Veteran Can’t Believe How Much His Watch Is Worth On ‘Antiques Roadshow’

An Air Force veteran got the shock of a lifetime when he took his Rolex watch to a taping of “Antiques Roadshow” in West Fargo, North Dakota. He was so stunned by learning the value of his prized possession that he literally was knocked off his feet.

Paul Newman’s Rolex Watch

The man, who is simply identified as David, nodded his head in agreement when appraiser Peter Planes mentioned that Paul Newman wore a similar style Rolex. That style often sells for $200,000 at auction. But, David’s watch was much more special. Planes said it was likely the finest watch to even be on the long-running show.

Planes pointed out some particularly special features of David’s Rolex. The fact that it has OYSTER written on the face identifies it as something unique and outrageously valuable. That inscription on the Oyster Cosmograph, also known as a Daytona, typically wears off quickly. David’s is very prominently featured decades later.

The appraiser told the veteran that it is “extremely, extremely rare” and similar watches go for $400,000. That is when David hit the ground in disbelief. David quickly rebounded and regained his footing. His watch is even more special than a mere $400,000.

He bought the watch while serving in the Air Force in Thailand in 1974. He bought it to use when scuba diving, but decided not to use it for those purposes. That decision was a wise one that will give him a phenomenal return on this investment.

“I looked at it, and I said, ‘You know, this is really too nice to take down in the salty water,” David said during the appraisal.

In fact, the watch was only worn two or three times. Incredibly, he had the original Rolex boxes as well as all the paperwork including the receipt.

Remarkably, he paid $345.95 for what would later become a “life changing” purchase. He even got a 10% discount for ordering it at the base exchange. At the time, the watch cost about a month’s salary, David reports.

The pristine paperwork included a warranty card the veteran never filled out. This increases the value significantly.

Lifechanging Antiques Roadshow Appraisal

Planes estimates this special watch will fetch between $500,000 and $700,000 at auction. That is a life-changing amount and something we could only dream of finding tucked away for decades in our homes.

This remarkable clip from “Antiques Roadshow” can be seen in the video below.

Erin Perri

A mom first and conservative Christian second, Erin credits a midwestern upbringing and deep military roots for her no-nonsense perspective on life and family in America today.