'He cried': Man reunited with $90k Rolex three years after it was stolen

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 1:54pm

The owner of a $90,000 Rolex has been reunited with his luxury watch three years after it was stolen from his Auckland home.

Matt Kim’s North Shore property was burgled in August 2023, leaving his family deeply shaken and prompting them to move to Australia to start over.

The watch was among a cache of luxury goods recovered during a search warrant at the home of a prolific burglar, who is now serving prison time, in late 2023.

When North Shore frontline station support officer Lisa Clark came across the Rolex while reviewing property held at the exhibits store, she became determined to find its owner.

It prompted a dogged international search spanning New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.

Clark also contacted Rolex dealers, service centres and retailers, while also joining international Rolex forums.

The $90,000 Rolex was stolen in 2023. Photo / NZ Police

“Everywhere I went, doors kept getting shut in my face,” Clark said.

But after nearly five months, she managed to find a breakthrough which led her to Kim.

When Clark contacted Kim about his lost property, he said he never expected to see the stolen items again and immediately got on a plane to get it.

Among the recovered items were the Rolex, several designer bags and a diamond ring belonging to Kim’s wife.

When he arrived to collect the items, Clark said it was an emotional moment.

“He cried. You could feel that emotion and relief. Three years after the burglary, they never thought they’d see any of it again.”

Matt Kim and Lisa Clark, whose persistence helped return a treasured Rolex the family feared was lost forever. Photo / NZ Police

Clark said the Rolex held particular significance as one of the first gifts Kim bought his wife.

After returning to Sydney, Kim sent Clark a message expressing his gratitude: “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 outcome made every phone call and dead end worthwhile.

“I always knew it was there and I kept thinking, ‘how can I find the owner? How can I find the owner?’”

Tactical Crime Unit acting Detective Sergeant Beth Bates said the story highlighted the willingness of police staff to go the extra mile for victims.

“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.”