Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest can’t believe he was walking around with a $100,000 Rolex on his wrist (marketrealist.com)
A treasured family heirloom, a 1978 Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, recently made a surprising appearance on Antiques Roadshow, leaving its owner stunned by its astonishing value. Oscar, who inherited the watch from his father, casually shared with appraiser Jeff Cohen that he often wore the timepiece, unaware of its six-figure worth.
The watch, a source of playful sibling rivalry between Oscar and his twin brother, ultimately went to Oscar for achieving the highest level of education – a Master’s degree. Despite the friendly competition, Oscar generously shares the watch with his brother, cherishing it for its sentimental value.
Cohen identified the watch as a Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, reference number 6263, manufactured in 1978. He highlighted its coveted “panda dial,” a favorite among collectors. He further explained the watch’s unique screw-down waterproof buttons, a later addition to the model designed to prevent accidental activation of the timer function.
The watch’s pristine condition, particularly the unblemished dial and original acrylic crystal, significantly contributed to its value. Cohen noted that collectors appreciate the untouched state of the watch, a testament to its history.
The big reveal left Oscar speechless. Cohen estimated the watch’s current market value between a staggering $95,000 and $105,000.
A stunned Oscar could only exclaim, “Oh my God, no way! That’s crazy!”
Realizing he’d been sporting a small fortune on his wrist, even on subway rides, Oscar admitted he’d be wearing the valuable heirloom a bit less often from now on.