In April 2022, on the seafront of a Tuscan resort town, Formula 1 championship leader Charles Leclerc was approached by two people in motorcycle helmets asking for a photograph. Moments later, his one-of-a-kind Richard Mille watch — reported to be worth up to $2 million — was gone. What followed was extraordinary: Leclerc pursued the thieves through the streets in his Ferrari, confronting them in a car park before one pulled a knife. The watch was eventually recovered by Spanish police, and in November 2023 the gang were jailed.
▶ Watch the full video below: The Motion Report →
A Pattern Across the Paddock
Leclerc is not alone. Carlos Sainz was robbed of his Richard Mille hours after standing on the podium in Italy, while Lando Norris has been targeted twice. Watches, unlike cars or houses, travel everywhere with their owners — making them uniquely personal and uniquely vulnerable.
From Steve McQueen to Max Verstappen
The obsession traces back to 1970, when Steve McQueen wore the Heuer Monaco in Le Mans. Decades later, TAG Heuer built Max Verstappen a one-off Monaco marking his four world titles — linking McQueen’s Hollywood legend to modern F1 royalty.
The Watches You Can Actually Buy
Not every racing watch requires a driver’s salary. Vintage TAG Heuer Formula 1 models start from around $200, while a new Monaco chronograph sits near $6,000 — and pre-owned Rolex and Tudor pieces remain both attainable and known for holding their value.
▶ Watch the full story below, including exclusive paddock reporting, and subscribe to our YouTube channel — The Motion Report — for more exclusive F1 lifestyle coverage.
Formula 1, F1 watches, Richard Mille, TAG Heuer Monaco, Charles Leclerc, Luxury watches, Rolex, Watch collecting
Read More
- Max Verstappen’s $200m Gamble: Sign, Stay, or Walk Away From Red Bull?
- Why Half the Formula One Grid Calls Monaco Home — And Why Some Are Having Second Thoughts
- F1 2027: The Race to Fill Haas’s Last Open Seat
- Inside the Private Garages of Formula 1’s Biggest Stars
- F1 WAGs 2026: Who’s Together, Who’s Split, and Who’s Back on the Market
