While Monaco awaits the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Cannes has already started its own luxury watch season with a spate of thefts. All the timepieces taken were Rolexes.

Three incidents were reported to the police within a few days of each other.

The first theft was a simple mugging from behind, helped by an accomplice in a getaway car.

The second, on the same evening, was somewhat more sophisticated. Two men, seemingly drunk, asked the victim for a light. One insisted on shaking his hand and then the watch was gone.

The third successful robbery involved two men who first engaged the victim in conversation and then snatched the watch with force.

Time will tell if the three incidents were connected.

PHOTO: La Croisette Cannes Tourism