A military veteran has become an internet sensation following his glorious reaction to learning an old watch he owned was valued at as much as $1 million on TV show Antiques Roadshow.
The unidentified chap appeared on the US version of the program to have a Rolex watch he purchased in 1974 for $US345.97 valued. Check out his response to the unexpected windfall below:
What causes this guy to lose it on @RoadshowPBS?!
Monday at 8 pm on #VermontPBS. pic.twitter.com/O8VpwVzuQl
— Vermont PBS (@VermontPBS) January 26, 2020
The man, a US Air Force veteran, said he purchased the watch 45 years ago because he heard it was a good brand for scuba diving. When he received it, he thought it was too nice to go in saltwater and simply stored the unopened Rolex in a safety deposit box.
Not only was the rare watch in perfect condition, but the lucky chap had saved the warranty papers, original Rolex brochure for the Cosmograph, two receipts, and the two original boxes the watch came in which meant its valued had doubled had it been worn.
Adding to its significant price tag, the piece is highly sought after by antique watch collectors as it was the same watch worn by Paul Newman in the 1969 film Winning.
Commenting on the appraisal, Antiques Roadshow executive producer Marsha Bemko said: “This appraisal hits the Roadshow trifecta: an extremely rare item, a personal backstory that shines a light on our country’s history, and a fantastic guest reaction.”
Check out the full segment below.
