patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
33665
Stolen Watch Returned Seven Minutes Later By Thief's Accomplice!
Here's an interesting story that I found on CNN.com today.
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.
Stolen Watch Returned Seven Minutes Later By Thief's Accomplice!
Here's an interesting story that I found on today. 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 reas...
Interesting news… why would anyone wear a fake Richard Mille and be exposed to robbery and injuries?
I guess the gun is not fake.
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 & watche...
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 follow...
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.
Yes!
I remember during the pandemic that the only thing I’d changed every day (secluded in my house) was my watch, because you are right: My watches are for me!!! Is the only thing I bought for me and no for others, not for people or society. And I realized th...
Well said
How an ugly watch (IMO) can also be pretentious. Ticks all the boxes. Not my cup of tea but to each there own.
The vast majority of Richard Mille owners...
The vast majority of Richard Mille owners just want to own a status symbol. And it is definitely by far, the most expensive "well known" watch brand out there on the market. A billionaire's timepiece. And it's extremely popular at Pebble Beach Car Week, V...
I know Fab, it was said in jest. Many large cities even here in the states are unfortunately lawless.
Hopefully, things get better soon. Enjoy your trip my friend. Best, Jorge
🤣🤣🤣
It’s funny, and at the same time unfortunate because of the reality it is based on ☹️
The robbers probably immediately go to a fence or broker who's waiting nearby. And the fence/broker is an expert.
It's also possible they had an accomplice nearby who knew watches better.
Interesting the watch can be removed so easily and quickly....
It is funny they returned it thinking the owners will report a fake watch stolen??? This is really nuts....now I'm really thinking not bringing any watches on my Europe trip....very sad.
Forget Rolex RO Nautilus and everything trendy on Instagram
You never know who might be looking at your wrist.🙈🙉🙊 You can still have fun with everything else🤗
Maybe I should bring Hublot and get lucky 🤣
Jokes aside, not sure how I should feel for those brands who are not “desirable”… in the wrong eyes or hands but I guess it’s a blessing for owners. This one makes me laugh nonstop ...
That would be awesome if true. Wow so classy.
Man I wish that was true. There are so many Hublot watches that I want. I know it was said in jest but there are Hublot fans here and while I can take it some might not like it. Besides if someone keeps bashing brands that some people may actually enjoy i...
Don’t kill the messenger…I don’t have problem with Hublot…
I feel bad about some brands but I’m fine you want the Mod to ban me forever too. Chill…I mentioned “Jokes aside..” but you can poke me anytime and I’ll be ok. In fact I do own a Hublot. ...
Mixes signals
I don't want you banned at all. I said that I don't care if I get banned because of what I wrote. I'm chill but as I said before some people here are a bit sensitive about the brand and are actually closet fans but are a little scared to admit it. I mysel...
It’s all good…it’s a hobby, we should have fun.
The current watch collecting scene doesn’t make sense nowadays but I just let it be and enjoy how it plays out.
I don’t disagree…but I just laugh and joke about it.
Just sad to see people make such memes but they make memes for every other brands too, all the way up to RM 😅
Agreed, get a low key watch for travels and for home!
I know you're not a big Octo Finissimo fan, but the matte sandblasted look is very under-the-radar.
We can't even mention Isaia and Kiton on a private chat and see what happens just a few hours later?! ;-)) Seriously, huge thanks for this (sad) reminder Patrick --- while much of the world is witnessing a surge in watch-related crimes these days...
....let me add that, VERY unfortunately, Napoli (along with other areas of Italy) does remain an "uninviting" place when it comes to your valuable timepieces ;-) It is a truly wonderful city in many respects, but my best (and most honest) advice when you ...
Yes. We need to be careful what we mention next!
You live very well my friend. A delicious life! Hmm... I need a nice Patek Philippe wristband, come to think of it. One with their Aquanaut texture rubber.
Thanks, I LOVE these Aquanaut rubber bracelets, playful and fun -- I got them at some 2019 events and have worn them since! :-) Alas, after being abused daily for 3 years, the orange recently broke...hoping the other two will resist a bit longer! ;-)
An old picture of the Aquanaut rubber bracelets (along with my favorite of all Patek bracelets -- a small silver gift for the 175th anniversary) ...
Funny story.
Just so happens that my friend was sporting this one on his wrist yesterday during lunch. We did touch on the subject of the dangers associated with certain brands when traveling. Both of us agree it's not worth the risk. ...
That's a nice RM!
Yes, probably don't wear that outside. And if you do, keep it under a sleeve. And also, when you travel with big pieces like that, you have to step up basic security. Avoid public transportation. Hire a car service. This way there are almost no opportunit...
interesting story
thanks for sharing. Great video link as well in the article. One positive aspect with fake watches is it gets robbers in doubt which is a net positive I think... the problem is everywhere these days (almost at least). As upside is so much greater than dow...
hardly
but good lesson is there is a lot of fun wristcandy at all price ranges.... at least in my opinion
Absolutely!
Lots of fun at various price points! That Bulgari is still a great value!
When I was first reading your synopsis and read Naples…
I initially thought Naples, Florida and was so surprised (plus extra saddened) that that would happen even there now. Thankfully it wasn’t Naples, FL although I probably shouldn’t think that these things can’t happen there too Society is changing so fast ...
Ahh. Naples, Florida.
I'm not sure if I've been to Naples, Florida. As I'm more often on the Eastern side. Yes. It can happen anywhere!
Napoli, cities in general
Of course, you can wear your watch safely in Geneva. Milan, Napoli, Barcelona, and other famous cities. Do not wear your most beloved watch, and most expensive ones. My parents were ones in Milan. Sat on a bank in a park. My father looked at a gang who wh...
Indeed! There is a bit of a comic irony to it!
And it seems nobody was hurt, so it's not wrong to find it a little funny. Still, very serious and violating to be robbed though. Hopefully the victim doesn't have post-trauma.