An Air Force veteran took a silver Rolex Oyster Cosmograph watch to be appraised for an episode of Antiques Roadshow. Little did he know, his life was about to change forever!
He explained that he purchased the watch when he was stationed in Thailand from 1973-1975 after noticing that many airline pilots were wearing them. He transferred to another base and started scuba diving. That’s when he learned that the Rolex watches were good in the water. That’s all he needed to hear to go through with the purchase.
In November of 1974, he ordered his watch through the military base exchange. He paid $345.97 with a 10% discount. That was a ton of money at the time when monthly salaries were between $300-$400. He finally got the watch in April of the following year. Ironically, he couldn’t bring himself to wear it.
Over the next 30-40 years, the man said he kept the watch inside a safety deposit box, only taking it out “two or three times to look at it, but that was about the extent of it.” He also managed to keep its warranty paper with a “blank guarantee,” as well as the paperwork, receipts, and original box.
After hearing how much his watch would sell for today at auction, the vet jokingly collapsed. Talk about a prized possession!!!
I haven’t disclosed the value. You have to watch the video! Believe me, it’s SO worth it! And nobody can deny, after his service to our country, he so deserves it!
Photo: Getty Images