The Watch Register

[avidflyer]

Saw someone mentioned this in a post? I wonder how current their database of stolen watches is? Curious, anyone ever used the service?

[brandrea]

Never heard of it.

Do you have a link?

[mato123]

https://www.thewatchregister.com/

It seems Chrono24 is using them. When you buy directly from ch24 they include certificate from this company.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by mato123

https://www.thewatchregister.com/

It seems Chrono24 is using them. When you buy directly from ch24 they include certificate from this company.

You can’t buy from Chrono24. It’s a platform with lots of sellers, your business is with the seller.
I just bought a watch through Chrono and it didn’t came with such a certificate.

[mato123]

Originally Posted by joli160

You can’t buy from Chrono24. It’s a platform with lots of sellers, your business is with the seller.
I just bought a watch through Chrono and it didn’t came with such a certificate.

Yes, you can ;-) the seller is called "Chrono24 Direct". You can also specifically filter for their offers. In the filter go to "Seller and listing type" and choose "Chrono24 Direct".

They have 231 Rolexes listed right now:

https://www.chrono24.com/search/inde...ct&sortorder=0

I saw quite few of them with the certificate from The Watch Register.

[vinny84]

I've used this service before

[avidflyer]

I would imagine they would somehow have access to the Rolex database also?

[Calatrava r]

The register is only as effective as the number of people reporting to it is. If people have never heard of it, they won't know to file the report with them.

Since watches have serial numbers, I have always thought law enforcement agencies around the world should set up a unified registry and watches reported as stolen to law enforcement and insurance companies would be put on that list. Online sellers, private or dealer, on any platform would be required to state in their listing they have checked the registry, and the watch is not listed there under penalty of law. It makes no sense for stolen watches to be unintentionally sold on the legitimate used watch market in today's world of the internet and knowledge sharing.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by avidflyer

I would imagine they would somehow have access to the Rolex database also?

Why would Rolex, who is also in the pre-owned watch business and therefore competing with them, do that.

[mato123]

Originally Posted by avidflyer

I would imagine they would somehow have access to the Rolex database also?

from their FAQ:

Does your database include the Rolex lost and stolen register?

The Rolex lost and stolen register is not shared with any external parties. The Watch Register database includes much of the same data as that held by Rolex, as well as other stolen watches which have not been reported to Rolex. A search against The Watch Register database is the most reliable theft check available to traders and collectors.

What are your sources of lost and stolen watch data?

We receive our data from police forces, insurance companies and theft victims globally who report lost and stolen watches to us. We work closely with police forces in watch crime hotspots such as the Metropolitan Police in London, New York Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Hong Kong Police. Through our parent company the Art Loss Register, we have developed relationships with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies and industry partners globally over 30 years. The trust we have built with these key organisations gives us access to historic loss records as well as current thefts. Our database also includes stolen watch data from the jewellery anti-crime scheme SaferGems.

[avidflyer]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Why would Rolex, who is also in the pre-owned watch business and therefore competing with them, do that.

competing for stolen watches?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by avidflyer

competing for stolen watches?

Adorable.

[77T]

One difference is independence - TWR includes any brand.

If they hired white hats they could make some inroads consulting on physical security services. Also investigators who could collaborate for the bigger heists.

But TWR isn't a sustainable model globally. Here in the US, we have an NCIC + cooperation with Interpol. Rolex serves a pivotal role in their brand and I certainly have benefited from that.


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[Bartolo]

Originally Posted by avidflyer

I would imagine they would somehow have access to the Rolex database also?

Not a chance.

[SWG179]

I registered my stolen Rolex with TWR. It's also in the Rolex database and the NCIC database. The theft happened in October 2024. The only way I'm getting my watch back is from an honest legitimate "buyer/pawn shop/reseller" that checks NCIC and/or TWR or if the watch is taken to an AD to get serviced. I'm not optimistic, but, you never know.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by avidflyer

Saw someone mentioned this in a post? I wonder how current their database of stolen watches is? Curious, anyone ever used the service?

Rolex does not share their stolen watch registry with anyone. They check it when a watch comes in for service, then share that info with the person who reported it stolen, and have a specific process they follow.

Kat


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[ChronoZach]

I agree with Kat, Rolex would never provide any information whatsoever to outside parties about stolen or lost watches. There is too much liability there for Rolex. The TWR is a database site and there is another one called digital watch vault or something like that.
None of them are affiliated with Rolex.

Cheers,