Vintage Rolex stuns owner with £14,000 valuation on Antiques Roadshow
A vintage Rolex Oyster GMT Master has stunned its owner after receiving a £14,000 valuation on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. The watch, bought in Hong Kong over 50 years ago for just $270, was passed down as a family heirloom. Its current value left the man visibly shocked during the programme’s appraisal.
The Rolex Oyster GMT Master, model ‘1675’, dates back to around 1959. It was originally purchased in 1971 by the man’s father while he was stationed in Hong Kong on military service. The watch, though missing its original bracelet, came with its paperwork, including the bill of sale.
The owner inherited the timepiece after his father’s passing. When presented on Antiques Roadshow, experts valued it at £14,000 (approximately $18,858). The appraiser noted that, with its original bracelet, the watch could fetch £20,000 (around $26,950). This isn’t the first time a Rolex Oyster has received a high valuation on the show. The man reacted with disbelief, exclaiming, ‘No way. I didn’t expect that at all.’
The watch’s value has surged dramatically since its modest purchase price over half a century ago. Without its original Rolex bracelet, it still commands a four-figure sum, reflecting the enduring demand for vintage Rolex models. The appraisal highlights how family heirlooms can sometimes hold unexpected financial worth.
