GBP 600,000 Rafa Nadal Watch Nicked In Busy Vienna City Centre

Police in Austria are hunting a man who stole a Swiss GBP 600,000 chronometer from the wrist of a tourist walking around in the city centre of Vienna.

Viennese police published the photo of a suspect while local media claim that the nicked watch was a priceless limited edition Richard Mille chronometer sported by Spanish tennis giant Rafael Nadal on the court.

The released image – obtained by Newsflash – shows a black athletic young man dressed in a black shirt and dark trousers.

The suspect is believed to be 175 centimetres tall (5.7 in) and around 20 years old.

The suspect – who wears white sneakers – reportedly managed to escape in the busy small streets of the city centre of Vienna despite his victim’s immediate information to the police.

The victim – whose identity has not been revealed due to local privacy restrictions – was part of a group of people strolling along Kaerntner Street, one of the most popular upmarket shopping areas in the country.

Kaerntner Street – a four-kilometre (2.5 mi) pedestrian area – connects St Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera. Several fashion stores, jewellers, restaurants and the Hotel Sacher are situated there.

Local media report that the stolen chronometer is worth EUR 700,000 (GBP 600,000).

The theft occurred at 3.50pm on 3rd July, according to the City Police Directorate.

The authority says in a statement from 4th July obtained by Newsflash: “The victim – part of a group of people – was going for a walk in the city centre of Vienna. Most of the other people belonging to the victim’s group were walking a bit further ahead.”

The police added: “Suddenly, an unidentified male individual grabbed the victim’s wristwatch and escaped. A search for the perpetrator was launched immediately but to no avail.

They conclude: “The Regional Crime Office’s robbery experts are investigating. The stolen watch is very expensive.”

Richard Mille watches have gained a reputation for being endorsed by 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal.

Company co-founder Richard Mille is quoted on his firm’s website as saying: “Rafa and I have a life-long commitment. We are there come rain or shine. It is more than just watchmaking – it’s life!”

Mille reportedly personally reached out to the 37-year-old Spaniard early into his career and designed a watch specifically for him.

The company says on its website: “‘Longevidad’ is the theme running through not only Rafael Nadal’s spectacular career but also his friendship with Richard Mille.

“When Rafael first met Richard Mille in 2008, he had always refused to wear a watch. It had never even occurred to him to wear one on court.

“Nadal was reluctant and Richard had a lot of convincing to do before. Together, they developed the lightest tourbillon in the world at that time.

“The partnership has led to the creation of a very varied collection ever since the beginning of the partnership. The latest model is the RM 27-04 Tourbillon.”

The two-time Wimbledon champion is quoted on the company website as saying: “Richard came to my house and showed me a model saying, ‘This is the watch that we made for you’. The watch was in platinum so very heavy.

“I was very confused and didn’t realise that he was joking. As soon as I tried the real watch on, I loved it. We were on the same wavelength. The watch is now like a second skin for me.”

Nadal has been wearing Richard Mille watches during matches since 2010.

Some of the Swiss-manufactured watches weigh as little as 30 grammes. Nevertheless, they can withstand forces of 5,000 Gs.