Watch collection has witnessed a sharp rise within the past few decades. This brought on board numerous positive takeaways. These timepieces have a unique technology that underwent shifts in paradigms. The outcome is many independent brands coming out and flourishing.

Consumers today have more information thanks to enhanced access to websites, social media platforms, pages, and other online forums and mediums. The industry itself has rarely been more profitable than it is now these days.

However, with upsides come some downsides. Nowadays, thefts of wristwatches (luxury watches in particular). These thefts are on the rise in London and Los Angeles plus San Francisco. It is time that we all learn methods of saving ourselves.

Why can’t we have nice things?

Thieves have a new target. Instead of tablets and cell phones, they’re running after high-end luxury watches. That’s right, whether it is a men’s Rolex, Rolex watch women, a Patek Phillippe timepiece, or a top-notch Omega watch; thieves are going after valuable luxury timepieces. They are easy to steal and easy to resell.

Yes, they are quite valuable and fetch a good price tag with time. They are mobile, easy to steal, and easy to carry around too. They are also easy to sell as long as the thief knows how to do it. Many thieves were not only caught but were also defeated and ended up losing their hands, teeth, and in some instances, their own lives.

Luckily, luxury timepieces can be recovered if the victim gives the serial number to the police. Unfortunately, getting caught with a car full of cocaine is an offense but getting caught with a stolen watch isn’t, unless and until it is a luxury timepiece.

A lot of data about this is also present out there. Some people know which luxury timepieces are most valuable. Thanks to social media platforms (Instagram among them), pictures are geo-tagged by owners flaunting their luxury timepieces. Thieves can catch the watch from the owners and a considerable number of them are influencers.

Is it an amateur’s game or have real thieves mastered the art of stealing luxury wristwatches?

Unfortunately, real-time professional thieves have worked that out too. Two years ago, more than 6,800 watches were reported stolen. This was a 60% increase in comparison to 2021. Last year, it spiked up by 106%.

In total, more than 80,000 models valued at over USD 1.3 billion were reported stolen on the world’s largest global database of timepieces lost or stolen watches, The Watch Register.

It won’t come as a surprise given the most stolen luxury timepieces are of Rolex. Almost 44% of stolen luxury timepieces (550 million dollars worth) come from the Swiss Giant. The most targeted models are the Daytona, GMT-Master II, and the Oyster Perpetual.

Omega is the second most populous brand with 7% of its timepieces being targeted by thieves. Breitling is third, with 6% of timepieces stolen belonging to this brand.

What is surprising is the fact that among most thefts of luxury timepieces around the globe, 47% were reported in England. Germany and the United States are tied for second place at 9% each. The difference is monumental.

How can people keep their timepieces on their wrists? Worthwhile tips for protecting luxury wristwatches against thieves

Unfortunately, a lot of people have lost their prized wristwatches to thieves lurking around. Thankfully, numerous ways exist to protect wristwatches against thieves. They are as under:

Be careful of Drive-by thefts

A lot of watches in London were stolen at knifepoint and by gangsters wielding machetes. They usually have little respect for others’ health and well-being.

At the beginning of 2022, thieves on bikes and mopeds struck 109 times in London. They threatened wearers with bladed weapons of vicious nature in broad daylight and stole watches from their wrists. Apart from pedestrians, motorists in their cars also reported watches stolen at red signals. Either they were robbed through open windows or thieves broke windows.

Fighting back is only possible if you have a weapon. People somehow strongly advise against it. They believe that in places with high crime, walking around with a luxury timepiece isn’t advisable. Keeping it safe at home is one good way. Another way is to be discreet and keep it tucked under the shirt’s sleeve.

It is advisable to check the surroundings. Keep an eye out for shady individuals at ATMS, in restaurants, bars, or sitting on fences so they can be dodged. When driving, keep the length of a full car from the next one so a defensive maneuver can be made.

Always be wary of strangers

Everyone should be vigilant when on a holiday or working at a different location or country. Some friendly people will offer assistance but without reason. One can ask for help in lighting their cigarette, and in an instant, whoosh goes your watch. One distracts the victim and the other steals the watch.

Affluent people of all ages should beware of the notorious ‘Rolex Rippers’. They are a gang of young women from Eastern Europe posing as charity workers targeting aged wealthy men in the guise of conducting surveys.

Social engineering and manipulation in the form of flirtatious physical contact is the only misdirection they use when it comes to stealing the timepieces.