A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow experienced a moment of pure astonishment, choosing to hold onto a precious family heirloom after discovering its staggering five-figure valuation.
A Surprising Revelation
During the episode aired on Sunday, 30th November, horological expert Alastair Chandler inspected a vintage Omega Speedmaster watch brought in by the guest. The timepiece had belonged to the guest's late father, who had purchased it for just £59 in 1971 and reserved it for special occasions. Alastair Chandler immediately identified it as a 'real classic', praising its fabulous Swiss craftsmanship.
What made this particular watch so exceptional was its unusual dial configuration. Chandler explained that while the Speedmaster is famously known as the 'moonwatch' for being the first watch on the moon with NASA, this model predated that association and was primarily used as a chronograph for racing.
A Staggering Increase in Value
The expert revealed that due to its rarity—with only between five and twenty examples of this specific design known to exist—the watch's value had skyrocketed. He confirmed that a similar model had sold at auction in December 2024 for just over £50,000.
This represented an incredible return on the original investment, a fact not lost on the specialist, who quipped: 'It's not a bad investment on £50.' The guest, clearly thrilled, agreed, stating: 'Very, very good actually. Very good. Dad chose wisely.'
A Priceless Emotional Connection
Despite the life-changing valuation, the guest's reaction was definitive. After expressing his surprise with a simple 'Wow, surprising. Very surprising,' he firmly declared that he would not be selling the watch.
This decision underscores the powerful sentimental value that often transcends monetary worth when it comes to family heirlooms. The watch's value is also likely to appreciate further over time, a point noted by viewers on social media who suggested the owner should 'take his time selling that!' For now, however, the memory of his father remains the most valuable component of this extraordinary timepiece.
