Ever find yourself rummage around the attic knowing you might have a piece of jewellery or a gift stashed away, too precious to wear daily, but never quite befitting when you need it? Well one owner did exactly that and was left stunned when they appeared on Antiques Roadshow.
The hit BBC show was filmed at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the final piece of tonight's episode saw a gentleman bring his Rolex watch to be valued. It ended up in front of clock expert Richard Price.
Examining the time piece, he said: "Whenever I see a Rolex, of this type, I have to ask you, are you a professional diver?" The confused owner replied no.
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The clock expert proceeded to explain the type of Rolex was designed for the professional diver. In fact, the Swiss company makes four kinds of professional diving watches.
The owner explained: "I was aware that Rolex made the best watches. My brother-in-law, who has now passed away, was a submariner and he said, 'if you're going to buy one, buy the Sea Dweller'."
The watch was bought new in January 1982 for £483. It was an 'iconic' 1665 model now known as 'the great white' because the writing on the face was white instead of red.
The owner said the watch, which had scratches on its face, had been 'sat in a drawer for 30 years'. The damage was sustained during a cycling accident that saw him hospitalised.
With a bill of sale, Mr Price said the watch was 'the full set'. He added: "You've not done too badly actually. People have been asking for silly money but from your point of view, a mid-market price of £18,000 to £20,000 would be fair."
The owner added: "Unbelievable. That's amazing, I'm absolutely staggered. Watching Antiques Roadshow, I never miss it and I've said Rolexes come on so new it would be a fair amount. But that was amazing."
- Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One. Previous episodes can be watched on iPlayer.
