THE Rolex watch eaten by a cow outside Oswestry 50 years ago, which then went viral across the world, is currently being repaired for free in Holland.

The watch, found by detectorist Liam King at Treflach Hall, in Morda, was eaten off the wrist of James Steele, 95, half a century ago and was written off as lost as ‘a cow has four stomachs’, and bought a replacement.

However, Liam – invited by James’s son Andrew – found the watch which was seemingly beyond repair but will now be fixed and returned personally to James by the company. 

READ MORE: Oswestry farmer's shock as detectorist finds Rolex eaten by cow 50 years ago

Vintage watch repair specialist Kalle Slaap and his team of Chronoglide Horlogemakers from Grootschermer, in Holland, are going to restore the special watch.

Kalle revealed the watch in a special opening on the company’s YouTube channel and a spokesman explained how he intended to repair it.

They said: “The watch no longer runs and looks somewhat discoloured.

“Kalle approached Mr. Steele through the Advertizer and received warm approval from the family to refurbish it free of charge.

“You don't get an opportunity like this very often, to be able to restore such an exceptional case and we are especially curious to see what time has done to the movement.

“The restoration offers hope to Mr. Steele, who initially planned to keep it ‘as a souvenir because restoration is bound to cost top dollar’.

“That's not the case now.

“Chronoglide picked up the story via socials, sent a message to the local newspaper (The Advertizer) that featured the article and got in touch with Andrew.

“He warmly accepted the proposal to refurbish the watch free of charge.

“Meanwhile, the watch has arrived at Chronoglide's workshop, and was opened by live stream via Chronoglide's YouTube channel to the eyes of interested watch lovers from all over the world.”

Kalle said the watch glass had scratches from where it was ploughed over, is missing its crown and is water damaged.

He will restore the watch to its original condition using ‘rescued’ parts that can still be used before additional parts must be found, either from stock or elsewhere.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

The repair effort has delighted James’s son Andrew, who said: "We never thought we'd get the Rolex repaired but we're going to be watching on with interest as it happens.

"We are delighted that the team is working hard to restore the watch and return it to my father. 

"We know it's going to be a slow process but these guys are professionals and will know exactly what they are doing and we, as a family, are looking forward to seeing the final result."