The owner of a $90,000 Rolex, stolen in an Auckland burglary, has been reunited with his timepiece after an international search.
The watch was recovered when officers raided the home of a "prolific burglar" in late 2023, police's One Ten Magazine reports.
While reviewing property held at the police exhibits store, North Shore frontline station officer Lisa Clark found the timepiece and decided to search for its rightful owner.
Unable to find details in burglary reports, Clark spent months reaching out to Rolex dealers, service centres and retailers.
The search spanned New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.
"Everywhere I went, doors kept getting shut in my face," Clark said.
"But I couldn't let it go. I knew there was someone out there who deserved to have this watch back, so I just kept following every lead I could.”
After five months, Clark found the owner, Matt Kim, in Australia. The watch was one of his first gifts to his wife.
Kim's family home on the North Shore was burgled in August 2023, an experience that left them "deeply shaken" and prompted them to leave New Zealand.
On hearing his watch had been found, Kim said he would, "get on a plane right now and come and get it".
Several designer bags and a diamond ring belonging to his wife were also found and returned.
Clark said Kim cried when he arrived to collect what was taken.
"You could feel that emotion and relief. Three years after the burglary, they never thought they'd see any of it again."
After returning to Sydney, Kim messaged Clark: “What you have done for us means so much more than I can explain.
"My family and I will never forget you and what you did for us. You really are our hero.”
Clark said the result made the international search worthwhile.
"I always knew it was there and I kept thinking, 'How can I find the owner? How can I find the owner?'"
Detective Sergeant Beth Bates praised Clark for her efforts.
"Lisa's perseverance, initiative and commitment to doing the right thing resulted in a fantastic outcome for this family.
"She went above and beyond to track down the rightful owner, and her determination is a great example of the lengths our people will go to support victims and make a difference."
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