An Antiques Roadshow star was floored at the value of a watch he hasn’t worn in 50 years.
The BBC programme returned on Sunday (March 24) and saw the experts head to Swanage Pier in Dorset. Specialist Richard Price caught up with one guest who presented him with a Rolex watch.
Speaking to presenter Fiona Bruce beforehand, the man revealed he bought the item himself as he needed a “strong, rugged” watch. Richard revealed that the man’s watch had a specific component – the “red sub” – which is what all collectors are looking for.
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Sharing more detail about the watch, the man said he purchased it in 1971 but hasn’t worn it since 1974. Explaining why, he continued: “I used to do a lot of skydiving and I got into the habit of wearing the watch on the outside of my jumpsuit.”
(Image: BBC)
The man recalled jumping out of the aircraft and raising his arms, however, he was pulled back towards the aircraft by his watch. Richard asked: “So you think that this snagged up on some part of the aircraft?”
“I’m sure it did,” the man responded. He admitted he opted not to wear the watch after the scary incident because the strap was damaged.
(Image: BBC)
“I just didn’t bother. I don’t really know why I didn’t. It just went into a cupboard and it’s stayed there ever since,” he told the expert.
Richard pointed out that the watch is in “remarkable” condition despite the fact it was missing one of the jewels on the front. The man revealed that he paid around £174.50 for the item.
The expert said: “How many noughts do we have to put on to make it up to £17,000?” He then confirmed that is the value of the watch now.
(Image: BBC)
“Really?” the man simply responded before raising his eyebrows at his family. “Are your family all happy do you think?” as the man’s family laughed in the background.
“Well it’s their inheritance, not mine,” the man laughed. Richard joked: “Enjoy it. If you don’t want it I know somebody who would,” before pointing at himself.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
