ANTIQUES Roadshow expert John Benjamin called out a “charming” Cartier wristwatch for one huge concern.
He was delighted to take a trip down memory lane when the stunning silver item, adorned with gems, arrived for valuation at Stonor Park in Oxfordshire.
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BBC One stalwart John gushed: “This is an absolutely charming little bracelet watch and I have to be honest with you, it reminds me of the very first piece of jewellery that I ever recorded on a Roadshow nearly 30 years ago.
“And it was a Cartier wristwatch.
“You’ve brought along a beautiful Cartier wristwatch – now what’s your story with it and where has it come from?”
The owner told how the eye-catching item, displayed on a royal blue cloth, was his wife’s and passed down through her family from a great aunt.
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He estimated it was from the 1930s, after which John suggested it was created a decade earlier.
And after giving it the once over, the Antiques Roadshow presenter spotted a glaring issue.
Standing outside in the grey weather, he said: “If I look at the tongue piece, it’s stamped is nine-carat gold. In other words, the strap is completely wrong for it/
“Finally, when we look at the marks on the back, did you happen to notice that mark there? That’s a little French platinum mark.
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“So, the watch head we’re assuming is Cartier. That strap though is not right.”
He then told the guest, who wore a grey T-Shirt and khaki coat the imposter strap could have “an impact on the price.”
Yet, this would not make a huge dent in the estimated worth.
John added: “Cartier is one of those names that everyone looks for.
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“In the world of jewellery, if anything is by Cartier, it makes a good price.
“Having said that, there’s a little bit of wear and so I’m going to take that into account.
“I think if I were putting it into auction, my opinion is about £4,000 to £5,000 for it.”
The guest appeared chuffed with the outcome, and thanked John for his detailed explanation.
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Earlier in the episode, he admitted his wife wore the item “once a year”.
He told how they both loved it because it was something different.
Previously, a BBC show guest was left stunned at the value of a statue he found in a compost heap.
Another giggled as he realised the whopping £20,000 value of his old clock.
