A striking symbol of organized crime’s golden era is heading back to the auction spotlight—Sotheby’s New York is set to offer a rare platinum pocket watch once owned by the notorious gangster Al Capone.
Crafted by Patek Philippe around 1919, the timepiece reflects the opulence Capone was famed for. The watch bears his initials in bold Art Deco lettering, spelled out in 90 single-cut diamonds, each with VS clarity and EF color grading—subtle touches of luxury befitting the man who once ruled Chicago’s underworld.
Described by Sotheby’s as “an exceptional embodiment of the extravagant style Capone was known for,” the pocket watch stands as a rare collector’s item. Despite missing a minute hand, it carries an estimate of $80,000 to $160,000 at Sotheby’s Important Watches auction scheduled for June 10.
Al Capone, who lived from 1899 to 1947, built an illicit empire in the 1920s that raked in an estimated $100 million annually—roughly $1.8 billion today. Known not only for his ruthless grip on bootlegging and gambling, Capone also cultivated a flamboyant public image, complete with fine suits and his iconic fedora.
Though much of his wealth was confiscated following his imprisonment for tax evasion, this luxurious watch remained in the family. His widow, Mae Capone, passed it down to their son Sonny, and it remained a treasured heirloom for decades.
In 2015, the watch fetched $229,000 at Witherell’s in Sacramento—well above its $50,000 high estimate—when Capone’s granddaughters put it up for sale along with other family heirlooms. Now, it resurfaces at auction amid renewed interest in historically significant timepieces.
The watch is one of several rare Patek Philippe pieces being offered at the Sotheby’s event, making it a standout in a catalogue already filled with horological icons.
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