Second Rolex watch found in Chalkwell drain

A man who found a Rolex watch in a drain in Essex has told police he has discovered a second one.

Arron Large, 28, from Rayleigh, Essex, found a £21,000 18-carat gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph, near Chalkwell railway station, last week.

The drain technician said he has found three more watches in drains, including another believed to be a Rolex.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police are aware of these latest finds, which form part of an investigation."

Mr Large said he discovered the second Rolex watch at about 06:30 GMT in a drain close to where he found the first.

Two more unbranded watches were then discovered at about 12:00 GMT in the drain where the first Rolex was found.

Mr Large said: "We've taken the second Rolex to a Rolex shop in Southend and they seem to think it's genuine.

"I'm not sure about the other two watches. They don't have any names on them and look cheaper than the Rolex watches."

On Tuesday, police said Mr Large would be entitled to keep the first watch, which is in working order, if it was not claimed within 30 days.

Further checks are now set to take place to verify the latest finds.

Mr Large, a Cory Environmental contractor who works in the south Essex area, said he has never made discoveries like this.

"The only things I've found in the past are one and two pence pieces so I can't believe this," he said.

Despite being told he might be able to keep the watches, Mr Large said he would be happy for them to be returned to their owner.

"I don't want to build up my hopes too much - what will be, will be," he said.

Anyone who believes the watch was theirs should contact Essex Police, with officers warning "only honest people need apply".