What was initially thought to be a modest family pocket watch valued at $6,000 turned out to be an exceptional treasure worth millions. This surprising revelation came to light during the 2004 edition of Antiques Roadshow held in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The watch’s owner brought the piece to the event, sharing its lineage with the experts. The gold pocket watch had belonged to his great-grandfather, George Thompson, who was the proprietor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch. The watch had been passed down through generations since George Thompson received it in 1914, eventually arriving in the hands of the current owner.
A Rare Masterpiece Revealed
Upon closer inspection, appraiser Paul Hartquist quickly realized this was no ordinary timepiece. Contrary to the initial appraisal given about 15 years earlier, which estimated its worth at around $6,000, Hartquist’s assessment dramatically elevated its value. The watch, crafted in 18-karat gold by Patek Philippe, featured an extraordinary array of complications rarely seen together.
Among its intricate functions were a split-second chronograph allowing simultaneous timing of two events, a minute repeater chiming the precise time, and a perpetual calendar accurately accounting for leap years. Additionally, the watch displayed the day, date, month, and moon phases. Such complexity, combined with its remarkable preservation—including the original box, intact crystals, and even spare parts—set it apart as a truly exceptional find.
Hartquist admitted he had never encountered a piece quite like this before, underscoring the watch’s rarity and significance. This discovery transformed what had been regarded as a modest family heirloom into a priceless artifact.