The young man didn't know how to open the clasp; he only tugged forcefully.
Obviously, pulling wouldn't get the watch off.
The young man's actions drew the attention of some people, and when they realized he was trying to steal a watch, others began to gather around.
A watch was undoubtedly a luxury item in Lapar, even an ordinary watch that would only sell for a dozen or twenty in the Federation.
Lapar lacked the craftsmanship and technology to produce them, relying entirely on imports.
The import quotas were in Diego's hands, so even a watch that costs a dozen Federation Sols could fetch tens of thousands here.
Too expensive?
You don't have to buy it.
These items were never meant for the poor; at least a middle-class status was required to qualify for wearing a watch.
Previously, some people in Lapar made money by reselling goods back and forth, but after a harsh crackdown, they disappeared.
