'Gutted' over loss of watch

A Dunedin man is appealing for the return of his late father's watch, which he had had restored to wear at his graduation this Saturday.

Benjamin Sexton would love nothing more than be reunited with his family's Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch.

The watch, which was stored in a bright red case, went missing on Sunday night somewhere between the Meridian mall and where his car was parked in Cargill St.

He had spent hundreds of dollars to have the watch restored and had just got it back from a Queenstown-based jeweller after it was rebuilt with original Swiss parts.

''It is really in mint condition, but that is nothing compared to the sentimental value.''

The watch was left to him following the death of his father, after whom he is named.

Mr Sexton planned to wear the watch at this Saturday's University of Otago graduation, and was planning to surprise his brother with the watch when he graduated later this year, ''as a gift from me and Dad''.

''I am just really gutted.''

He hoped someone would come forward with the watch.

The case was ''very noticeable'' and the watch had ''BS'' engraved on the strap.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Dunedin police on 471-4800.

hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz