The story of a construction manager in Parma, Italy , has captured local media attention after he lost a luxurious Rolex Daytona watch—valued at approximately 16,000 euros —while supervising a construction site. What makes this incident particularly intriguing is not just the loss of the expensive watch amidst the gritty environment of a construction site, but also the manager’s subsequent decision to sue the company, claiming it was responsible for the mishap. After two court rulings, it became clear who was really at fault.
In May 2016 , this construction manager was conducting standard checks before pouring concrete to lay the foundation of a new building. While this type of scenario is commonplace in construction sites globally, one detail stood out: he was wearing a Rolex Daytona on his wrist.
During one of the routine verifications, he discovered that one of the pumps responsible for propelling the concrete was malfunctioning. Seizing the moment, he decided to take charge and began manipulating the nozzle of the machine himself, instructing his colleagues on how to pour the concrete more effectively.
As he held a metal chain attached to the concrete mixer chute to guide the pouring, the pump was reactivated. Suddenly, an unexpected blockage caused the hose to jerk violently. Witness testimonies later described how the force was so great it lifted the construction manager off the ground and threw him several meters away.
Once he regained his composure, the manager realized that his precious Rolex Daytona was no longer on his wrist. It appeared that the expensive watch had sunk deep into the fast-setting concrete. Immediately, extensive searches were conducted at the site, but the watch remained elusive.
Fuming over the incident, the construction manager turned his frustration towards the company and the malfunctioning equipment. He filed a lawsuit, seeking full compensation for the watch he felt he had lost due to the negligence of the company and its machinery. As reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere di Bologna , he stated: “You owe me my Rolex Daytona for 16,000 euros; it is your fault and the machine’s fault.”
Common Sense from Two Courts
Italian courts were quick to deliver their verdict, ruling against the construction manager not once but twice. The responsibility ultimately lay with him for recklessly not protecting his valuable watch.
After losing the initial case, the construction manager appealed to the Court of Appeal of Bologna , where judges reiterated the fundamental flaws in his argument. They stated, “It is seriously unsustainable that directing the trunk of a concrete mixer while wearing a 16,000 euro watch can be considered a reasonable working practice,” according to the ruling signed by judges Rossi, Gaudioso , and Mazze .
The court found that the construction manager failed to take necessary precautions and showed a lack of “expertise and diligence.” Consequently, his claims against the company were dismissed. In a further twist, not only did he lose his watch, but he was also ordered to pay an additional 2,500 euros in legal fees. This was a painful financial lesson for the construction manager, who found out the hard way that luxury watches may not be the best companion in a construction environment.
In recent years, Rolex has faced challenges such as theft and counterfeiting, prompting them to consider using advanced technologies like NFT chips and blockchain for product authenticity. This incident serves as a bizarre but insightful reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the critical thinking required when decisions could lead to valuable losses.