AN unnamed person from Somerset got the surprise of his life when he had an old watch valued.

The timepiece, which had been secreted away in a chest of drawers for nearly 15 years after the owner inherited it, turned out to be worth £10,000.

It has now been entered into a two-day auction in August by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne.

Richard Bromell, of Charterhouse, said: “The owner, who lives in Somerset, inherited the watch nearly 15 years ago after a family member passed away.

“We have previously sold items successfully for him and he contacted us for a home visit to look at a group of watches and jewellery.

"Whilst he knew the Rolex would have value, he was very surprised at the estimate of £10,000.”

The owner, who does no wear a watch himself, came across it as he sorted through the chest of drawers during the last lockdown.

The Rolex Explorer reference 5504 dating from 1964 comes to auction with its original guarantee from Watches of Switzerland in Broadmead, Bristol.

Although the Rolex watch guarantee expired 56 years ago, it is still expected to sell for £10,000 in the Charterhouse auction of watches, silver and jewellery on Thursday, August 5 and 6.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for the two day auction of watches, silver and jewellery followed by wine, port and whisky.

Richard Bromell and the team of experts at Charterhouse can be contacted for valuations and to arrange a free home visit at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 info@charterhouse-auction.com or via www.charterhouse-auction.com