Participants on Antiques Roadshow often hope their possessions are of substantial value, but it’s rare for someone to faint when they find out their wish has been fulfilled.
However, it does happen occasionally, as demonstrated by a guest named David, a war veteran who brought a Rolex he bought at a base exchange in 1974 to the show.
David, enlisted in the Air Force, served as an explosives ordnance disposal airman in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
Near the conflict’s end, between 1973 and 1975, David flew with Air America and Continental Airlines and noticed many pilots wore Rolex watches. He also heard that Rolex watches were excellent for divers, aligning with his passion for scuba diving.
Considering these factors, David decided to spend $345.97 on a Rolex, which was nearly equivalent to a month’s pay at that time. Adjusted for inflation, that amount equals about $2,290.64 today, according to Amortization.org.
Ultimately, he deemed the watch ‘too nice to take down in the salty water’, opting to secure it in a safety deposit box instead of using it while diving.
For 45 years, David safeguarded the watch until he eventually brought it to appraiser Peter Planes on Antiques Roadshow, when the program visited the Bonanzaville USA history museum complex in West Fargo, North Dakota.
Upon examining the timepiece, Planes revealed its potential value at auction.
Planes estimated that, at the time of filming, the Rolex could fetch up to $400,000, causing David to fall to the ground in shock.
After confirming David’s well-being, Planes mentioned he had more to share.
He pointed to the accompanying documents David had retained, such as the original brochure and warranty paperwork.
These elements worked to enhance the watch’s value, allowing Planes to assess it at between $500,000 and $700,000.
“It’s one of the rarest Paul Newman models, and in this condition, I don’t think there’s a better one in the world,” Planes stated.
David found the figure ‘unbelievable’, though he managed to remain standing this time.
“I can’t thank you enough for bringing me one of the greatest watches to ever see on Antiques Roadshow,” Planes expressed.