Masked raiders made off with half a million pounds-worth of luxury watches in front of stunned city centre shoppers in Manchester on Wednesday.
The robbers walked into Selfridges while the store was open and busy wearing high visibility jackets and trousers.
Police said the trio then smashed display cabinets with an axe and crowbars and stole 100 watches.
It was a "brazen robbery" said police
They escaped in a black Mercedes Benz driven by a fourth offender shortly after 7.20pm.
The car was found abandoned in Robert Street, Strangeways, a short time later.
Watches including Audemars Piguet, Jaeger Lecoultre, Hublot and Cartier were stolen.
Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw, said: "This was a brazen robbery while the store was open and busy with members of the public.
"It was clearly well planned and executed. These men were in and out in less than 80 seconds and were very particular about the watches they selected.
"I am appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible or has overhead someone talking about this robbery - either before or after it happened - to contact us in absolute confidence.
"The clothing worn appears to be brand new and I am also eager to hear from anyone who knows where they may have been purchased or manufactured.
"The offenders will, at some point, undoubtedly look to off load these watches and I would urge people to be mindful of this robbery and again if anyone is approached with a view to buying any of these items to please contact us."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3240, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.