The Value of an Old Watch

Ali had always lived a simple life. Born into a humble family in a small town, he knew the meaning of hard work from an early age. His father, Ahmed, worked as a mechanic in a tiny roadside workshop, barely making enough to feed the family. But despite the financial struggles, Ahmed always made sure that Ali went to school and dreamed bigger than their circumstances.6

Ali was a bright student. His teachers praised his dedication, and his dream was to study engineering at a reputed university. But dreams, no matter how powerful, often collide with harsh realities.

When Ali received his college admission letter, his joy knew no bounds. He rushed home, holding the envelope like a trophy. Ahmed smiled proudly as Ali read the letter aloud. But beneath the smile, there was worry. The tuition fees were far beyond what Ahmed could afford.

Days passed, and Ahmed tried everything—extra hours at the workshop, borrowing from friends, even selling a few of their household items. But the amount still fell short. Ali noticed the stress on his father’s face, and one evening, he said, “Abbu, maybe I should let this go. Maybe it’s not meant to be.”

Ahmed looked at his son quietly. Then, without a word, he walked to the old wooden cupboard in the corner of the room. From the top shelf, he pulled out a small box wrapped in an old cloth. Inside was a vintage pocket watch—ornate, slightly dusty, but still ticking faintly.

“This belonged to your grandfather,” Ahmed said, placing the watch gently in Ali’s hand. “He gave it to me when I started working. I’ve never used it, just kept it safe all these years. Maybe... it's time.”

Ali held the watch, surprised. “But Abbu, it’s so old.”

Ahmed smiled. “Old doesn’t mean worthless.”

The next day, Ali took the watch to a local shop that bought antiques. The shopkeeper barely glanced at it. “This is old junk. I can give you 500 rupees.”

Ali walked out, disheartened. At the second shop, the reaction was the same. "Not worth much," they said. “Just decoration.”

But something inside Ali told him the watch had more value. On a friend’s advice, he traveled to the city and visited a well-known antique dealer. The man examined the watch carefully, then looked at Ali in surprise.

“Do you know what this is?” he asked. “This is a rare Swiss pocket watch from the early 1900s. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and it’s in surprisingly good condition. I can offer you 70,000 rupees for it.”

Ali was speechless.

With trembling hands, he accepted the offer. The money was enough to pay his first-year fees and buy some books. When he came home and told his father, Ahmed simply nodded and said, “I told you—old doesn’t mean worthless.”

Years passed.

Ali studied hard and graduated with top honors. He got a job at a reputable engineering firm, and over time, he lifted his family out of poverty. He bought a new home for his parents, renovated the workshop, and even sponsored scholarships for underprivileged students.

But he never forgot that one dusty watch.

He had sold it, yes, but the lesson it left behind stayed with him forever. It wasn’t just about money. It was about belief, sacrifice, and the hidden value in things—and people—that the world often overlooks.

---

Moral of the Story:

Sometimes, the things we consider “old” or “useless” carry the greatest value—not just in money, but in meaning. Never underestimate the power of hidden treasures, especially those passed down with love.