Antiques Roadshow: Unworn Rolex Daytona 6263

FOUND: UNWORN

ROLEX DAYTONA

'PAUL NEWMAN' 6263

"In this condition, I don't think
there's a better one in the world."

—Appraiser

By Capt. DANNY CRIVELLO

He is a U.S. Air Force veteran who happened to buy a Rolex Oyster Cosmograph 6263 in the 1970s while he was stationed in Thailand. During his deployment he had noticed that airline pilots at Air America and Continental all had Rolexes on their wrists.

He ordered his watch and paid $345.97 after a 10% discount through the Base Exchange. He meticulously kept all receipts and brochures.

His plan was to scuba dive with the watch as he'd heard Rolexes were good for that. But after acquiring the piece, he thought the watch was way to nice to be taken in salty water. So he stored it, along with the warranty paper, receipts and box, and has never worn it.

The sticker is almost intact.

This find was part of a new episode of "Antiques Roadshow" that just aired today. In this PBS show, antiques appraisers travel the country in search of America's hidden treasures. And what a treasure it is for the Rolex community! This is the highest appraisal of the show's season. And it was found in North Dakota.