The California gold rush began back in January 1848. James Marshall was going about his work at Shutters Mill, when he found ??some shiny metal??. It was tested and it was gold. James wanted to keep the find quiet for fear of what may follow, but the news leaked rapidly and an influx of over 300,000 people from around the world descended onto California. You too won??t be able to keep quiet about your find ?C this watch is a real treasure.