It’s probably safe to say that most people like getting a smokin’ deal. There are even a lot of us who enjoy scouring thrift stores and garage sales looking for hidden treasures – and then do a happy dance when we actually find one.
Realizing you paid less than an item’s worth is exciting, but what a veteran discovered about his watch’s value on Antiques Roadshow is on a completely different level. In fact, he was so shocked over the appraisal that even his reaction is over-the-top!
Americans have been bringing their family heirlooms, purchases, and attic finds to PBS’s Antiques Roadshow for more than two decades now.
The show travels around the country with appraisers who evaluate guests’ items and reveal their values. Sometimes the results are life-changing, and other times people learn their item is worth less than the tank of gas it took for them to get there. That’s just how it goes!
Over the years, we’ve seen some pretty memorable reactions on Antiques Roadshow from participants who’ve learned they’re sitting on a goldmine. But some, however, are more priceless than others…
When Antiques Roadshow traveled to Bonanzaville in West Fargo, North Dakota, they met a U.S. Air Force veteran named David. He was there with an old watch he wanted to have evaluated.
Appraiser, Peter Planes, stood with David at a table where the Rolex watch and its documents were displayed. The vet had purchased the timepiece in 1974 for the price of $345.97 (he had even kept the receipt). Originally, he bought it for scuba diving, but decided not to bring it in the water because it was “too nice.”
David revealed that he hadn’t worn the watch many times, the likely reason it was in such excellent condition. He explained to Planes:
“After I got out of the service I had other watches I wore and I just put this one into a safety deposit box. It stayed there for 30-40 years.”
There was some really big news to share.
Appraiser Planes began by telling David what a watch similar to his was going for at auction…$400,000.
Stunned by the number, the vet then dramatically dropped to the ground in disbelief. That’s right, he seemed to be literally “blown away!” It’s a reaction that took everyone by surprise, including the appraiser.
But that wasn’t what his Rolex Oyster Cosmograph watch (which had an “Oyster” inscription on the dial) was actually worth.
After David was able to stand back up at the table, Planes had even more information to tell him. He shared:
“Your watch at auction today, “$500,000-$700,000.”
His response to the incredible appraisal? Well, he couldn’t exactly hold in his amazement, saying “You gotta be [expletive] me!”
Planes told David during the Antiques Roadshow segment:
“It’s an absolute fabulous find. It’s one of the rarest Paul Newman models and in this condition, I don’t think there’s a better one in the world.”
The timepiece is similar to the one that late actor Paul Newman wore, according to Inside Edition, which sold at an auction for nearly $18,000,000.
Not only was the evaluation through the roof, but the Antiques Roadshow clip itself went viral too. The story’s captured everyone’s attention, especially with David’s priceless reaction.
One person wrote on Inside Edition’s YouTube channel:
“Lol I’d have the same exact reaction, what a profit 😭.”
Someone else felt inspired by the segment to do their own antique finding.
“Better dig for something valuable in my grandma’s attic”
Watch the video below to see David’s unbelievable reaction to his watch’s appraisal!
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