A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow experienced a moment of pure astonishment after learning the staggering modern value of his late father's cherished wristwatch, with an emotional twist following the jaw-dropping revelation.
A Family Treasure Reveals Its True Worth
During a recent episode of the popular Sunday (November 30) programme, which featured unseen 'hidden treasures', one man brought forward a rare Omega Speedmaster watch. He fondly recalled seeing his father wear the timepiece on special occasions during his childhood. The expert tasked with the valuation, horologist Alastair Chandler, immediately identified it as a 'real classic'.
Chandler elaborated on the watch's significance, noting its unusual dial configuration which made it particularly rare. The owner shared that his father had purchased the watch back in 1971 for just £59, a considerable sum at the time but one that would prove to be an extraordinary investment.
The Astonishing Valuation and a Heartfelt Decision
Alastair Chandler explained that due to the model's scarcity, it rarely appears on the market, making precise valuations challenging. However, he delivered a bombshell comparison: 'in December 2024, a similar watch, same model, sold for just over £50,000 at auction.'
Faced with this life-changing figure, the guest reacted with stunned surprise, simply stating: 'Wow, surprising. Very surprising'. He agreed with the expert that his father had 'chosen wisely'. In a poignant and firm decision, the owner revealed he had no intention of selling the precious family heirloom, choosing to preserve his father's legacy over a substantial financial windfall.
More Than a Moonwatch: A Piece of History
Earlier in the segment, Alastair Chandler provided fascinating historical context for the Omega Speedmaster. While famously known as the 'moonwatch' for being the first watch worn on the moon during NASA's missions, this specific model had a different heritage. Chandler pointed out that 'there’s nothing about the moon landing on it', explaining it was primarily designed as a chronograph for racing.
This episode was not the only instance of a shocking valuation on the show. In a previous instalment filmed in Fife, Scotland, a guest brought in a brooch inherited from her grandmother, which was nearly stolen in a burglary during the 1970s. Believing it to be costume jewellery worth perhaps £100, she was astounded when expert Siobhan Tyrrell valued the diamond, emerald, and garnet piece from 1874 at between £4,000 and £6,000. Like the watch owner, she also decided to keep the heirloom in the family.
Antiques Roadshow continues to uncover remarkable stories and unexpected fortunes, airing on Sundays on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
