A pretty clear trend on some of our “Money Makers” is that we had no clue an item we bought would be so valuable.  In our big scores thus far it has been all dumb luck.  This edition is a sort-of exception to that rule.

My husband Zach had been perusing ebay and found a lot of old vintage stopwatches and one pocket watch.  The listing was pretty non-descript, but when Zach looked closely at the photos of the items, he noticed an Omega timepiece.  He knew that Omega watches were collectible and hoped that no other bidders noticed the pocket watch in the lot.  Zach ended up winning the lot for $40.

The pocket watch was cool and in great shape, still ticking away.  And sure enough, it was an authentic Omega.

The inside of the watch confirmed this further, and also gave a peek at the 15 jewels that keep the watch running.  And by “jewels” I mean REAL jewels.  Like mini rubies.  Which is crazy.

The back of the watch had some interesting markings, so Zach did his research. Turns out that the weird little symbol engraved is known as a British Broad Arrow. It denotes “heraldry” (whatever that is) and is used on items of government property. This pocket watch was most likely issued to a military person around the time of WWII or shortly thereafter.  

The watch floated around our old apartment and then followed us to our new home, but Zach quickly realized that an old-ass pocket watch isn’t very practical (that’s what iphones and fake Rolexes from Craigslist are for). So we put the watch on ebay. And Zach’s initial inkling was spot on–this watch was collectible.  

25 bids and $150 later it was goodbye pocket watch.

Not bad at all considering Zach didn’t even have to venture out to a sale!

-Erin