The 50 Most Stolen Watches in France in 2024 (Exclusive Data)

A discreet but growing scourge

2024 marks a turning point in luxury crime. In France, watch thefts increased by 22.5% compared to the previous year, reaching a total estimated value of between 50 and 80 million euros . This phenomenon is no longer anecdotal: it is now a structured parallel market, driven by organized networks capable of targeting, stealing, laundering, and reselling watches like gold bars.

Globally, the growth is even more striking: +60% in one year. This acceleration can be explained by several factors: the democratization of high-end watchmaking , the showcase effect of social networks, and the resilience of the value of mechanical watches .

The most targeted brands: the desire ranking

Rolex dominates with 43% of thefts. Next are Cartier (6%) , Omega , Breitling and Tag Heuer (5% each), Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet (3%), and then Richard Mille (2%). This ranking reveals the appeal of well-known, liquid and iconic watches.

The 50 most stolen models in 2024

At Rolex, five models stand out:

• Submariner (€8,000-15,000): iconic diving watch
• Daytona (€15,000-50,000): “Paul Newman” effect
• GMT-Master II (€12,000-25,000): professional tool
• Datejust (€6,000-12,000): very common
• Explorer (€6,000-10,000): simple and efficient

At Patek Philippe , the Nautilus (up to €590,000) and the Aquanaut (€40,000-130,000) are the focus of interest. At Audemars Piguet , the Royal Oak remains a recurring target (up to €90,000). As for Richard Mille , its models like the RM 67-02 can reach €600,000.

Paris and the Côte d'Azur: epicenters of watch theft

With 944 cases recorded in 2024, Paris accounts for 47% of thefts. The "golden triangle" of the Champs-Élysées remains the most sensitive area. The Côte d'Azur , for its part, is experiencing a seasonal peak: Cannes and Nice recorded 301 thefts for 8.3 million euros in value, with Nice experiencing a spectacular increase of +600% .

Flight techniques: between finesse and brutality

The judoka technique (30%) remains the most widely used, using simulated physical contact. But the trend is moving toward violence : 25% of cases are snatch thefts, 15% are assaults. Homejackings are on the rise, with targeted burglaries worth several hundred thousand euros.

Where do these watches end up?

Stolen watches are resold at 30-50% of their value, often through accomplice watchmakers or international channels (Andorra, Antwerp). They are sometimes reconditioned with fake certificates: in 2024, 152 luxury watches were seized in this type of operation.

Robot portraits of thieves

Two profiles stand out: the "Neapolitans" , international professionals operating methodically in several European capitals; and the young French , often between 17 and 25 years old, who prefer force to subtlety, with an opportunistic and brutal approach.

Specialized law enforcement

The Parisian brigade, created in 2013, has tripled its workforce. Their resolution rate reaches 60% , and 50% of stolen watches are recovered within the year thanks to European cooperation and tools like The Watch Register .

The impact on the luxury market

The consequences are numerous: an explosion in counterfeiting (83,000 fake watches seized), rising insurance premiums, and self-censorship. More and more enthusiasts are abandoning their valuable watches in public, preferring "anonymous" or camouflage models.

2025: a major trend

Everything indicates that the phenomenon will continue. High-end watchmaking continues to become more popular, and watches remain liquid, portable, and untraceable assets. France, the world's leading tourist destination and showcase of luxury, will remain a prime hunting ground.

What should be done?

What the theft of a watch reveals is not just a statistic. It reveals social tensions, desire, and excesses.

In this era where luxury is also becoming a target, preserving a watch no longer only requires a case, but sometimes a safe watch winder. A precious watch is no longer collected: it is defended.