Luxury watches are the ultimate power move. They signal success, style—and unfortunately, to the wrong crowd—opportunity. According to The Watch Register, a leading database for tracking stolen timepieces, recoveries of stolen watches have improved, but theft remains widespread.
While crime rates are declining in many U.S. cities, watch theft is still a problem in international hotspots. London, Paris, and Barcelona—beautiful destinations, but also favorite hunting grounds for skilled thieves. The Watch Register’s data shows a 20% increase in recovered watches over the past year, thanks to improved tracking and better cooperation between collectors, dealers, and law enforcement. Still, theft rates remain high.
Strategies for Protecting Your Collection
Discretion Is Your First Line of Defense – Your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak might turn heads for the right reasons—but also for the wrong ones. Keep high-value pieces in secure settings, not bustling tourist hubs or volatile regions (if you wouldn’t wear a Richard Mille in a war zone, you get the idea). Your digital footprint counts too—skip the geotags, avoid posting in real time, and share travel shots only after you’ve returned.
Travel with Intent – Be sensible about what’s on your wrist based on where you’re going. Flashy pieces in high-risk areas are an unnecessary gamble.
Stay Vigilant – Crowded markets, public transit, and high-traffic tourist spots are prime environments for skilled thieves. Stay aware, keep your watch hand close, and trust your instincts.
Invest in Real Safeguards – A bolted-down TL-30 safe is a strong start, but for irreplaceable pieces, consider third-party vaulting. As I like to say, “A good safe buys time. A vault buys sleep.”
Insure Like a Collector, Not a Civilian – Standard homeowner’s policies often exclude coverage while wearing, traveling, or shipping. WAX offers global protection with no deductible, quick claims based on real market values, and coverage designed for how collectors actually live. “It’s not just about reimbursement — it’s about continuity of collecting.”
Register Your Watches – Whether through the manufacturer or trusted databases, registration acts as a digital fingerprint, improving your odds of recovery if a watch is lost or stolen.
The Market Perspective
For collectors, theft prevention is only half the battle—the other half is spotting future investment opportunities. The luxury watch market remains strong, with auctions showing rising prices for pieces with impeccable provenance and unique history. Demand for vintage and limited-edition models continues to grow, making them prime targets for savvy investors.
In the world of high-end watches, awareness is as valuable as the watch itself. Stay smart, protect your investments, and remember: the best collectors are not only passionate but also prepared.
Go forth, collect, and enjoy your timepieces—just do it with both style and vigilance.
