BBC Antiques Roadshow expert gives urgent order to vintage Rolex owner after slapping 5-figure value on item
A vintage Rolex stunned both its owner and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price, after the watch was revealed to be worth up to £20,000, despite having been left in a drawer for over three decades.
The memorable moment, from an episode filmed at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh in April 2022, was re-broadcast this weekend.
Long-time Roadshow horologist Richard Price was visibly impressed as he examined the Rolex Sea-Dweller, model reference 1665, known among collectors as the “Great White.”
“So whenever I see a Rolex of this type,” Price began, “I have to ask you – are you a professional diver?”
The guest replied: “No,” before Price continued: “So what tempted you to buy a professional diver’s watch?”
The owner explained that he had been encouraged by his late brother-in-law, who owned a Submariner model.
“He said if you’re going to buy one, buy the Sea-Dweller,” the guest recalled.
Price noted that the guest’s watch, purchased new in January 1982, was the final iteration of a particularly coveted version.
“This one is the last of the series of what collectors refer to as the Great White – for obvious reason, because it’s got the white writing rather than the red,” he explained.
MORE LIKE THIS:
BBC Antiques Roadshow guest ‘speechless’ as expert slaps £100k value on item ‘never seen’ before: ‘Doesn’t get any better!’Antiques Roadshow expert delights guests with price tag of ‘rare’ item despite glaring damageBBC Antiques Roadshow guest open-mouthed as emerald ring fetches value 100x more than expected
He pointed out several original features that added to the watch’s value, including the small helium escape valve -a critical design element for divers spending extended time at depth.
“The gas would try to literally push the glass out of the watch,” Price said, “so that valve let out the helium as they decompressed.”
Despite its remarkable condition and completeness – including the original bill of sale, which showed a modest £34 cash discount from the £483 list price – the watch wasn’t without scars.
The glass was heavily scratched, which the owner explained was the result of a nasty cycling accident.
“I was going downhill too fast with my daughter,” the guest shared. “I came off and it caught on the gravel. I ended up in the hospital for a week with a punctured lung. It survived. So did I.”
Price, clearly impressed both with the survival of the watch and its owner, praised the timepiece’s provenance.
“People are asking silly money for them,” he said, “but I reckon, from your point of view, a mid-market price of £18,000 to £20,000 would be fair.”
The guest appeared shocked: “Unbelievable.”
Then came Price’s urgent recommendation. Gesturing toward the modern quartz watch on the guest’s wrist, Price said firmly: “Do you know what I’d do if I were you? I’d take off that quartz thing you’re wearing, and just wear this for a little bit.”
The owner, still in disbelief, laughed and said, “I might do.”
“You should do!” Price insisted.