About Watch Recovery International
Christopher A. Marinello, Esq.
Founder & CEO
Christopher A. Marinello is an internationally recognised lawyer and specialist in the recovery of stolen property and the resolution of complex title disputes.
With 40 years of legal experience, Christopher began his career as a litigator, developing extensive expertise in negotiating disputes involving collectors, dealers, auction houses, museums and insurance companies.
In 2013, he founded Art Recovery International, a specialist practice dedicated to recovering stolen and looted property, conducting due diligence and resolving ownership disputes.
Throughout his career, Christopher and his team have recovered over $600 million worth of stolen and looted property, including works of art, classic cars and fine timepieces.
Bringing International Recovery Expertise to the Watch Industry
Recognising the growing challenges surrounding luxury watch theft, Christopher established Watch Recovery International as a specialist division of Art Recovery International.
Watch Recovery International focuses on recovering stolen fine timepieces and resolving ownership disputes involving Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and other luxury watch brands.
The service assists theft victims, collectors, insurance companies, watch dealers and auction houses when stolen watches are identified in the secondary market, submitted for servicing or offered for sale.
Christopher and his team work directly with lawyers, law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, dealers and current possessors to negotiate the lawful return of stolen timepieces.
An International Network
Watch Recovery International draws upon the experience and international network developed through Art Recovery International.
This includes lawyers, investigators and provenance researchers operating across multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, United States and continental Europe.
The team specialises in resolving disputes involving good-faith purchasers, stolen property claims and complex cross-border recovery cases.
Where possible, Watch Recovery International seeks an amicable resolution, avoiding unnecessary litigation while protecting the rights of the legitimate owner.
Legal Expertise and Professional Recognition
In addition to his recovery work, Christopher has taught Law and Ethics in the Art Market at New York University and co-founded the Art Crime Conference at NYU's School of Professional Studies.
He has lectured on due diligence, ownership disputes and the recovery of stolen property at numerous international institutions and professional forums, including Interpol, the FBI Art Crime Team, UNESCO, the University of Cambridge and Christie's Education.
His experience in international negotiation and property recovery forms the foundation of Watch Recovery International's approach.
Confidential, Ethical and Legal Recovery
Every case is handled with discretion and confidentiality.
Watch Recovery International does not pay ransoms or compensate individuals involved in the original theft. Its work is conducted through lawful negotiations, cooperation with the relevant authorities and carefully considered recovery strategies.
