On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed an ocean floor surfer finding a Rolex.
An Australian surfer, Matt Cuddihy, made an incredible find while surfing off the coast of Noosa, Queensland.
While exploring the ocean floor, Matt stumbled upon a rare Rolex Submariner.
Despite being submerged for a long time, the watch was still ticking, though it showed severe rust and corrosion.
A surfer stunned after discovering Rolex on ocean floor
On Instagram, Matt Cuddihy, who goes by @mattcuddihy shared a video, showing Rolex found on ocean floor.
The video has the caption: “The powers of the internet. After sifting through the hundreds of messages we found the legitimate owner of this watch.
It sat at the bottom for 5 years but for 48 years it was attached to a local adventurer so I’m stoked to get it back to its home.”
The Rolex, usually worth between £8-10K, was covered in debris and rust.
Additionally, its braided strap had seen better days, but the resilient timepiece still held value.
Matt, determined to find the owner, shared his discovery with his Instagram account, hoping to reunite the watch with its rightful owner.
Matt Cuddihy efforted to find Rolex owner
He shared his discovery on his Instagram account, determined to find the owner.
He hoped to reunite the watch with its rightful owner. While, the search for the watch’s owner gained widespread attention online and in the media.
Upon closer inspection, Matt found an inscription on the back of the watch.
This lead him to believe it once belonged to someone special.
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media
After the story went viral, a man named Ric Outrim came forward, claiming the Rolex as his own.
One person son said: I’d love to see a restoration video on this if there is one.
A second wrote: Rolex are most often registered to the purchasers.
While a third commented: If you’re still in contact with owner I’ll make some new straps if they’re interested.
Another added: No way that was ticking after five years. It needs motion to maintain the ticking.
Someone else said: Hmmm. Questionable the watch would continually tick just from the ocean’s motion.
The owner of the rolex found on the ocean floor.
Rolex, captivated by the story, decided to help restore the watch to its former glory.
While, the brand’s team of expert watchmakers took on the challenge, using their craftsmanship to return the timepiece to near-perfect condition.
Ric’s connection to the watch
Ric, a former Royal Australian Navy serviceman, had worn the Rolex for nearly 50 years. Additionally, it was a gift from his father when he was just 18 years old.
For Ric, the watch held priceless sentimental value, and its loss had been a deep personal setback.
Thanks to the involvement of Fratello Watches and Rolex, the Submariner was fully restored.
Ric expressed his deep gratitude for the effort put into bringing his beloved watch back to life.
He shared images of the newly restored watch, which looked as if it had just been purchased from a Rolex dealer. Additionally, Ric reunited with his watch in Brisbane, where he shared a meal with the Rolex team.
The restoration not only revived the watch but also brought closure to Ric, who had reconciled with the loss years ago. Now, his precious Submariner, a symbol of his father’s love, is back where it belongs.
To Ric, it was a priceless piece of his past, a reminder of his father’s gift.
In short, thanks to Matt’s noble effort and Rolex’s commitment, the watch was fully restored, offering Ric a heartwarming reunion with a lost treasure.