An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned after learning the true value of his Rolex X Tiffany watch during a recent episode of the popular PBS show – and he’s worn it every day

A devoted watch enthusiast was left gobsmacked on Antiques Roadshow when he discovered the staggering value of his Rolex, which he had faithfully worn every day for 50 years. The guest appeared on the popular PBS programme with a cherished Rolex X Tiffany timepiece, a gift from his late uncle in 1975.

Chatting with expert Peter Planes, he shared: “He purchased it at Tiffany’s New York … right before I was going to go to college, he noticed I wasn’t wearing a watch on my wrist so he took it off his wrist and gave it to me.”

Despite the passage of time, the guest confessed: “I’ve never taken it off, I’ve worn it almost every day.”

a fact underscored by a permanent tan line on his wrist captured by the camera, highlighting his attachment to the watch. Discussing its maintenance, he mentioned a visit to a Rolex dealer about “18 months to two years ago” but was deterred by the terms of a comprehensive service.

The Rolex X Tiffany watch had been gifted to him in 1975 ( 
Image:
(Image: PBS))

He recounted: “The person at the jewellery store told me that if I did send it into Rolex to be serviced, they would remove the face, put a new face on the watch, and then keep the old face. And I didn’t want to do that, so I took it to a different watch repair shop.”

His choice proved wise as Peter explained the importance of maintaining the watch’s original state, noting: “When Rolex generally restores a watch, they like to put new parts on them.”

The guest on the watch show was in for a staggering surprise when the value of his treasured timepiece came to light. Delving into why replacement parts are scarce, the watch expert shared: “They don’t like their old parts around because people use the parts to make counterfeit watches with them, or they can take a real dial and put it on a fake watch.”

It was during this discussion that the host dropped the bombshell about just how much the watch was worth.

While the owner confessed his uncertainty, saying: “I have no idea.”

He did recount varied valuations from Rolex stores over the years, saying: “I’ve taken it to various Rolex stores, from time to time, and I’ve heard everything from … in the early ’80s, $1,200, (£948) to people telling me well over $10,000 (£7,900).”

Peter then pointed out that had the guest opted for Rolex’s suggested full service, including replacing the faded bezel and polishing, the piece would likely be valued between $10,000 to $12,000 (£9,480). But because the watch remained entirely original, its price had soared.

“Collectors like things totally original. They want the original dial, even with the oxidation on it, even the faded bezel is very collectable,” said Peter, setting the stage for the astonishing evaluation: “Today, in the retail market, your watch is worth $50,000 (£39,500).”

To say the guest was astounded would be an understatement, as the Express, reports, he responded in disbelief: “Oh, good grief. That’s, uh… that is absolutely stunning to me. I think the highest I ever heard was $30,000 (£23,700), which I thought was crazy and outrageous, but the fact that it’s worth $50,000 is startling to me.”