With the largest fully “open” stolen watch database (free to post, free to search), the Alpha Hands stolen watch registry gives us insight into how watches are commonly stolen. This information, often in significant detail, provides insight into how we can protect ourselves against loss of timepieces.
What follows is a list of what I see as the most common sources of theft/loss for watches stolen and reported to Alpha Hands:
- Home robberies. At a more granular level it is most often stolen by an employee (contractor, housekeeper, or even a friend or an associate). Of all those that have reported a loss to Alpha Hands due to home robbery, I have not received a submission where a home safe was broken into, which implies that most of these thefts are simple opportunities, and could be prevented with some type of home safe.
- While out on the street. It is incredible the number of stories I receive about pickpockets that have stolen watches. It seems to be just as often when the watch owner is interacting with the thief (the thief asks for a photo, or for information, etc. to try to engage the victim before stealing the watch without the realizing it), and a theft while out in a crowd. And yes, the thieves are so good they can remove watches without someone realizing it, and no, you don’t want to test their skills with your valuable pieces. Keep your eyes open, and while I hate to say not to interact with others, just be cautious when doing so. Sadly there are a number of violent robberies that are regularly reported as well – so please take care when out on both less-trafficked streets, as well as crowded locations.
- “Public” insecure/unsecured locations. This includes gym lockers, golf bags, travel bags (on a bus, train, plane), and vehicles. This may involve some effort to break/open a lock, which can be done in seconds, or theft of a bag containing the watch.
- Night out to meet special “friends”. Surprisingly often (at least to me) is the number of times a victim is drugged by spiked drink, only to find their watch has been taken when they wake up.
- When selling/receiving a watch. The watch could be either stolen in transit or during a sale/purchase in person. To avoid these instances, I recommend having a good insurance policy that covers watches in transit (some policies will cover the watch while in transit to you after payment, and some while in transit to a buyer (or even watchmaker for series). It is best to dealing with known entities/individuals and paying by credit card (even if you cover the costs), and if meeting in person, doing so at a secure location such as a police office (there are cases even when people have had watches stolen while making a sale or purchase at banks).
I don’t want to tell everyone not to wear their watches out and enjoy them, but just be careful when out, and keep them easily accessible at your home so you can enjoy them.
Consider basic precautions such as insuring your watch (if it has monetary value that will impact you), and purchasing a home safe.