Man reports $600,000 watch stolen in California robbery, says attacker’s gun jammed

A businessman told police he was assaulted and robbed of his $600,000 watch at gunpoint while leaving his office in the Irvine airport area on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

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Surveillance video shows the victim – who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons – getting into his car after work when another vehicle pulled up and blocked him. Three hooded, masked men jumped out, yanked him from the driver’s seat and beat him, repeatedly pistol-whipping and punching him before fleeing with the watch, according to the victim and Irvine police, who took a report.

The victim told police the stolen item is a Richard Mille sports watch, valued at $600,000.

During the attack, the assailants were shouting, “Shoot him!” the victim said. He added that the armed suspect tried to fire, but the gun jammed. The footage does not include audio, so investigators cannot confirm what was said, Irvine Police Department spokesman Kyle Oldoerp said.

“I don’t know if it was smart, having guns in my face and fighting back,” the victim said, “but I’m thankful that I’m alive.”

The victim said he believes multiple guns were present; police said the video shows at least one.

Only the watch was taken during the attack, the victim said, a detail that leads both the victim and investigators to believe he may have been targeted for it.

The suspects used their own vehicle to block the victim’s car, then pulled the businessman from his car and began assaulting him, surveillance video shows. (Courtesy photo)

“The watch was covered under my jacket,” he said. “They went just after the watch. I had my bag and everything in the car. They didn’t touch my wallet. They didn’t touch my bag.”

The victim said he is unsure how the attackers knew about the watch but believes social media may have played a role. Oldoerp said generally that posting workplace locations or luxury items online can create “bread crumbs” that attract criminals.

Detectives have collected DNA and fingerprints and are actively pursuing leads, Oldoerp said. As of Friday evening, no suspects had been identified or arrested.

The victim said he is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his attackers. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Irvine Police Department.