A rare watch was stolen from a ex-Royal Marine who was beaten and robbed outside his home in Failsworth.
Police are now hunting two thieves who smashed the 84-year-old on the back of the head and stole his watch, wallet, £50 in cash and his bus pass.
The man had been presented with the silver Omega Constellation in the 1960s after being deployed as a diver for the Royal Marines in Saudi Arabia.
It is thought to be worth around £4,000 but has significant sentimental value and police are asking for anyone who sees a similar model on sale to contact local officers.
At around 8.45pm on Monday 4 April 2016, the 84-year-old victim left his home on Alder Road, Failsworth, and began walking to a nearby pub, the Nelson Public House.
But having only travelled a short distance, the man was struck from behind around the head, a blow which sent him sprawling on the pavement near to the Holy Family Church on Lord Lane at the junction with Wyndale Drive.
He felt his watch being snatched from his right wrist and his pockets being searched, with the robbers also stealing a brown leather wallet containing £50 cash, bank cards and his bus pass.
Inspector Trevor Harrison said: “This was a despicable and cowardly attack upon an elderly gentleman and has caused immeasurable distress to both him and his family.
“The watch that was stolen is worth around £4,000, is incredibly rare, but more significantly carries substantial sentimental value and is dearly cherished by the victim.
“The loss of this watch has been devastating for the victim, as it is irreplaceable.
“We have released an image of the watch and I would like the public, especially jewellers and pawn brokers, to keep an eye out for it.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number 61337Y/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
