Keanu Reeves’ Stolen Rolex Submariner Recovered in... Chile
Chilean police have announced the recovery of three luxury watches stolen from renowned movie star Keanu Reeves, including a $9,000 Rolex Submariner.
The watches were reportedly taken during a burglary at Reeves' Los Angeles home in late 2023.
Among the recovered items was a Rolex Submariner engraved with the actor’s first name and a special message: "2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five."
This engraving adds sentimental and collectible value to the watch, which is tied to Reeves' work on the John Wick franchise. In 2021, Reeves famously gifted Rolex Submariners to the stunt team who worked with him on John Wick: Chapter 4.
According to Rolex’s official website, the Submariner model starts at approximately $9,000. The stolen timepiece was recovered on Saturday during a Chilean police operation targeting a series of robberies in the eastern part of Santiago.
During the raids, authorities searched four houses and found various valuable items, including jewelry and watches. At least one of the recovered watches was identified as belonging to a “famous actor” who had been the victim of a burglary in Los Angeles.
According to Fox News, Chilean authorities arrested a 21-year-old man during the operation. The investigation involved collaboration with U.S. law enforcement, which helped confirm the connection between the recovered items and the 2023 burglary at Reeves’ residence.
A Troubled History of Burglaries
The 2023 incident is not the first time Reeves’ Los Angeles home has been targeted. In September 2014, the actor’s home was burglarized twice within three days.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Reeves was at home during the first incident when police responded to a burglary in progress. Although nothing was stolen, a woman was detained and later taken to a medical facility for evaluation.
Just days later, another woman reportedly entered the property after construction workers left the gates open. Police found her trespassing in Reeves’ swimming pool following a call made after 10 a.m. Reeves’ representatives have not yet commented on the recovery of his stolen watches.
The Unique Value of Keanu Reeves’ Rolex Submariner
The recovered Rolex Submariner is a highly sought-after luxury watch, further elevated by its personalized engraving and association with Keanu Reeves. Such unique features often make watches like this particularly valuable to collectors, potentially exceeding the $9,000 retail price in secondary markets.
The Rolex Submariner is a staple in the world of luxury timepieces. Prices for new models typically range from $8,000 to over $40,000, depending on the material (stainless steel, gold, or platinum) and additional features.
Vintage models and limited editions, however, can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars due to their rarity and demand.
Example of a vintage Rolex Submariner - DSF Antique Jewelry
Example of a vintage Rolex Submariner - DSF Antique Jewelry
Engraved watches, especially those associated with celebrities, hold special appeal for collectors.
The personalized message on Reeves’ Submariner—commemorating his John Wick work—adds sentimental and monetary value, making it a standout piece in the luxury watch market.
Why the Rolex Submariner Remains Iconic
First introduced in 1953, the Rolex Submariner has become a symbol of luxury and functionality.
Renowned for its water resistance of up to 300 meters, its corrosion-resistant Oystersteel construction, and its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the Submariner is celebrated as one of the most reliable diving watches in the world.
The model's timeless design and versatility make it suitable for both formal events and adventurous pursuits.
Over the years, the Submariner has been associated with cultural icons, including James Bond, further cementing its legacy as a status symbol.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the Submariner represents an unparalleled combination of functionality, craftsmanship, and heritage.
Keanu Reeves’ engraved timepiece, with its unique story and Hollywood connection, stands as a prime example of this iconic watch’s enduring allure.
Cover Photo: Keanu Reeves- Anna Hanks from Austin, Texas, USA, via Wikimedia Commons