Watch your watch!
A luxury watch is more than a timepiece. For many owners it’s an heirloom, an investment, a status symbol and increasingly, a target.
From international hubs to South African airports, reports of high-value watches disappearing during security procedures or travellers being followed after landing are raising alarm bells among insurers, security experts and frequent flyers alike.
In an incident on 28 May 2026 at one of South Africa’s major international airports, a client narrowly avoided having her Rolex stolen during a security screening procedure. And this was not the first time.
In April, the client who does not want to be named due to safety concerns, was robbed of her previous Rolex by a female passenger standing behind her. The watch was snatched after she placed it in a tray during the security screening process. Thanks to camera footage the theft was recorded and the female suspect arrested upon her return to South Africa.
In the more recent incident the client was instructed to remove her watch and shoes at the checkpoint. While her belongings were in separate trays, security personnel allegedly attempted to distract her by asking her to turn around for an additional search while simultaneously requesting access to her bags.
Our client informed us of what happened so it can serve as a warning to travellers to remain extremely vigilant. Rather place valuable jewellery in your handbag during screening.
The alleged modus operandi has again raised fears that organised syndicates may be operating in and around airports, specifically targeting travellers wearing luxury watches and jewellery.
Globally, the theft of luxury watches has become a booming criminal enterprise. Industry estimates suggest that luxury timepieces worth around $1.3 billion were stolen worldwide in 2022 alone. While there are no reliable public figures for South Africa specifically, insurers like Ami Underwriting Managers and security experts say incidents involving high-end watches appear to be on the increase, particularly around airports and major transport hubs.
According to information shared by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on its official Facebook platform, thefts involving luxury watches at South African airports are often linked to organised criminal syndicates rather than direct seizure or theft by customs officials.
SAPS reiterates that criminals frequently target travellers wearing expensive watches and jewellery, either inside airports or shortly after arrival.
“For many owners it’s an heirloom, an investment, a status symbol and increasingly, a target.”
