Man Who Bought Rare Rolex in '70s for $345 USD Learns Its Value Is $500-700k USD
On a recently shot episode of ‘Antiques Roadshow.’
During a recently shot episode of Antiques Roadshow in Fargo, North Dakota, a United States Air Force veteran brought in an ultra-rare Rolex Oyster Paul Newman ref. 6263 (not pictured) to learn its value. To say the least, the man fell to the ground when he learned its value.
According to Hodinkee, the gentleman was station in Thailand during the 70s, frequently traveling on Air America Airlines and Continental Airlines, nothing that the pilots often wore Rolex watches. He ordered one of his own through his base exchange for $345.97 USD. Though he purchased the Daytona intending to wear it during SCUBA diving, he decided it was far too elegant, refraining from wearing it completely. He left it to sit in a safety deposit for decades, including all the necessary paperwork, original receipts, and packaging that it had originally come with.
The appraiser noted that a watch like the one he brought it is expected to earn $400,000 USD at auction — the man fell to the ground. However, the appraiser noted that the watch was unworn and had all of its original documentation, including the sticker on the back, stating that the timepiece could sell for $500,000 USD to $700,000 USD at auction if it remains unworn.
You can check out the entire clip above.
For more related news, check out these special editions Hublots.
