French authorities have launched an investigation after two high-value watch robberies were reported in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on the evening of Saturday, June 13, with the incidents occurring less than an hour apart and bearing striking similarities, Monaco-Matin reports.
The first attack took place on Avenue Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Voyage, where a woman was approached shortly after arriving home. While unloading plants from her vehicle, she was reportedly targeted by an individual who seized her luxury watch before fleeing the scene.
A second robbery was reported minutes later along Promenade Robert-Schuman. In that case, a man was stripped of a Richard Mille RM 30-01 timepiece valued at approximately €200,000. The suspect, or suspects, escaped immediately after the theft.
The combined value of the stolen watches is estimated at around €245,000.
Investigators are examining whether both incidents were carried out by the same organised group, citing the close timing, geographic proximity and similar methods used in the attacks. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators fled on a scooter, prompting a wider search operation.
The robberies come just weeks after several luxury watch thefts and attempted thefts were recorded during the Monaco Grand Prix period. Authorities previously confirmed that five such cases had been reported in and around the Principality, with one suspect convicted and a stolen Rolex recovered.
Luxury watch crime remains a significant issue across the Alpes-Maritimes region. Official figures show that 301 watches were stolen in 2024 through robberies and burglaries, representing losses of more than €8 million. The previous year saw 275 watches stolen with an estimated value approaching €7 million.
While this type of crime has traditionally been concentrated around Cannes and the western part of the region, investigators are now assessing whether criminal networks may be expanding their activities further east along the Riviera. Another possibility being explored is the involvement of a specialised team operating from outside France.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have yet been announced in connection with Saturday’s incidents.
