Missouri Woman Turns $150 Thrift Store Watch into $700 Find

UPDATE: A Missouri woman has turned a $150 thrift store gamble into a potential $700 profit after discovering her vintage Gucci watch is authentic. Kayla Russina, while shopping in downtown St. Louis earlier this week, purchased the timepiece, believing it to be a valuable find.

Russina’s excitement ignited when she spotted the watch in a box marked with the iconic “Gucci” name. “It caught my eye because I had seen these watches online before and I knew that they were highly sought after,” she told Newsweek. This moment of discovery has sparked significant interest and discussions online.

The watch, originally priced at $200, was snagged by Russina for just $150, a price she deemed a steal given its unique features. With its original Gucci case and multiple bezels, the watch dates back to the 1990s, and variations are listed for over $1,000 on eBay. The opportunity to flip this find for a substantial profit is what motivated her purchase.

Taking to Reddit, Russina shared her find under the handle u/ilovedaniellarson, declaring, “Blessed by the thrift gods yesterday!” The post quickly garnered attention, with users expressing admiration and envy. One commented, “Good price too, because I regularly check prices online for this item. Congrats.” Another Redditor noted, “Someone was selling one on FB Marketplace for $1,100 and it sold last week.”

Despite the enthusiasm, some users expressed skepticism about the price. “Oof… a bit steep, but at least all the pieces are there and it doesn’t look busted up or beaten on. Congrats on the find!” one remarked. Russina, initially worried about the watch’s authenticity, took it to a professional for verification. “We took it to get authenticated, and it was confirmed to be real,” she said.

Now, with a new battery installed, the watch is fully operational, and Russina anticipates selling it for between $500 and $700. As a college student needing funds, she plans to pass on this eye-catching retro timepiece. “I will most likely be selling it as I am a college student and need the money,” she shared.

This thrilling thrift store story highlights the unexpected treasures that can turn into significant financial gains. Russina considers this find one of her best, noting, “The fact that there are no pieces missing and it is the full complete set is amazing!”

With such finds becoming increasingly popular in thrift stores and online marketplaces, this story serves as inspiration for bargain hunters everywhere. As the resale market for luxury items continues to thrive, Russina’s experience shines a spotlight on the potential hidden gems waiting to be discovered in secondhand shops.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Russina prepares to sell her remarkable thrift store find.