Lost for 50 Years, Rolex Watch Eaten by a Cow Returns to Its Owner

James Steele, a 95-year-old former farmer from the village of Morda in Shropshire, England, never expected to see his Rolex watch again. 

 

Photo Source: Time + Tide Watches

Purchased in 1950 for £100 (equivalent to around £4,500 today), the watch was a 21st birthday gift to himself. But in the 1970s, while working in his field, the metal bracelet broke, and the watch disappeared—presumably eaten by one of his cows along with the grass.

 

Steele searched for years, especially whenever the field was plowed, but the Rolex seemed gone forever. The story of the lost watch became a family legend, with little hope it would ever resurface. That is, until recently, when metal detector enthusiast Liam King discovered the long-missing timepiece.

 

Photo Source: Time + Tide Watches

Granted permission by Steele’s son, Andrew, King scoured the land and uncovered the watch. Though its strap was partially missing, and the dial had turned a rusty brown, the discovery thrilled James. “I never thought I’d see it again,” he said, beaming as he held the long-lost heirloom.

 

While the watch no longer works, James has no intention of restoring it, calling the repair costs “astronomical.” For him, its sentimental value is priceless.

 

Photo Source: Time + Tide Watches

King, praised for returning the find instead of keeping it, was invited to continue searching the family’s land, as there may be more treasures waiting beneath the soil. The story of the Rolex, lost and found, is now destined to live on as part of Steele family story.