BBC Antiques Roadshow watch owner recalls lawnmower accident that resulted in ‘derelict’ damage to timepiece
Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price had some important advice to offer a watch-owner who had lost hope for the damaged item in a classic episode of the BBC favourite.
In the 2023 instalment, which is scheduled to repeat on BBC One on Sunday, Price admitted the item was known as “derelict”.
Price analysed the watch in an episode filmed at Swanage Pier and Seafront, where two guests brought in a broken Omega watch.
Price commented: “As you know this was the first watch worn on the moon but there is an unfortunate word in the watch-making industry for if something is in a very poor state.
“We call it derelict – and this is fairly derelict. How did it get into this state?”
One of the guests replied: “It unfortunately went through my lawnmower.
“We had a burglary and somehow they must have dropped that in the grass as they went.
“Several months later, my wife was turning the compost heap and lo and behold, what did she find?”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert slammed for ‘seriously undervaluing’ astonishing never seen collectionBBC Antiques Roadshow guest refuses to sell war medals for heartfelt reason despite 5-figure valueBBC Antiques Roadshow expert receives strict order from guest over ‘touching’ prized item
“What a story, but what a shame,” Price commented, to which the guest replied: “A great shame!”
He went on to reveal: “I bought it either late 1965 or early 1966 and it was second-hand at the time.”
Price replied: “The watch is earlier than that, there are three types: so we have pre-space, which is up to 1965.
“In other words, before any of the lunar landings were envisaged by NASA.
“We have pre-moon which is ’65 to ’69, when Armstrong and Aldrin stood on the moon.
“Then we have post-moon, so this is pre-space. It is extraordinary that is has survived – this is still pretty good.
“You’ve lost one of the pushers but other than that the case is not too bad. Now, the important thing is the strap, it’s 100 percent right for the watch. This in itself is a very rare piece of kit.”
“Do I keep it as a relic?” the owner of the watch asked, to which Price advised: “No, look into having it restored.”
Price went on to suggest: “Get these pieces in good condition with that strap, I see it being retailable for towards £18,000 to £20,000. And that on its own is worth £3,000 – just that strap.”
Stunned, the owner responded: “I came along expecting you to say, ‘It’s a load of rubbish, throw it away.'”
“If you think you want to throw it away, I’ve got a big pocket here,” Price quipped.
Reflecting on the valuation, the guest added: “I’m amazed, I’m excited.
“I mean I came along here convinced it was basically beyond repair, a bit of rubbish really.
“My son will be even more excited because he wants to inherit it.”