Keanu Reeves’ Stolen Rolex Submariner Recovered in Chile After a Year
A Rolex Submariner with a custom engraving, stolen from Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves, has been recovered in Santiago, Chile, a year after it was reported missing. The watch, which holds immense sentimental value for Reeves, was part of a special batch gifted to the John Wick: Chapter 4 stunt team as a token of gratitude.
A Personalised Tribute to “The John Wick Five”
Keanu Reeves, known for his kindness and humility, left a lasting impression on the John Wick stunt team in 2021 by gifting each member a Rolex Submariner. The gesture was both a celebration of their hard work and a tribute to the bond they shared while creating the action-packed fourth instalment of the franchise.
The watches featured personalised engravings on the casebacks, reading:
"The John Wick Five," followed by the recipient's name and a message of appreciation from Reeves. On his own Rolex Submariner, the engraving read:
"Keanu, 2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five."
The Rolex Submariner has long been an icon in the world of horology, celebrated for its robust design and association with adventure. Reeves’ choice of this model underscored its reputation as both a practical tool and a symbol of achievement.
The Burglary in Los Angeles
In December 2023, Reeves’ Los Angeles home fell victim to a break-in. Among the stolen items were three watches, including the prized Rolex Submariner. With a market value of $9,000, the watch’s true worth to Reeves extended far beyond its monetary value. It was a deeply personal artefact, representing camaraderie and shared memories from the set of John Wick: Chapter 4.
The theft drew attention from fans and watch enthusiasts alike, as the unique engravings made the timepiece easily recognisable but also potentially challenging to sell on the secondary market without raising suspicion.
An International Journey: Discovery in Santiago
Almost a year after the burglary, Chilean authorities recovered the Rolex during an investigation into a string of local robberies in Santiago. The operation led to the arrest of suspects involved in thefts across the region, and the watch was identified thanks to its distinct engraving. The Rolex Submariner’s journey from Los Angeles to Santiago remains unclear, but its retrieval underscores the global nature of luxury goods trafficking.
CNN reported that the timepiece was promptly returned to Reeves after the investigation. Its recovery marked a rare triumph in the world of stolen luxury goods, where the chances of finding and reclaiming such items are often slim.
The Rolex Submariner: A Timeless Icon
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognisable watches in the world, renowned for its durability, precision, and association with exploration. Originally launched in 1953, it was the first dive watch capable of withstanding depths of up to 100 meters (330 feet). Today, it remains a symbol of adventure and sophistication, favoured by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Reeves’ Submariner, customised with a heartfelt engraving, stands out as a unique piece in the model’s storied history. While its recovery is a personal victory for Reeves, it also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Rolex watches as more than just timekeeping instruments—they are symbols of achievement, gratitude, and connection.
A Heartfelt Memento Restored
For Reeves, the return of his Rolex Submariner is far more than the recovery of a luxury item—it is the return of a treasured memory and a tangible link to the people who helped bring John Wick: Chapter 4 to life. The watch’s journey across continents and its eventual return to its rightful owner is a story of resilience and emotional significance.
As Hollywood’s most generous action star continues to inspire fans with his humility and thoughtfulness, the recovery of his watch adds another chapter to the legacy of The John Wick Five and the enduring bond between Reeves and his team.
