Antiques Roadshow guest gasps as 'rubbish' watch is worth eye-watering amount

03 September 2023 , 20:41

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Antiques Roadshow guest gasps as 'rubbish' watch is worth eye-watering amount

Antiques Roadshow returned for another instalment on Sunday evening with guests left stunned to discover the true price of their valuable items. During the episode, one guest was left completely floored to discover his watch, which he thought was rubbish, was worth an eye-watering amount.

During the episode, the guest brought his OMEGA speedmaster watch, which he bought in 1965 secondhand, to be valued by expert Richard Price, who pointed out it had "definitely seen better days" but was an incredible piece due to the fact it was the first watch worn on the moon.

Richard explained that the watch was "derelict" as it was in a "very poor state", asking how it got this way. The guest had a remarkable story, explaining that they had a burglary at their home and the thief had dropped it somehow on their grass as they left. It then later went through his lawnmower and his wife found it months later while turning the compost heap.

One guest was left completely floored to discover his watch, which he thought was rubbish, was worth an eye-watering amount

The expert said: "It is extraordinary that it has survived!", adding that the strap was very important as it has the date of manufacture on it, explaining: "That, in itself, is a very rare piece of kit!"

He added: "Look into having it restored, assuming you can get these pieces in good condition with that strap, I see it being retailable for towards £18,000 to £20,000. That, on its own, is at least £3,000! Just that strap, that bracelet."

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The price was met by loud gasps as the guest said: "I came along, expecting you to say: 'It's a load of rubbish, throw it away!'" with the expert joking: "If you want to throw it away, I've got a big pocket here!"

The guest brought his OMEGA speedmaster watch, which he bought in 1965 secondhand

Speaking after the valuation, the guest said: "I'm amazed, I'm excited, I came along here convinced it was basically beyond repair! A bit of rubbish, really. My son will be even more excited because he wants to inherit it!"

Elsewhere on the show, one guest was left amazed to discover the value of the miniature silver teapot he had inherited from his great-uncle and aunt. Expert Duncan Campbell was left blown away by the antique, saying: "This is the nicest teapot I've certainly ever seen on an Antiques Roadshow - arguably, I've ever seen, I absolutely adore it, and I'm more than a little bit envious!"

Olivia Wheeler