Incredible moment a US veteran COLLAPSES on Antiques Roadshow when told his $400 Rolex is actually worth $700,000

A VETERAN collapsed in shock after it was revealed a Rolex he bought almost 50 years ago for less than  $400 is now worth 700,000 DOLLARS.

The USAF vet appeared on an episode of Antiques Roadshow with the watch, purchased in the 1970s but barely worn.

The dramatic clip, filmed in Bonanzaville in West Fargo, North Dakota shows the long-haired and bushy bearded vet plunging to the ground when the price is revealed.

He flails his arms and legs about in shock, clearly completely stumped with how to react.

The shocked man whispers: "You gotta be sh*****g me. Unbelievable".

The appraiser compliments him on the condition of the watch, adding he doesn't believe there's a "better one in the world".

In the clip, the vet explained how he purchased the timepiece while serving in the USAF abroad after lusting after pilots' flashy Rolexes.

He had worked to clear mines out in Thailand, telling how the dangerous work was vital as scores of civilians were injured by buried explosives.

The veteran tells the appraiser he purchased that particular type of watch because he knew it was good for scuba diving - with the antique expert pointing out three screws on the side used to tighten the cogs and avoid water damage.

However, he felt it was "too nice" for saltwater and ended up putting it back in its packaging.

He says that on returning to the US he "had other watches" and only ever took the Rolex out to admire it.

This resulted in the timepiece's impeccable condition, the appraiser explains, pointing out a small gold sticker on the back of the watch bearing its serial number that would have been rubbed off through wear.

The appraiser explains how the mint condition, complete with unmarked paperwork, original packaging and the word "Oyster" printed on the watch's face add up to an extremely high price.

Only a few of the Oyster Rolexes were made before the luxury watch maker decided to drop the lettering from the face.

It's not clear whether the man decided to sell the watch in the end, but the appraiser and vet are both visibly shocked by the price - a whopping 1,750 times its original value.