Antiques Roadshow guest stunned by jaw-dropping value of inherited Rolex

Daily Record

09-06-2025

A guest brought a classic Rolex on to the BBC show to be valued by an expert and the crowd was left gobsmacked
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left gobsmacked by the valuation of his Rolex watch, after expert Richard Price examined the impressive timepiece. In a rerun of the beloved BBC show, which aired on Sunday night (June 8), viewers were treated to an incredible line-up of rare items and local treasures as the team visited Brodie Castle in Morayshire.
Expert Richard was left stunned by a guest's GMT Master Rolex, which dated back to 1960-1961. The guest had acquired the watch from his late uncle over 32 years ago - although an original piece, there was just one thing that detracted the value by around £1,000, the Echo reports.
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Checking the reference of the watch, he explained: "It's the reference 1675 which is the classic GMT Master and I think we could fairly safely say 1960 to 1961 so that all fits in.
"The joy of this is that nothing's changed. Because so often, not so much now because they won't do it, but even 20 years ago these big manufacturers if you put a watch in for service, they would have changed the bezel."
"Because that bezel is beautifully faded, it was light blue and red there and it's all faded, but they would have changed the bezel and changed the dial with an upgrade. And you'd have had it back like all new - but collectors hate that," he continued.
However, one factor brought down the watch's value, despite it being a classic model - when the expert expressed his disappointment over the watch.
"It's absolutely original, spot on. The only thing I'm not terribly happy about is the bracelet. It would originally have had what they call the oyster bracelet and this is actually a jubilee bracelet which has Rolex, made in the USA."
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"Which, sort of detracts from it a little bit, probably detracts from it by £1,000 actually.
Richard explained to the guest that his late uncle likely requested a different bracelet than the one the watch originally came with - the watch had a jubilee bracelet instead of the original oyster type.
He went on to reveal the watch would have cost between £300 and £350 back in the early 60s, much to the disappointment of the guests and crowd who gathered behind them.
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However, despite the modification and the price back in the 60s, the value of the watch was considerably high.
The guest and crowd were stunned to find out the Rolex watch was valued at an incredible £12,000 to £15,000, as they broke out in applause.
The guest jokingly stated: "Wish he [his late uncle] bought more." Overwhelmed by the value, he exclaimed: "I can't believe that, can't believe that."