Written by
Reviewed by Matthew Ashton
If owning a watch was simply about telling the time, they wouldn’t be vanishing from wrists at an alarming rate.
According to GQ, watch theft cases in England and Wales have nearly doubled in recent years, leaping from 6,696 reported incidents in 2015 to 11,035 in 2022.
Luxury timepieces in particular are seen as powerful symbols of status and prestige, with Rolex, Cartier and Omega among the most commonly stolen watch brands in London.
The valuables are on display: real-world examples
Unlike other valuable possessions, watches aren’t locked away but worn. That visibility is part of their appeal, but it also makes them vulnerable.
What’s more, social media has undoubtedly made it much easier for thieves to find potential targets – a tagged location or a glimpse in a story is often all they need.
In 2022, boxer Amir Khan was robbed at gunpoint for his £72,000 Franck Muller after posting his whereabouts online. Similar incidents have involved footballers, influencers and diners leaving high-end restaurants.
But it’s not just celebrities being targeted. A group tagged the ‘Rolex Rippers’ operated across London, targeting everyday high-net-worth people, distracting victims with hugs or fake charity petitions before covertly removing their watches. More than 30 incidents were linked to the group before arrests in 2023.
The pattern here is clear: these thefts are fast, opportunistic and increasingly well-organised. Anyone wearing a recognisable luxury watch can be a target.
Fakes don’t fool everyone
As thefts increase, so does interest in replica watches. Some see them as a safer way to enjoy the look and feel of a luxury brand without the added risks – but that assumption doesn’t always hold.
Criminals often can’t tell the difference. If it looks expensive, it’s a target – real or not. And there are legal and safety concerns, too; importing counterfeit goods is illegal in the UK and Europe, even if simply owning one isn’t.
Plus, fake watches may contain increased levels of harmful material like lead or mercury, which legitimate manufacturers are strictly regulated against using.
The world’s most notorious cities for watch theft
While the rise in watch theft is happening all over the world, some cities have become infamous for this crime, with residents and tourists falling prey to skilled pickpockets and robbers.
Wearing your watch well – and safely
You don’t need to hide your watch away. Here are some practical ways to wear it confidently while staying safe.
Avoiding posting it online
Social media often plays a role in targeted thefts. That’s why we’d recommend skipping the wrist shots and location tags.
Keep it low-key in public
Use your discretion, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
Ditch branded bags
Luxury packaging can signal recent purchases to opportunists.
Register your watch
Services like The Watch Register can help recover stolen items.
Use secure transport
Be discreet when travelling with high-value pieces.
Insure your watch
Specialist cover can protect against theft, loss and damage.
Luxury looks without the lure
If you love the look of a luxury watch, the good news is that you don’t always need to go high-end to get it. Many mid-range brands – TAG Heuer, Oris and Seiko, to name just a few – offer their own design flairs and impressive technical features without the hefty price tag, or the same level of risk.
Choosing a more understated timepiece doesn’t mean compromising on style. It means enjoying what you wear – with a little more peace of mind.
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Written by William Cooper
I started insurance broking in 2009. I followed my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father into the world of insurance. In 2019, I decided I wanted to do things differently. I formed Stanhope in 2019 with Matthew Ashton and Rachel Living. We want to shake up the industry! Let's make insurance cool and useful for our customers. Let's improve the customer journey and get them to trust us as their insurance company. Let's pay claims quickly; let's be excellent and honest in all that we do!