A relaxing afternoon on a Texas lake turned into a costly nightmare for one man after his ultra-rare, six-figure luxury watch slipped from his wrist and vanished into the depths.
Colin Brady was enjoying a boat trip on Austin's Lady Bird Lake when the unthinkable happened. His prized Patek Philippe timepiece, valued at a staggering $120,000 (approximately £100,000), came loose and disappeared into the water.
The frantic search began immediately. Brady, along with friends and later professional divers, spent hours scouring the murky lakebed. Using advanced equipment like underwater drones and metal detectors, the team worked against time and limited visibility.
Despite their exhaustive efforts, the precious watch has not been recovered. The soft silt at the bottom of the lake likely swallowed the timepiece, making the chances of finding it increasingly slim with each passing day.
A Heartbreaking Loss
For Brady, the loss is both financial and deeply personal. Patek Philippe watches are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, heritage, and status as investment pieces. This particular model is not just a timekeeper; it's a symbol of achievement and a family heirloom.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unforeseen accidents that can happen in an instant. Local authorities have noted the event, though no foul play is suspected.
Could It Still Be Found?
While the search has been called off, the story has captured local attention. Some wonder if a future dredging operation or a lucky passerby could one day unearth the luxury item. For now, however, the lake keeps its expensive secret.
