World · India Bureau
American man's $5.99 thrift store watch sells for $35,000
A vintage timepiece discovered at a Goodwill store in the United States for under six dollars fetched over $35,000 at auction after its authenticity was verified. The windfall enabled the finder to finance his wedding while supporting the charitable organisation where he made the remarkable discovery.
LSN India ·
Zach Norris stumbled upon a rare LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm watch while browsing items at a Goodwill store in 2015, acquiring it for $5.99. The vintage timepiece, initially purchased as a modest curio, proved to be far more valuable than its bargain price suggested.
Following authentication of the watch's genuineness, news of the discovery generated significant interest among horology enthusiasts and collectors across the United States. The growing attention sparked competitive bidding as multiple parties sought to acquire the sought-after vintage model.
Eric Ku, a renowned collector, ultimately secured the timepiece for more than $35,000, marking an extraordinary return on Norris's minimal investment. The substantial sale price provided the windfall needed to fund Norris's wedding plans while enabling him to purchase a prized timepiece for his own collection.
In a gesture of goodwill, Norris donated a portion of the proceeds back to Goodwill, acknowledging the charity's role in facilitating his fortuitous discovery. The sale underscored the potential hidden value that may lie undetected in thrift stores, where vintage collectibles sometimes surface among donated goods.