An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned when her father's World War II Rolex watch doubled in value due to its extraordinary history. The BBC programme visited Hutton-in-the-Forest in Cumbria, where specialist Ben Wright appraised the timepiece.
The Watch's Remarkable Origin Story
Ben Wright noted that while he sees many Rolex watches on the show, this one had an unusual history. The guest explained that her father was captured in June 1940 while serving with the 51st Highland Division. He was forced to march across France, Belgium, and Holland before reaching a prisoner-of-war camp, where all watches were confiscated by the Germans.
“What interests me so much is this watch was ordered by my father in 1941 direct to Switzerland, Rolex Switzerland, where it was delivered to him in the prison camp,” she said. “I do not understand how the Germans could let them have the watches, and I believe that a lot of other prisoners ordered similar watches because it was an incredible morale booster for them.”
Expert's Reaction and Valuation
Clearly astonished, Ben replied: “It's the most remarkable story, I have never ever heard this story before. I have never heard that you could order a Rolex from Switzerland via the Red Cross as I understand it, whilst under guard, isn't that extraordinary.” He added that the morale in the camp was important, but allowing mechanical items was extraordinary.
The guest continued that prisoners likely made compasses from watch parts, referencing the Great Escape. Ben observed her father's prisoner-of-war documents and photos, noting the stark difference in his appearance from entry to release after five years.
Ben explained that Rolex sent the watch on trust, expecting payment after the war. The watch, a Rolex bubble back with a steel back and rose gold front, was valued at £2,500 to £3,000 without the story, but with the story, it doubled to a minimum of £5,000. Stunned, the guest could only say “Goodness!”
Ben added: “I wouldn't be at all surprised if it made considerably more. But I know you wouldn't sell it and thank you so much for bringing it along because it really is a wonderful story.”
