Lost or Stolen Watch: What to Do

In the first day

Do these first, in this order:

• Report it to the police and ask for a report or crime reference number.
• Tell your insurer, with that number, and ask what they need from you.
• Write down when and where you last had the watch, while it's fresh.

Gather the record

Everyone you contact will ask the same questions. Have the answers in one place:

• Maker, model, reference, and the full serial number.
• Clear photographs, including anything that sets your watch apart: a scratch, an engraving, a replaced strap or part.
• The receipt or other proof of ownership, the warranty card, and service invoices.
• The police report number and your insurer's claim number.

Tell the people a watch might pass through

Watches resurface through dealers, repairers, and resale listings. You can let them know, carefully:

• Watchmakers and service centers you use.
• Dealers and pawnbrokers near where it went missing.
• Collector forums whose rules allow lost or stolen notices.

Keep it factual

Describe the watch and the circumstances, and avoid accusing anyone publicly. Point people to the police report rather than acting on a sighting yourself, and pass any lead to the police.

Keep a log of who you contacted, when, and what they said. If a lead comes up months later, the log tells you what has already been done.

Before it happens

None of this can be done well without a record made in advance. Photograph each watch, note its serial privately, and keep its papers safe now. Community Watch explains how collectors and forums report a missing watch and check one before buying.

Crown Quorum keeps that record ready. It isn't law enforcement or an insurer, and it can't guarantee that a watch will be found.