Richard Mille Owner Sues Liberty Media and COTA After $750,000 Watch Stolen at F1 Race
A Texas businessman filed a lawsuit against Liberty Media and the Circuit of the Americas, alleging that inadequate security allowed a criminal gang to steal a $750,000 Richard Mille watch from his wrist during the 2025 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. The plaintiff, Dean Whitlock, claims the thieves, identified by red‑bull racing shirts and Ferrari hats, seized his RM 65‑01 “LeBron James” chronograph after he attempted to help a woman who fell in the crowd, and that the same gang had stolen another Richard Mille watch the previous day. The complaint seeks damages between $200,000 and $1,000,000, arguing that the organizers were warned about the threat but failed to protect attendees. The case highlights a growing pattern of high‑value watch thefts at major sporting events, raising questions about the responsibility of event promoters to ensure guest safety when luxury items are on display. While the watch, valued at roughly $440,000 at retail, has not been recovered, the lawsuit also notes that the victim’s insurance does not cover the full replacement cost, and that security response time was reportedly as long as thirty minutes. The defendants have not yet responded to the filing.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights the legal and security implications of inadequate protection for high‑value personal items at major public events, underscoring the responsibility of organizers like F1 and COTA to safeguard patrons against targeted luxury watch thefts.
