£1000 reward for safe return
Del’s ‘£6m antique watch’ stolen
“It is a loss to the nation,” said Perry Aghajanoff, president of the Only Fools And Horses fan club.
“The programme is so popular in this country and people love coming to see these props. I am absolutely gutted.”
Mr Aghajanoff made the discovery yesterday, during a routine visit to the museum.
“I just came up to see if everything was okay before the Only Fools And Horses annual convention in Romford this weekend,” he said.
“Members of the cast will be there and we have got 2,000 people coming so we are not going to cancel it, but it’s a real shame the jewellery won’t be there.”
The pocket watch featured in the episode Time On Our Hands, which was screened in 1996.
The “antique” watch that made BBC television’s Rodney and Del Boy millionaires has been stolen.
It was taken along with Del’s rings and “D” neck chain from the Only Fools and Horses Museum in Diss, Norfolk.
Ian Knowles, part owner of the collection at the museum, said: “Chateauneuf du Pape! I can’t believe Del Boy’s £6m watch has been stolen.”
The fake jewellery, which was made by BBC props, was discovered missing by staff at the museum on Thursday.
Rodders and Del hit the jackpot in the 1996 episode Time On Our Hands after finding the 18th Century marine watch, which was sold for £6m at auction.The replica time-piece was housed at Bressingham Steam Museum, where the Only Fools and Horses exhibition is held.
Mr Knowles said: “The episode was watched by some 20 million people on Christmas day.
“The watch is a national British treasure and as rare as hens’ teeth so we are keen on getting it back.
“It’s worth very little because it was made by the BBC prop department but it is priceless to Only Fools fans. It’s TV history.
“It’s ironic really because we have got Del’s original yellow van which is worth £44,000 and his sheepskin coat which is valued at £10,000 at the museum.”
Norfolk Police have asked anyone with information on the theft to contact them.
Reward
There is currently a £1000 reward for the safe return. If you know of any infomation that could lead to it’s whereabouts then please contact Perry
‘The Harrison lesser watch as he called it…….’
Was it ever recovered???