Luxury Watches Targeted in Côte d’Azur Thefts
The theft of luxury watches has sharply risen in the Alpes-Maritimes region. In 2024, criminals stole watches valued at over €8 million, following a familiar pattern of careful surveillance, fast and sometimes violent strikes, and quick escapes, often by scooter into the hills.
These thieves target both pedestrians and specialized retailers. Monaco, once largely protected by its extensive CCTV network, has experienced notable heists this year.
Major Heists in Monaco During 2024
- On 29 May, Monaco Watch Company suffered an armed robbery lasting just six minutes, resulting in the loss of watches worth more than €4 million.
- On 12 November, The Watch Project endured a swift raid, with four watches stolen within minutes.
Thefts Beyond Retail Shops
The phenomenon is not limited to businesses. In April 2024, American tennis player Sebastian Korda was attacked in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where two masked men stole his €300,000 Richard Mille after forcibly knocking him down.
In another incident, a student from Nice tried to exchange a counterfeit Rolex for a genuine watch valued at €48,000 at the Hôtel de Paris. He was arrested near Place du Casino and sentenced to four months in prison.
"On 29 May, Monaco Watch Company was the victim of a spectacular six-minute armed robbery in which more than €4 million worth of watches were stolen."
"In April 2024, American tennis player Sebastian Korda had his €300,000 Richard Mille stolen in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin after being thrown to the ground by two masked men."
Author’s Summary: The Côte d’Azur faces a surge in luxury watch thefts, marked by violent assaults and high-value heists, affecting both shops and individuals alike.