Palace robbery in Italy! Thieves stole 26 gold watches in one minute

The historic Venaria Reale Royal Palace, located near the city of Turin in Italy, became the scene of a robbery that could rival any film. The incident, which took place during the night that bridged Sunday and Monday, saw 26 valuable pocket watches from the 18th century on display in the palace stolen.

It was reported that the total value of the historic artifacts in the palace, belonging to the House of Savoy and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is about 150,000 euros. The incident entered the record as the first theft to occur since the palace was reopened to visitors following a comprehensive restoration in 2007.

They Broke the Shatter‑Proof Display Case and Escaped in One Minute

According to information obtained from palace officials and security units, gold and jeweled pocket watches made in France and England were on display in the Duke of Savoy’s Resting Room in the palace’s Piano Nobile section.

The thieves’ target was a shatter‑proof special display case that housed the historic artifacts. Security‑camera footage showed three men in black clothing, faces concealed and wearing gloves, forcing open the museum section’s door and entering.

Despite alarm systems and special security patrols being active, the suspects broke the case, took the 26 watches, and fled the scene in just one minute.

They may have scouted before the robbery.

After the robbery, the Italian Carabinieri and the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit sprang into action. While security camera footage is being examined as part of the extensive investigation, work continues to identify the suspects.

Officials emphasize the possibility that the thieves may have visited the palace before the robbery to examine security measures and the area where historical artifacts are displayed.

Historical watches were donated from the collector's estate.

It was stated that all 26 stolen pocket watches were insured. The historical artifacts were donated to the palace in 2012 by the heirs of collector Giorgio Accornero.

Security forces continue the investigation to locate the historical artifacts and apprehend the suspects.