Scarborough: Appeal to reunite 1940s Rolex pocket watch with owner

The Rolex timepiece was found in a rural lane in Scarborough

Police are trying to solve the mystery of how a 1940s military pocket watch ended up being found in a country lane.

The valuable Rolex timepiece is believed to have been issued by the armed services during World War Two.

Despite being about 80 years old it was found in "excellent condition" in the lane near Scarborough, police said.

Sgt Elaine Malcolm said: "This little piece of history is likely to hold great sentimental value. We need to reunite it with its owner."

She added: "It's potentially been by someone's side during some of the biggest dates of the 20th Century, including the end of World War Two, the first man on the Moon and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"How it ended up in a country lane in Scarborough is a mystery.

"But we're glad someone did the right thing and handed it in, and we've already begun enquiries to find out more about it and try to trace the owner."

Officers have urged anyone who had owned a similar pocket watch to check its whereabouts.

To claim it, proof of ownership would be required, which would include answers to police questions and confirmation of its serial number.