A luxurious piece of mobster history is set to hit the auction block next month. Al Capone’s platinum and diamond-set Patek Philippe pocket watch will be available at Sotheby’s during their Important Watches Auction on June 10. The timepiece is expected to fetch between $80,000 and $160,000.
This unique pocket watch, dating back to around 1919, is one of the finest examples of Capone’s extravagant taste. Although the exact source of the watch remains unknown, the notorious gangster customized it by swapping its original case for a bespoke platinum one. The watch’s dial shows signs of aging, with Breguet numerals and a “long signature” typical of the period. Interestingly, the minute hand is missing, but the case back makes up for it. Capone had his initials spelled out with 90 single-cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle to the piece.
Capone’s pocket watch will be auctioned alongside several other highly sought-after Patek Philippe timepieces. A one-of-a-kind pink gold Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is expected to sell for $3 million to $5 million. Only nine of these models were produced annually over its 35-year run, making it a rare collector’s item. Another prized piece is a Ref. 2524, also in pink gold, one of only two known to exist, with an estimated value ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
For those interested in viewing these rare pieces up close, Sotheby’s New York galleries will showcase the timepieces from June 6 to 9 before the auction begins. Happy bidding!