A remarkable story unfolded in rural England when a metal detectorist unearthed a farmer’s long-lost Rolex watch, 50 years after it had vanished in a cow pasture. James Steele, now 95 years old, lost the cherished timepiece back in the early 1970s when its strap broke while he was tending to his cattle at his dairy farm in Shropshire. Despite searching diligently at the time, the watch seemed to have disappeared without a trace.
In a twist of fate, metal detectorist Liam King recently discovered the Rolex buried in the mud, leading to the surprising realization that a cow likely swallowed it and later deposited it in a cow pie.
“The cow could have accidentally eaten it along with a mouthful of grass,” explained Steele, reflecting on the unlikely chain of events that reunited him with his lost watch. “Finding it again after all these years buried in the earth was an amazing stroke of luck. I never expected to see the watch again.”
Despite spending half a century in the ground, the Rolex showed remarkable durability. While its face has acquired a greenish tint, it has remarkably not rusted—a testament to its quality craftsmanship.
Steele’s son, who now manages the family farm, had welcomed King onto their land to search for coins. Although no coins were found, the unexpected discovery of the Rolex has become a memorable highlight, illustrating the enduring legacy of a watch that survived decades beneath the soil.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Liam for finding the watch. He could have easily kept it to himself,” Mr. Steele expressed warmly. He had purchased the Rolex on his 21st birthday in 1950 for £100, equivalent to £4,500 or $5,700 in today’s currency. Despite the watch needing repairs that he won’t undertake due to costs, Steele remarked, “It’ll make a lovely keepsake.”
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the watch’s loss, Steele recalled, “I remember admiring my neighbor’s smart Rolex and wanting one for myself. I saved up diligently and cherished it dearly, wearing it all the time.” The loss occurred during a cold morning while tending to his cows, when the watch either slipped off or its strap broke. “We searched everywhere, but deep down, I knew it was gone, likely swallowed by one of the cows. I was devastated but eventually saved up for another one.”“It’s truly remarkable that the watch has resurfaced after all these years, and I’m overjoyed to have it back,” Steele concluded, cherishing the unexpected return of a piece of his personal history.