Singapore restaurant Kelly Jie Seafood rewards head chef with Rolex watch for 20 years of service

In a social media video that showed the moment the chef received the watch, the restaurant explained that he had long wanted a Rolex but never went through with buying one, prompting it to surprise him with the gift.

The chef looked visibly stunned after opening a paper bag and spotting a Rolex box inside.

“Is it really mine? Don’t prank me,” he asked in disbelief.

Kelly Jie Seafood’s head chef holding up the Rolex watch. Screenshot taken from Instagram video/@kellyjieseafood

When encouraged to try it on, he laughed and said his wrists were too oily. He was then handed some sanitizer so he could wipe his hands. Once he finally slipped on the watch, his expression lit up with joy, according to Mothership.

In the post, Kelly Jie Seafood explained that the head chef has been with the restaurant since it opened in 2006 and has guided it through some of its most challenging periods.

“20 years, not just of work: but of loyalty, trust, and heart,” the caption read. “Thank you for giving your youth, your strength, and your heart to this place. We are who we are today because of you.”

The post has racked up thousands of views and comments, with some pointing out that the watch appeared to be a Rolex GMT-Master, which would put its estimated value at S$16,000–30,000 (US$12,500–23,450), according to AsiaOne.

Formerly known as TPY Mellben Seafood, the restaurant was founded by Kelly Soon, a popular TV personality in the 1980s often nicknamed “Singapore’s Anita Mui,” per 8days.

It is known for its zi char-style crab dishes and is currently run by the founder’s daughters, Rachel and Zara Lim.