AN ARMY veteran discovered a classic watch he bought while deployed was worth a whopping $45,000.
He brought the 1960 watch onto Antiques Roadshow to get it appraised by experts.
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While he was stationed in Germany, his sergeant recommended buying a Rolex before he returned to America.
“He thought it was the best watch ever made, and he said, ‘Make sure you get one before you go home.'” the seller said in a YouTube clip.
“I had never heard [of] or seen one before. I just took his word that it was a great watch, and it is.”
He chose a GMT Master model just because of the way it looked. He wore it for several years, but now he treats it as a keepsake.
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Appraiser Peter Planes admitted he was “very excited” when he spotted the watch.
It was the first model GMT Master that Rolex ever made, piquing his interest.
The seller also had the original paperwork and packaging for the watch, which contributed to its value.
A receipt showed he bought two watches: one for $104.15 and one for $120.35.
His salary in the army was just over $100 a month, so these were huge purchases for him.
“It’s incredible that you’ve saved everything…you don’t usually see this,” Planes said.
“I’m pleased to tell you this watch, at auction, is a very, very collectible watch.”
The watch on its own would be worth between $35,000 and $45,000.
But, because of all the original paperwork and packaging, this watch is valued at $60,000.
The seller was nearly speechless and could only muster a “Wow” after hearing the price.
“If you would’ve told me it was worth $1,500, I would’ve been happy,” he said.
WATCH OUT
Air Force veteran Dave had a similar situation with a Rolex he bought in 1974.
It was a Rolex Oyster Cosmograph that was priced at just $345.97.
The watch is popular because it closely resembles one worn by famous actor Paul Newman.
Dave didn’t wear the watch but rather kept it in a safety deposit for nearly 30 years, keeping it in pristine condition.
Plus, he still had the original papers from the sale.
All of these factors drove the watch’s value up to a whopping $700,000.
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Dave jokingly fell over when he heard the price.
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