Sir Ross Smith’s watch to celebrate 1919 England to Australia air race valued at $50,000

It’s a historic watch with an intrinsic link one of SA’s most remarkable stories. And its valuation at the weekend gave people a big surprise.

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Among dozens of Sir Ross Smith mementos and souvenirs brought to experts for valuation during the History Festival, one was more keenly watched than others.

For good reason, because after lengthy deliberation by experts it was agreed the 1919 timepiece was worth more than $50,000.

Sir Ross was given the gold watch by British aircraft manufacturer the Vickers Vimy Corporation in recognition of his epic air race win from England to Australia in 1919.

A watch valued at $50,000 has emerged during the History Festival. Still owned by the family it was given to aviator Sir Ross Smith in 1919. Picture: Tyr Liang

The watch remains in the hands of an anonymous descendant of the famed aviator, but emerged on Saturday as a highlight of the Australian Postcard Society’s annual valuation event.

President David Figg said the emergence of the watch was a pleasant surprise when the theme of the day was dedicated to the centenary of the historic flight by South Australian brothers, Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith.

“Any collectable is only worth what people are willing to pay for it, but in this case if two or more people are after the item the price can go up and up,’’ he said.

“The watch is unique, little known except to family and people around at the time, and probably worth in the vicinity of $50,000 or more if it were for sale.

A watch valued at $50,000 has emerged during the History Festival from a private collector, given to aviator Sir Ross Smith in 1919. Picture: Tyr Liang

“A lot of memorabilia came in but this was by far the most valuable item and we were delighted and surprised when it came in.’’

Events marking the anniversary of the flight have been organised by the Epic Flight Centenary 2019 Committee as some of the highlights of the ongoing SA History festival.

HEAPS GOOD HISTORY PODCAST: THE FIRST FROM ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA