Stolen Watch Returned Discussion — WatchProSite Forum Digest

patrick_y · 2022-07-26T20:10:29Z

Explore the bizarre incident of a stolen Richard Mille returned in Naples and the wider debate among collectors on watch theft risks and wearing luxury timepieces.

patrick_y

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

56 replies8914 views0 photos

Patrick_y brings to light a fascinating incident from Naples, Italy, where a stolen Richard Mille was returned by an accomplice just minutes after the robbery. This unusual event, stemming from the watch being a fake, sparks a broader discussion among collectors about the increasing risks of wearing high-value timepieces in public and the evolving dynamics of watch theft.

56 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Here's an interesting story that I found on CNN.com today.

www.cnn.com

Synopsis: Two Swiss Tourists in Naples were held up at gunpoint and a Richard Mille was stolen. Seven minutes later, an accomplice of the thief came back to return the watch and apologize. The main reason for the return of the property? The Richard Mille was not a genuine Richard Mille and the thieves wanted to reduce their criminal activity in case if the law ever caught up to them. Read the article for more details and the article hints about how organized gangs operate behind these watch thefts.

Naples, also known as Napoli, is a popular Italian tourist destination. A beautiful place, I've stayed in Napoli and Sorrento, it's also known for its fine clothing - Kiton, Isaia, and many other fine clothing manufactures and textile mills are in the area. Naples and Sorrento are also popular places for tourists to depart from to reach the tiny island of Capri. The location of the robbery is daring, as it is situated in one of the main town squares, also near municipal and government offices.

Key Points from the Discussion

Naples, along with other major cities, remains a high-risk area for valuable timepieces, and travelers should carefully select their watches to ensure a worry-free vacation.
In cities like Milan, Naples, and Barcelona, it's advisable to avoid wearing expensive watches like Rolex and opt for less conspicuous alternatives such as Casio or Fossil to deter organized theft.
The prevalence of fake watches can introduce doubt among robbers, potentially reducing the incentive for theft, though the overall risk of violent robberies for high-value watches remains significant globally.
The increased public recognition and associated value of brands like Richard Mille have made collectors more hesitant to wear them in public, leading some to opt for less recognizable watches or even smartwatches for daily wear.
While many Richard Mille owners seek a status symbol, the brand also attracts genuine enthusiasts who appreciate its daring and unusual designs, despite its reputation as a 'billionaire's timepiece.'
The act of wearing a watch should primarily be for personal enjoyment, not for external validation, a sentiment reinforced during periods of isolation when watches were changed daily for individual pleasure.

The Discussion

Monopole

Jul 26, 2022

Interesting news… why would anyone wear a fake Richard Mille and be exposed to robbery and injuries?

I guess the gun is not fake.

BigFatPauli

Jul 26, 2022

I guess for the same reason anyone would wear a Richard Mille... To be seen wearing a Richard Mille.

chris4

Jul 27, 2022

No not really

I have several RM's and i wear them becuase i like them , I dont wear them in public generally due to the fact I dont like to appear 'well off' actually. My watches are for me..so dont generalise , many are watch collectors due to liking the tech & watches NOT to bragg to others. If i wanted to do that I would wear a Rolex that everyone recognises

patrick_y

Jul 27, 2022

That's definitely true! There are people who truly appreciate Richard Mille timepieces.

There are definitely people who truly enjoy Richard Mille because it's an unusual and cool watch. Chris4, you are a trendsetter! Even though BigFatPauli used the word "anyone," BigFatPauli was definitely referring to the new RM lovers who are trend followers! Many people have said "anyone" or "every Rolex owner is a showoff" when they didn't really mean to use the words "anyone" or "every" and they know there are definitely exceptions.

chris4

Jul 27, 2022

The irony of it all really is it has had exactly the opposite effect on me now, I used to love wearing my 002 for example when i went on holiday, no one recognised the value associated etc, was great. Now I feel they are hard to wear due to 1) the risk factor and 2 ) people knowing the values Worked alot better when people used to think it was a flash G shock I noted that even Ed Sheeran has now shunned the brand to an extent due to the high profile they now have, imagine there are many collecto

patrick_y

Jul 27, 2022

I know exactly what you mean...

My first watch I ever bought myself was a Patek Philippe. It was my daily wearer for almost ten years. Unfortunately, now Patek Philippe is mainstream and it's a risk to wear it nowadays. And now, it's not often on my wrist. But oh well.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 56 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →