Lost and Found: The Rolex Watch Eaten by a Cow 50 Years Ago
The remarkable tale of a Rolex watch, swallowed by a cow over 50 years ago, has captured the imagination of many. Oswestry farmer James Steele, now 95, is the proud owner of this unique timepiece; after decades beneath the soil of his Treflach Hall farm, it has been restored and returned to him, reigniting old memories and providing a “new lease of life.”
In June, the extraordinary discovery was made by metal detectorist Liam King. While scanning the fields, King stumbled upon what he initially thought was mere trash. However, after sharing his find with James’ son, Andrew Steele, he learned of the watch's incredible history—that it had been consumed by one of their cows half a century earlier. News of the event, first published by The Advertizer, quickly went viral, even attracting the attention of the Washington Post.
Among those moved by the story was Dutch watch company Chronoglide, which promptly reached out to offer their expertise in restoring the long-lost watch. Within three months, the specialists at Chronoglide had meticulously cleaned and repaired the Rolex, returning it to its rightful owner in front of family, friends, Oswestry mayor Mike Isherwood, and Shropshire councillor Joyce Barrow.
James Steele was left in awe upon receiving the restored timepiece, expressing both disbelief and gratitude. “People have been asking me if I’ve been excited about it, but I’d gone past excitement,” he reflected, adding, “I’m only 95 – I take these things like water off a duck’s back.” His humility shone through as he shared how the watch’s return has lifted his spirits: “It’s a real boost to me – it’s given a new lease of life, it really has. I’ve got such a smile on my face and now everyone is telling me that I don’t look my age. I’m going to go to 100 now.”
Chronoglide’s expert watchmaker, Kalle Slaap, who led the restoration effort, acknowledged the sentimental value of the watch. He described his astonishment at the project: “I never thought I would see anything like this – this watch was lost for as long as I have been alive.” Though initially daunted by the challenge, Slaap was thrilled by the results, stating, “I am astounded to how much we repaired it… only the steel parts rusted, but the heart and soul of the watch is authentic.”
The restoration proved to be more than a technical achievement; it became a celebration of time, memory, and craftsmanship. Slaap eloquently reflected on the profound connection between people and their watches, remarking, “A watch has nothing to do with time, it’s part of you and lives your life with you, so we hope it brings a lot of memories back.”
Liam King, who discovered the watch, was equally astounded by the series of events that followed. “It’s absolute madness – I can’t believe it,” he exclaimed. From his initial dismissal of the find as “some trash,” to learning the incredible story from Andrew Steele, King’s discovery ultimately brought an extraordinary piece of history back to life.
This fascinating tale of an old farmer, a long-lost Rolex, and a dedicated team of restorers reminds us that, sometimes, the most unexpected objects can carry the greatest meaning. In the words of James Steele, the restored watch, which had been buried for so long, has not only returned in pristine condition, but also with a lifetime of stories; its revival has, indeed, been a source of hope and joy.
