Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Expert’s Advice Revives Hope for Owner of Damaged Watch on Antiques Roadshow
An expert from Antiques Roadshow, Richard Price, offered crucial guidance to a watch owner who had almost given up hope for his damaged timepiece during a recent episode of the popular BBC program. In the 2023 segment, re-broadcast on Sunday evening, the guest on the show revealed his disbelief after recounting a distressing incident prior to his appearance. The individual shared that his home had been burgled, leading to an unexpected discovery regarding his Omega watch.
Discovery of Damaged Timepiece
During the episode, filmed at Swanage Pier and Seafront, Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price meticulously examined the damaged Omega watch brought in by a married couple. Price observed, “As you know, this was the pioneering watch worn on the moon. However, in watchmaking, there’s a term for items in very poor condition: ‘derelict.’ And this is quite derelict. How did it reach this unfortunate state?”
Lawnmower Mishap Following Burglary
The guest divulged that the watch had “unfortunately been run over by my lawnmower” after the burglary. He speculated that the intruders had likely dropped the stolen watch in the garden’s grass.
Months later, during routine garden work, the guest’s wife unearthed the damaged watch while turning over the compost heap. Despite being recovered, it had sustained considerable harm.
“What an incredible story, yet such a pity about the condition,” Price remarked, to which the owner lamented, “Indeed, a great pity!”
The guest further explained, “I purchased it around late 1965 or early 1966, and it was already a second-hand item at that time.”
Watch’s True Age and Restoration Potential
Price clarified, “The watch is actually older. There are three classifications: pre-space, which includes models up to 1965.”
“Essentially, before any lunar missions were even conceived by NASA,” he added.
The watch owner then inquired, “Should I preserve it as a relic?” Price responded with encouraging advice, “No, you should definitely investigate having it restored.”
Surprising Valuation for Restored Omega Watch
Subsequently, the antiques expert delivered an astonishing five-figure valuation, leaving the owner visibly stunned.
Price elaborated, “If these components are professionally restored to good order, complete with this strap, I estimate its retail value to be in the region of £18,000 to £20,000. Even the strap alone is worth £3,000.”
In disbelief, the owner admitted, “I came here fully expecting you to declare, ‘It’s worthless rubbish, discard it.'”
“If you are considering disposal,” Price jokingly concluded, “I happen to have a rather large pocket right here.”