Top 10 Riskiest French Cities to Wear a Luxury Watch

Wearing a prestigious watch is often considered a symbol of success and refinement. However, this elegance on the wrist can sometimes attract less benevolent glances. In France, a country renowned for its art of living and its luxury industry, certain cities present increased risks for lovers of beautiful watches. Let's dive into this ranking of the 10 French cities where you should be particularly vigilant with your precious watch.

Methodology

Before revealing our top 10, it is important to understand the methodology used to establish this ranking. We took into account several factors:

1. Official statistics from the national police and the gendarmerie concerning thefts and assaults specifically linked to luxury watches.
2. Reports from insurance companies specializing in valuables.
3. Testimonials collected from luxury watch owners, local watchmakers and jewelers.
4. Analysis by experts in urban security and luxury-related crime.
5. The frequency and nature of incidents reported in the local and national press.

This data has been compiled and weighted to provide an overview of the risks in each city.

Top 10 cities at risk

1. Paris

Unsurprisingly, the French capital takes the top spot in this ranking. With its global reputation, luxury boutiques, and constant influx of tourists, Paris has become a prime hunting ground for high-end watch thieves. 47% of luxury watch thefts in France took place in Paris in 2022. In Paris, the number of luxury watch thefts increased by 31% between 2021 and 2022, from 721 to 944 cases.

Paris also holds the sad record for the most expensive watch theft in 2021, a piece estimated at 800,000 euros.

Be aware that watchmaking passion can sometimes attract unwanted attention in certain Parisian neighborhoods.

• Risk areas: The Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the areas around large luxury hotels.
• Common types of theft: Watch snatching, sophisticated pickpocketing, fake theft (fake police officers).
• Risk period: All year round, with peaks during Fashion Week and the summer tourist season.

2. Nice

The pearl of the Côte d'Azur, renowned for its glamour and beaches, unfortunately also attracts its share of criminals. Lovers of luxury watches should be particularly vigilant, especially if they wear rare pieces.

• Risk areas: The Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice, the areas around large hotels.
• Common types of theft: Bag snatching, currency exchange scams.
• Risk period: Summer, during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

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3. Marseille

The Phocaean city, despite its efforts to improve security, remains a city where vigilance is required for owners of luxury watches. If you are wondering how to know if your watch is increasing in value, know that Marseille may not be the best place to wear it ostentatiously.

• Risk areas: The Old Port, La Canebière, the northern districts.
• Common types of theft: Direct assault, scooter snatch theft.
• Highlight: A surge in luxury watch thefts was observed in 2023

4. Cannes

A city of cinema and luxury, Cannes attracts celebrities... and the thieves who target them. Fans of affordable Swiss watches should remain vigilant, as even less expensive models can attract the attention of criminals.

• Risk areas: La Croisette, the surroundings of the Palais des Festivals.
• Common types of theft: Sophisticated theft in luxury establishments, watch snatching on the beach.
• Risk period: During the Cannes Film Festival and the summer season.

5. Lyon

The capital of Gaul is not immune to this phenomenon, with a notable increase in luxury watch thefts in recent years. If you are wondering about the best automatic watch movement, make sure to protect your investment when you walk around Lyon.

• Risk areas: Peninsula, Old Lyon, Part-Dieu.
• Common types of theft: Pickpocketing, nighttime assault.

To protect your precious watches when you are not wearing them, discover our selection of elegant and secure watch boxes and cases , perfect for storing and showcasing your collection.

6. Bordeaux

The city of wine also sees other precious liquids shine: those of luxury watch complications, unfortunately coveted by criminals. Lovers of automatic watches should be particularly careful in certain neighborhoods.

• Risk areas: Place de la Bourse, Chartrons district, rue Sainte-Catherine.
• Common types of theft: Bag snatching, bar scams.
• Risk period: During major wine events and tourist periods.

7. Lille

The capital of French Flanders is not to be outdone, with a resurgence in thefts of luxury watches, especially during major events. If you are wondering what watch to wear for your 50th birthday, make sure to protect it adequately when you go out in Lille.

• Risk areas: Old Lille, Grand'Place, areas around Lille-Flandres station.
• Common types of theft: Pickpocketing, bag snatching.
• Risk period: During the Braderie de Lille and important football matches.

8. Strasbourg

The European capital also has its share of incidents related to luxury watches, particularly during the Christmas market period. Lovers of prestigious watches should be vigilant, especially if they are wearing easily identifiable pieces.

• Risk areas: Grande Île, Petite France, surroundings of the European Parliament.
• Common types of theft: Pickpocketing, currency exchange scams.
• Risk period: December, during Christmas markets.

9. Toulouse

The pink city sometimes sees red with an increase in thefts of high-end watches, especially in its historic center. If you are looking to learn how different types of watch movements work, make sure you don't attract unwanted attention by examining them too closely in public.

• Risk areas: Place du Capitole, Saint-Georges district, areas around Matabiau station.
• Common types of theft: Snatch and grab, nighttime assault.
• Highlight: A series of thefts specifically targeting Rolex watches were reported in 2023.

10. Nantes

Rounding out the top 10, Nantes is seeing an increase in incidents involving luxury watches, reflecting a concerning national trend. Collectors wondering about the best gift ideas for watch lovers should be cautious when wearing or gifting these precious items in Nantes.

• Risk areas: Île de Nantes, Bouffay district, surroundings of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
• Common types of theft: Pickpocketing, bar scams.
• In 2024, Nantes acquired a new national police unit to secure transport, as reported by the city newspaper .

What are the most stolen watch brands?

Evolution of luxury watch theft between 2019 and 2022

Luxury watch thefts have almost doubled in 2022 compared to 2019. Among these watches there are upward trends, spoiler: it's Richard Mille.

Evolution of watch thefts according to the targeted brand

Rolex, saw its popularity rate increase from 38% in 2018 to 44% in 2023, demonstrating a stable but significant growth. On the other hand, Richard Mille, holds the sad record of an impressive increase of 150% between 2020 and 2022. This surge reflects a growing interest in more niche brands, often associated with a wealthy and demanding clientele.

What is the preferred method of luxury watch thieves?