Cracking the case. (Photo credit: Fox 5 DC)
A week after a Rolex smash-and-grab took place in the LA-area, an authorized dealer in Washington, D.C., was robbed in broad daylight on Friday, when three people broke the store’s window using a sledgehammer and stole nine watches on display. The Omega boutique next door was left unharmed.
The robbery at 1155 Connecticut Ave, NW, is the latest sign Rolex dealers — not just Rolex wearers — are falling victims of the brand's popularity and perceived high value, as a larger portion of Rolex models than any other brand trade above retail.
Still, dealers are finding innovative ways to beef up security: Four men near San Francisco were arrested and charged last August for stealing 38 watches. One of the stolen Rolexes had been outfitted with a GPS chip.