An American war veteran got the surprise of a lifetime when he discovered the true value of a Rolex he bought decades ago for US$346.

The Antiques Roadshow guest, referred to only as David in a video clip from the show, bought his 1971 Rolex watch while serving in the U.S. air force in 1974.

He paid a mere $345.97, and even got 10 per cent off while he was stationed in Thailand, working to clear roads of landmines and clean up munition storage spots.

David barely batted an eye when appraiser Peter Planes informed him that an extremely rare watch like his — the model, known as an Oyster Rolex or a Daytona Rolex, is comparable to one worn by late actor Paul Newman — can go for upwards of $200,000.

When Planes told David his watch’s estimated auction price, he literally fell over backwards in shock.

The appraiser pointed out that the particular model features the word “Oyster,” making the watch “extremely, extremely rare.” Planes guessed that it would sell for $400,000.

David fell onto his back on the ground in excitement. A couple people wandering the auction grounds even came over to make sure he was OK.

“You OK?” Planes asks David in the video. “Don’t fall. I’m not done yet.”

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