New Rolex found in trash during French riots

Amidst the wave of looting that swept through France, a startling discovery emerged: a brand-new Rolex timepiece, complete with its original packaging, was found sitting beside a public waste container. The incident, captured on mobile phone video, quickly circulated online, prompting widespread speculation about why such a high-value luxury item would be left discarded in the street.

The discovery and online reaction

Videos showing the watch still inside its box drew significant attention across social media platforms. Viewers questioned whether the timepiece had been stolen from a raided store or if it was an authentic product at all. As of now, no verified information confirms the origin of the watch or its authenticity, leaving the circumstances of its abandonment open to interpretation.

Context of the unrest

The finding occurred against the backdrop of violent protests that escalated into nationwide chaos starting October 17. Demonstrations initially driven by grievances over the cost of living, educational system flaws, and public spending policies turned destructive in major cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Clashes between protesters and police resulted in the looting of shops, arson attacks on vehicles, and vandalism of public buildings.

Targeting of luxury brands

Retail outlets belonging to prestigious labels such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès were among the specific targets of the looters. The unrest led to the detention of more than 2,400 individuals. While some cities saw continued looting activity on October 19, President Emmanuel Macron publicly condemned the violence, stating that those responsible would face accountability for their actions.