Seiko is asking watch retailers, collectors and pawnbrokers around the UK to be vigilant after Seiko timepieces worth almost £200,000 were stolen after the brand’s appearance at Salon QP last week.
Seiko had presented a number of Seiko Astron and Grand Seiko timepieces at the Salon QP watch show, held at the Saatchi Gallery, which closed on Saturday 10 November. The watches were stolen after representatives from the brand had broken down its stand on the final day, and packed the watches away in a parked car outside of the show.
Seiko has suggested that the crime might have been organised, as the car’s tyres were slashed, its windows smashed, and the timepieces taken from the boot where they had been stored in cases.
The brand is now asking retailers to be alert and contact the police should they be offered any Grand Seiko or Seiko Astron watches by an unauthorised source. Some of the watches were dummy models that could be sold as official timepieces.
Kirsten Crisford, Seiko’s marketing manager, said: "Salon QP was the perfect environment for Grand Seiko and Astron and it was lovely to speak to so many visitors that felt the same way – the subsequent robbery was very unfortunate.
“Many of the timepieces were dummy samples, even though at first glance they appear to have movements and these, or the working samples, may find their way back to retailers.”
Retailers or individuals who may have information about any stock they might have seen or been offered are asked to contact Grant McPherson of Notting Hill Police Station on 0208 246 0131.
“We would like to thank everyone for their help so far and their concern for the staff members involved, thankfully no one was hurt during the incident," Crisford added.
