Since 1997, collectors have been turning their trash into treasure on PBS’ show Antiques Roadshow.
The show, along with their experts in antiques and fine arts, travels around to different cities. A recent episode brought them to Bonanzaville in West Fargo, North Dakota.
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During that episode, a bearded U.S. Air Force veteran named David was attempting to find out how much his Rolex was worth. He originally bought the watch in 1974 while he was serving in the military after seeing that many of the pilots wore Rolexes.
David paid $345.97 for the watch, which was about as a much as he was paid per month.
He initially purchased the watch to use it for scuba diving, but after he purchased it he decided it was too nice of a watch to use in the salty water. Instead, he put it in a safety deposit box where it stayed for 30-40 years. David said he’s taken it out a couple times over the years just to look at it, but it has never been worn.
Peter Planes, of Luxe Auctioneers, was examining the watch. He said, “This particular model is referred to as a Oyster Cosmograph. They’re also referred to as Daytonas.”
He also wanted to note that David had all the original packaging and paperwork, some of which was left blank and could be worth $2,000 on their own!
Planes added, “Collectors love this watch because Paul Newman wore it in a movie called ‘Winning’,” even though it didn’t have two of the buttons that David’s did, though it is comparable.
You can see Newman wearing it in some parts of the trailer for his 1969 film Winning below.
Planes told David that Newman’s version of the watch goes for $150,000, but assured him that his watch was more special.
“You gotta be kidding me,” David said.
Because the watch is marked “Oyster,” it is extremely rare and Planes says, “A watch like this, at auction, is worth about $400,000.”
David then fell down with his legs in the air.
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Planes said, “You okay? Don’t fall, I’m not done yet.”
Because of the condition it was kept in, David’s watch is actually worth somewhere between $500-$700,000.
“It’s an absolute fabulous find. 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. Can’t thank you enough for bringing me one of the greatest watches to Antiques Roadshow, and thank you for your service,” Planes said.
David was still in shock when the clip ended. Watch it below.