A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow was left utterly gobsmacked when their seemingly ordinary watch was valued at an astonishing £10,000 by expert Richard Price.
The emotional moment unfolded during filming at the National Trust's Tyntesfield estate in Somerset, where the owner brought in a vintage timepiece passed down through generations.
The Hidden Treasure
Price, a horology specialist, immediately recognised the watch as a rare 1920s Rolex 'Prince' model – one of only a handful known to exist in such pristine condition.
'This is an exceptional find,' Price told the stunned owner. 'The craftsmanship and preservation make it incredibly valuable to collectors.'
Why It's So Valuable
- Rare rectangular 'Tank' style case design
- Original dial with perfect patina
- Fully functioning movement
- Complete with original box and papers
The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted they had no idea of its worth: 'I just wore it occasionally for special occasions. To think it's been sitting in my drawer all these years...'
Antiques Roadshow's Biggest Finds
This valuation joins the show's hall of fame for remarkable discoveries, including:
- A £1 million Chinese vase (2018)
- A £250,000 Banksy artwork (2019)
- A £50,000 First World War medal collection (2021)
The episode featuring this remarkable watch valuation will air on BBC One later this month.
