A group of at least three masked individuals stole 26 18th-century pocket watches from the historic Venaria Reale palace near Turin. The value of the objects is estimated at around 150,000 euros.
The robbery took place shortly after 2:00 a.m. The suspects forced their way into the complex and reached the Hall of the Audience of the Duke of Savoy, where they smashed the display case and took the watches. They managed to do so despite the presence of armed guards, security cameras and alarm systems.
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The stolen objects are of English and French origin, made of gold and enamel, and represent the craftsmanship of the 18th century.
The Administration of the Royal Residences of Savoy said that security measures were active at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining the possibility that the perpetrators had prior knowledge of the layout of the premises and how the security systems operated.
The palace cameras recorded the suspects’ actions. Investigators are reviewing the footage to reconstruct their movements and determine how they entered the building and left with the stolen items.
The watches were part of a historical collection that was transferred to the Savoy Royal Family in 2012 as a donation from the heirs of Giorgio Acornero. The collection also includes 24 historic tobacco boxes, which were not touched.
According to the palace administration, the stolen items are insured. Nevertheless, the loss is a blow to the complex’s cultural heritage, as the significance of the watches goes beyond their market price and includes their historical value and craftsmanship.
Venaria Reale is one of the most important Baroque complexes in Italy. The hall where the watches were displayed is located on the palace’s main floor, near the Grand Gallery, and is characterized by lavish decorations, gilded elements and frescoes.
