THE WATCH REGISTER database is part of the Art Loss Register (ALR). Founded in London in 1990, the ALR is the world’s largest private database of lost, stolen and looted art, antiques, jewellery and collectibles. It now contains information on 700,000 items. The ALR checks over 500,000 items sold on the international art and jewellery markets each year.
The ALR has a long history of working with international law enforcement agencies, insurers, the trade, museums and private individuals worldwide in order to recover stolen goods, provide an investigative tool for law enforcement and offer trade due diligence services. The database was founded with the backing of the insurance industry and the leading auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and has been instrumental in improving standards in the art market.
The experience gained throughout the ALR‘s 30 years of existence has positioned us as the global authority on lost and stolen art and jewellery. The ALR has successfully resolved hundreds of recoveries and complex title disputes, even after limitation periods for a claim have expired. In total, the company is responsible for the recovery of items totalling hundreds of millions of pounds in value.