you recommend?

Alec

Stealing The Show by James Freedman is a good DVD to get hold of.

I received The Watch Steal by Chappy Brazil for my birthday the other day. It seems to cover most types of watches. I now need a bit of practice. I don't wear a watch myself so I'll also need to take a look at a few to see how the clasps work.

R

I've seen David Blaine steal a watch and secretly give it to Ellen, she put it on while David was doing some magic. An option is, instead of placing it into your pocket, you secretly give it to a friend of yours or a friend of his. I've never tried it, but I believe that, it is possible that the way you give his friend the watch ( maybe shaking it in a "take it" manner ), he would understand what is going on on the fly and hide it or even wear it. If your performance style is playful, people will be happy to help you out in your effects.

Afterall, if your clothes were neat, its less likely to be accused of stealing in comparison to a dude carrying a dirty deck of cards with worn out clothes.