Additional Coverage:
- Missouri woman buys a $150 watch at thrift store — then she found out its real value (marketrealist.com)
Missouri Woman Strikes Gold (or Rather, Gucci) at Local Thrift Store
St. Louis, MO – In a tale that proves one person’s trash can truly be another’s treasure, a Missouri woman recently hit the jackpot at a local thrift store, turning a seemingly risky purchase into a surprising windfall. What started as a $150 gamble on an old watch quickly escalated into a valuable find, leaving the buyer both relieved and ecstatic.
Kayla Russina of Missouri was enjoying a day of shopping in downtown St. Louis with her boyfriend when a particular timepiece caught her eye.
Nestled in a Gucci box and sporting a vintage aesthetic, the watch stood out among the usual thrift store offerings. While watches are common thrift store finds, this one had a certain allure.
Gucci watches can fetch anywhere from $80 to $800 online, but Russina had a strong intuition that this particular piece leaned towards the higher end. Her suspicions were fueled by the watch’s original Gucci box and a collection of customizable bezels, adding to its appeal. Furthermore, the watch dates back to the 1990s, a detail that often excites collectors.
“It caught my eye because I had seen these watches online before, and I knew that they were highly sought after,” Russina shared. “When I saw it, I immediately went and grabbed my boyfriend to show him, and we decided to buy it.”
Initially priced at $200, Russina skillfully negotiated the price down to $150. Despite the discount, a sense of apprehension lingered. “We were worried initially,” she admitted, unsure if she had overpaid for the item.
Her worries were soon put to rest. After taking the watch for authentication, it was confirmed to be the real deal.
Russina anticipates the watch could fetch between $500 and $700. “We just got a new battery for it today, and it is working,” she added with excitement.
Following the authentication, Russina shared her triumphant find on Reddit, declaring herself “blessed by the thrift gods.” The online community was quick to agree, with many expressing envy and admiration for her discovery.
One user commented, “One of my white whales. Good price too, because I regularly check prices online for this item (and similar).
Congrats, I hope it brings you joy for years to come.” Another quipped, “So jealous.
Someone was selling one on FB marketplace for $1,100, and it sold last week.” A third nostalgic user recalled, “That’s pretty much what it cost new in the early 90s.
I had the chain band one instead of a bangle. I miss that watch so much.”
Russina’s story serves as a delightful reminder that sometimes, taking a chance on a quirky find can lead to a truly remarkable discovery.