A woman from Missouri recently turned a modest thrift store purchase into a potential windfall after discovering the true value of a watch she bought for $150. Kayla Russina was shopping with her boyfriend in downtown St. Louis when she spotted a watch in a box branded with the prestigious name “Gucci.” Recognizing the brand’s desirability, she decided to make the purchase.
“I knew that they were highly sought after,” Russina told Newsweek. The watch, originally priced at $200, caught her attention not only because of its brand but also due to its unique features. Designed in the 1990s, the timepiece came with a variety of interchangeable bezels, allowing the owner to customize its appearance—similar to changing a phone case.
Uncovering the Value
Russina’s instinct about the watch’s worth proved to be correct. On platforms like Chrono24, secondhand Gucci watches are listed with prices ranging from $80 to over $800. Additionally, similar models have been seen on eBay for upwards of $1,000. After securing the watch, Russina took to Reddit to share her excitement under the handle u/ilovedaniellarson. “Blessed by the thrift gods yesterday!” she wrote alongside a photo of her find.
The post garnered significant attention, with many users expressing admiration for her bargain. Comments ranged from fellow thrift enthusiasts sharing their own experiences to others offering their support. One user remarked, “That’s about how much I paid for mine new in 1993!” Another noted the impressive value, stating that a similar item had recently sold for $1,100.
Despite the positive feedback, some users were skeptical about the price paid. “Oof… a bit steep, but at least all the pieces are there and it doesn’t look busted up or beaten on,” one commenter noted. Russina herself initially had doubts about the legitimacy of the watch.
Authentication and Future Plans
To ease her concerns, she took the watch for authentication, which confirmed that it was indeed genuine. With this verification, Russina can expect to sell the watch for between $500 and $700, significantly more than her initial investment. “We just got a new battery for it today and it is working,” she said, highlighting the watch’s functionality.
While some may choose to keep such a unique retro piece, Russina has decided to sell it. As a college student, she noted the financial benefits of parting with the timepiece. “I will most likely be selling it as I am a college student and need the money,” she stated.
Reflecting on her thrift store find, she remarked, “I would say that this is definitely one of my best thrift finds. The fact that there are no pieces missing and it is the full complete set is amazing!” For Russina, this experience not only illustrates the potential of thrift shopping but also serves as a reminder that valuable treasures can often be hidden in plain sight.
