A former US Army veteran brought a decades-old Rolex to Antiques Roadshow and nearly hit the floor - literally - when he found out what it was really worth.
David, a military man who appeared on the TV show, originally bought the Rolex Daytona in 1974 for just $345 - nearly a whole month’s salary at the time.
The watch had caught his eye as a solid choice for scuba diving, but once it was in his hands, he quickly realized it was “far too nice” to risk in saltwater. Instead, he locked it away for more than 40 years. That decision turned out to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
David came to the show with the Rolex, its original box, warranty papers, and receipts.
The valuer explained that similar watches, like the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona, which the late actor wore in the 1969 film Winning, were going for around $150,000 to $250,000 at auction.
But David’s watch? It was “more special.”
The expert pointed out that his model featured the rare “Oyster” label, had never been worn, and was in pristine condition with full documentation. That made it an “extremely rare” find.
“A watch like this, at auction, is worth about $400,000,” the valuer said. David’s response? He threw himself onto the ground, leaving the crew and onlookers in stitches.
“Don’t fall, I’m not done yet,” the valuer warned. “I said a watch like yours.” And then came the real jaw-dropper: “Your watch, at auction today, $500 to $700,000.”
Shaking his head in disbelief, David muttered: “You got to be f***ing kidding me,” and laughed.
The valuer called it “an absolute find” and added: “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me one of the greatest watches to ever see on Antiques Roadshow, and thank you very much for your service.”
While David’s six-figure shocker stole the show, Antiques Roadshow has seen plenty of jaw-dropping Rolex stories over the years.
On a recent BBC episode, a guest stunned viewers by revealing he had inherited a Rolex Prince originally bought for just £21 ($28) by his great-great-grandfather, the Daily Mail reported.
Ben Wright, the expert on that episode, estimated the antique piece would fetch between $4000 and $5,000, while a modern Rolex Submariner owned by the guest’s father, purchased in 1976 for £250 ($337), could bring in $10,000 to $16,000 at auction.
Back in 2021, another man appeared with a silver Rolex Submariner, purchased for £132 ($178) in 1972. The “Red Submariner,” named for its distinctive red text, came with two extra straps and the original receipt. Because of its rare “mark four dial” and collector-preferred design features, it was valued at around £20,000 ($27,000).
“It was your dad’s and I think that’s a lovely, lovely story and a great inheritance,” said expert Richard, leaving the guest speechless and emotional.
From vintage heirlooms to lucky scuba-watch finds, one thing is clear - on Antiques Roadshow, time really is money.