HomeAUStolen Luxury: $8.5M in Rare Watches Vanish in Daring Canberra Heist

Stolen Luxury: $8.5M in Rare Watches Vanish in Daring Canberra Heist

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A rare watch worth nearly $6 million is one of several luxury items still missing after a major robbery in Canberra.
Four French men stole more than 70 items, including luxury handbags, watches and jewellery worth around $10 million from a house in the nation’s capital on October 15.

The search continues for several high-end items, including a Richard Mille RM88 Smiley watch and a Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany watch, both carrying a combined estimated value of $8.5 million, as reported by Chrono24.

The Richard Mille rm88 Smiley watch is worth around $5.7 million, with only 50 ever made. One has now been stolen from a residence in Canberra, Australia.
The Richard Mille rm88 Smiley watch is worth around $5.7 million. (Smiley)
The type of Smiley watch allegedly stolen in the Canberra robbery.
The type of Smiley watch allegedly stolen in the Canberra robbery. (Supplied)

Of particular note, the Richard Mille timepiece alone is valued at approximately $5.7 million. Its exclusivity is highlighted by the fact that only 50 units were ever produced.

Other valuable items still unaccounted for include Hermes Chaos and Gavroche rings, a Van Cleef Seoul necklace, and a Patek Philippe 5711 40th Anniversary watch.

Authorities were alerted to a burglary on October 15, where CCTV footage revealed the presence of two intruders at the residence.

In connection with the incident, a Mitsubishi Outlander was spotted near the site of the robbery. The vehicle reportedly entered and exited the ACT several times prior to the theft.

It was later revealed to have been rented by a French man following his arrival in Australia on October 7.

He arrived in the country with three other Frenchmen.

Two Patek Philip watches are also yet to be recovered after the robbery in Canberra, Australia.
Two Patek Philip watches are also yet to be recovered. (Chrono24)
It is alleged the four flew to Australia specifically for the robbery.
The four men were later located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west on October 19.

The next day, a search of a home in the same suburb found some of the stolen items, including Hermes handbags.

They were extradited back to the ACT on October 21, where they were charged with aggravated burglary (intent to commit theft and joint commission theft).

ACT Police are working alongside New South Wales Police and French authorities to locate the rest of the stolen items.

Some have been recovered in Europe and sent back to Australia.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

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