NICK Stamphl, a Musgrave businessman is appealing to the public to be cautious of high end antique watches that may go on the black market after his store was burgled for the second time in two months.
In the most recent incident, which was captured on CCTV, burglars took more “invaluable” watches.
Stampfl, owner of the store was distraught when his collection of antique wrist watches some of which he had obtained from auctions around the world, some at least seventy years old were stolen after two thieves smashed display cabinets in the store.
“They were specific,” said Rashika Ramphal, manager of the photographic and antique watch repair shop.
“They came for collections in our showcases holding only genuine and authentic collectors items and did not touch the replicas.
“Nick has a passion for antique watches and it is very disheartening, these watches don’t hold value to ordinary people because there is nothing new and made for the current market.
“They are all Swiss-made watches made with precision and quality, time pieces only collectors or avid watch buyers would want and most are well over fifty years old,” she explained.
These watches were very special said the heartbroken collector who had at least 400 watches before his collection was first hit in February.
“I was just recovering from the last break-in and was replenishing the stock now I probably only have about 100 watches left. These are not new watches and collectors items or mechanical vintage watches all operating mechanically no batteries, they are irreplacable,” he said.
Watch collectors or antique stores are encouraged to contact Nick if they notice a sudden leap in antique watches on the market as he is afraid the robbery targeted his collection on 031 202 5396.
Lieutenant PN Naidoo, communications officer at Berea SAPS said, Berea police were investigating the robbery however, no arrests were made at this stage.
