Luxury watch theft has regularly featured in reports over recent years, particularly in London. During 2024 and 2025 more than £22 million worth of luxury watches, jewellery and designer handbags were stolen across London alone.1 This makes it one of the highest hotspots for watch crime in Europe. The police continue to investigate these incidents, which often involve organised criminals targeting major brands of luxury watches.
At the end of January this year, prominent fashion designer, Catalin Botezatu, was mugged in Mayfair, London and his rare Richard Mille watch worth £2 million was stolen.2 Such incidents of violence highlight the risks faced by victims carrying a valuable watch. Thieves often target watches under certain brands, including: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Tag Heuer.
Other celebrities who have previously been targeted for their watches include Raheem Sterling, Michael McIntyre, Aled Jones, and Lando Norris. These incidents often involve people visiting the city, including tourists and owners of a valuable item, making them vulnerable to opportunistic theft.
Keeping your own collection secure
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your watch collection and keep it in good working order, including considering an insurance policy with a reputable insurance company. Many watch owners include their collection in their home insurance, but it's important to understand the premiums, excess, and any restrictions that may apply. Before you make a claim, you should obtain full details of your coverage and pay attention to the cost involved. It's wise to decide on the level of cover you need and regularly review your policy with your insurers to stay aware of any changes.
Registering your watches on a watch register can also help protect your collection, whether you own a single watch or a high-value collection. This can be crucial in recovering lost or stolen items and proving ownership in your own life. Always be mindful of the high level of security needed for such valuable items.
1. Be mindful out in public
Try to stick to well-lit routes avoiding quiet backstreets where possible. In particularly busy areas, consider concealing your watch with long sleeves for example. Be especially cautious in areas known for street robberies and violence. Stay aware of your surroundings in the city and watch out for suspicious criminals.
2. Be social media savvy
Thieves are believed to use social media to target victims and people visiting the area, so be aware of what you post online. Avoid mentioning your location or travel plans publicly and never share details that could allow criminals to contact you or track your movements.
3. Secure storage
Store your valuable watch or valuable item in a watch box or safe with individual compartments to prevent scratches and damage. Using a watch register and secure storage can help protect your collection from theft or loss.
4. Climate control
Keep watches in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature changes, which can cause general wear and damage their mechanisms and materials.
5. Regular maintenance
Having your watches serviced regularly by an authorised service centre will ensure they remain in good working condition and address any general wear or damage early. This is especially important for major brands to maintain their value and performance.
6. Wear with care
Avoid wearing your valuable watch or valuable item during activities that could expose them to shocks, chemicals, or water, unless they are specifically designed for such use.
7. Secure transportation
If traveling with your watches, use padded cases and keep them in hand luggage to reduce the risk of being lost or damaged. Taking these precautions helps protect your valuable watch while on the move.
8. Handle with care
Ensure you have clean hands when handling your watch or wear gloves. Oil and dirt can affect its finish and mechanism. Always keep watches away from strong magnetic fields as they can affect their accuracy and cause general wear to your valuable watch.
Insurance for your watches
We understand that your collection holds personal and sentimental value, so having the right insurance in place allows you to wear them, safe in the knowledge they are protected should something happen — whether it’s damage, loss, or stolen watches. Many people don’t realise that even in their own house, their valuable timepieces can be at risk. In fact, last year, a well-known case involving Katya Hills highlighted how a person can be targeted during a burglary event. With the right cover, you can have peace of mind knowing your collection is safeguarded.
With specialist watch insurance, you can enjoy:
- Repairs after damage: with the option to use a jeweller of your choice, ensuring your watch is restored to its best condition after any unfortunate event.
- Worldwide cover: protection for your watch wherever you are in the world.
- Automatic cover: for up to 60 days for any new purchases, giving you immediate protection from the moment you acquire a new piece.
- Agreed value cover: meaning you would receive a pre-agreed amount in compensation following a claim, whether for loss, damage, or stolen watches.
Remember to keep detailed records for all watches in your collection to ensure your insurance remains valid, including photos, receipts, repair records and valuations. For example, last year, during a burglary event at a house, the owner noticed the presence of two robbers at the moment they entered. Having detailed records helped with the insurance claim for the stolen watches. Keeping such documentation is essential to protect your collection effectively.
Find out more about specialist watch insurance and get in touch with us to arrange a quotation or to discuss your requirements.
Our Client Executive Graham Shipley said:
“Watches are no longer static assets; values can move materially in a short period. Regular valuations are therefore essential to ensure insurance protection keeps pace with the market. Specialist solutions, such as those we’ve developed at Marsh Private Clients, are designed to give collectors confidence that their cover remains aligned with the true replacement cost.”
Sources
1. standard.co.uk/met-police-london-theft-hotspots-revealed-interactive-map-watches-handbags-jewellery
2. express.co.uk/horror-london-2m-watch-stolen
Get in touch with our Private Clients insurance team
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