The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →British art dealer Christopher Jones lost a 1976 Rolex Daytona in a skiing fall in Aspen, Colorado, in March 2019, according to a 2021 report by Time+Tide. The report put the watch’s approximate value at AUD $350,000—not US$350,000—and says Jones’s insurance claim was rejected after an earlier claim was not disclosed. That figure is a historical estimate, not a current appraisal or confirmed sale price.
What happened to the Rolex Daytona?
Time+Tide reported on 31 May 2021 that Jones was skiing in Aspen when he crashed and his 1976 Daytona, described as having a tropical dial, came off his wrist and disappeared in the snow. The account does not identify the watch’s exact reference number or say that it was recovered.
The article estimated its value at around AUD $350,000. It did not establish that the watch had sold for that amount, and the figure should not be treated as a current valuation.
Why did Zurich refuse the insurance claim?
According to Time+Tide, Jones sought payment under a policy with Zurich that had been arranged by his uncle and executive assistant, Thomas Trautmann. The report says the policy amount was £4,250 and that Zurich voided the policy after learning of an earlier £15,000 claim in 2016 for a missing diamond from a former girlfriend’s vintage ring.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Experience precision like never before with the Pagani Design PD1644 Men’s Chronograph Watch. Powered by a reliable VK63 Japanese quartz movement, this timepiece offers true chronograph functionality with smooth and accurate timing – no gimmicks, just real performance.
- VK63 movement:Equipped with the trusted VK63 movement, this watch delivers pinpoint accuracy and long-lasting performance. Say goodbye to time drift and constant battery worries—just dependable, everyday precision you can count on.
- 100m waterproof:Whether you're caught in the rain, jumping into the pool, or heading out on a weekend adventure, the PD1644 has your back. With 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance, it’s perfect for daily wear and water-based activities—without sacrificing style.
- 316L stainless steel:From its scratch-resistant sapphire glass to its stainless steel case and gemstone bezel, this watch is all about the details. Luminous hands ensure easy reading day or night, while the secure folding clasp keeps it comfortably in place wherever life takes you.
- Parameters:With a 40mm case, 20mm band width, and a lightweight 140g build, the PD1644 is designed to feel as good as it looks. The 220mm band fits most wrists comfortably, making it the go-to choice for men who value both function and refined style.
The earlier claim had not been disclosed when Zurich asked about claims during the preceding five years, the report says. Jones later acknowledged that his uncle had helped with the diamond claim.
What was the court outcome?
Time+Tide says Jones sued Zurich and his case was dismissed after a three-day High Court hearing. The court judgment itself is not available in the cited account, so its precise legal reasoning and the exact terms of the decision cannot be confirmed here.
Rank #2
- 👍Men's Luxury Dress Watches : Classic Blue Dive Dial, Black Soft Silicone Strap, Men's Business Dress Watch, Men's Luxury Casual Watch. It is popular because of its emphasis on beautiful watch design and practicality. Whether it is fashion, leisure, simplicity, business, classic or age reduction, this OLEVS Multi-functional Men's Sports Watch is suitable for different dressing styles on any occasion.
- 👍Men's Analog Quartz Waterproof Watches : Imported Japanese quartz movement, high-quality battery, analog display diamond dial, accurate time, very small error, the error is less than 20 seconds within a month.
- 👍Men's Silicone Watches : The strap is made of high-quality silicone rubber, soft and skin-friendly, breathable and comfortable, more wear-resistant than belts, waterproof, and more convenient to wear.
- 👍Men's Chronograph Luminous Watches : High-quality six-hand movement, three sub-dials including chronograph minutes, seconds and moon phases, date window. 30M daily life easily waterproof. Scratch-resistant high-hardness coated glass, classic casual luminous hands, easy to read in the dark
- ☎OLEVS WATCH MEN : Suitable for wearing any style of clothing on various occasions. It is the first choice for men's dress watches. OLEVS watches are also the best watch gifts for the holidays. We have a professional team and perfect service to give you a satisfactory shopping guarantee.
The report attributes to Judge Pelling a description of inaccuracies in Jones’s evidence as showing “at the very least a fairly fundamental lack of recall of critical events”. This is the wording as quoted by Time+Tide, rather than a quotation independently checked against the judgment.
Was the watch really worth AUD $350,000?
Around AUD $350,000 is the approximate historical estimate Time+Tide reported in 2021. It is not a verified sale price, a formal appraisal, or evidence of what the lost watch would be worth today.
Rank #3
- Men Chronograph: Introducing the Pagani Design Men's Quartz Chronograph Watch, Model PD1664, a masterpiece of functionality and style. From the renowned brand Pagani Design, this watch is a symbol of accuracy
- Japan Movement: VK63 quartz movement with chronograph function. It is a real chronograph watch. VK63 movement quartz watch has the characteristics of accurate and stable timing and long usage time, so you don't have to worry about the existence of time errors
- Dive Watch : With a 100-meter water resistance rating, this watch is your ideal companion for daily wear and aquatic excursions. Let your style shine through in any setting
- Elegance in Design: The PD1664 features luminous hands, a stainless steel case, a folding safety clasp, a gemstone bezel, and sapphire glass. Each detail reflects sophistication and quality craftsmanship
- Fit and Finish: Boasting a 40mm case diameter, 20mm band width, and 12mm thickness, the PD1664 strikes a harmonious balance of comfort and style. Weighing just 140g and with a band length of 220mm, it caters to the needs of men who appreciate precision and elegance
A watch’s valuation depends on what is being valued and why. PBS Antiques Roadshow’s valuation guidance notes that condition, market trends, location, and the context of an estimate can affect the result. An insurance appraisal is a formal document, and appraisers can disagree.
That distinction matters for collectibles: an auction result, a retail price, and an insurance replacement value are not interchangeable. The report does not provide enough detail about Jones’s watch—such as its exact reference, condition, originality, or documentation—to independently assess the estimate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does a record-setting Daytona auction tell us what this one was worth?
No. In 2017, Hodinkee reported that Paul Newman’s personal Daytona sold for $17,752,500, including buyer’s premium. That was an exceptional result associated with the watch’s distinctive provenance and influence. It is not a useful direct estimate for Jones’s lost watch or for a typical vintage Daytona.
For a meaningful valuation, the relevant evidence would include the individual watch’s reference and configuration, condition and originality, provenance and documentation, and whether the figure refers to an auction result, a retail sale, or insurance replacement. The available account does not establish those details for Jones’s watch.
Best Value
- Stainless steel case 39.5mm diameter x 14mm thick; White dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, VD53B-14 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 146 grams
- Stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal;Screw-down crown; Stationary stainless steel bezel; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 24hr; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
What is the 1976 Rolex Daytona worth today?
The cited reports do not establish a present-day value for Jones’s specific lost watch, and the incident estimate cannot answer that question. A current valuation would need to be based on the watch itself and the purpose of the valuation; no current appraisal or sale record for this particular watch is provided in the available account.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
