AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionWatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.
More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
PHOTO At an auction that took place last month, Tiffany & Co. placed the winning bid for this gold pocket watch given as a token of appreciation to Captain (later Sir) Arthur H. Rostron, commander of Titanic rescue liner the R.M.S. Carpathia. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
PHOTO Given to Rostron by three Titanic survivors, Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener, the pocket watch has the captain’s initials enameled on the back. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
New York—A historic Tiffany & Co. watch has wound its way back home.
Tiffany & Co. announced Tuesday that it was the party that placed the winning bid of $2 million for the gold pocket watch gifted to Arthur H. Rostron, the captain of the ship that came to Titanic’s aid after it hit an iceberg and began sinking.
Offered in a sale facilitated last month by English auction house Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd., the pocket watch is the single most expensive piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold.
“Tiffany & Co. jewelry and objects have been a cornerstone of global luxury since the mid-19th century, and that Tiffany was entrusted to help give thanks in the wake of the unthinkable Titanic tragedy reminds us of our humble role in the lives of our clients,” said Christopher Young, the retailer’s vice president of creative visual merchandising, events, and the Tiffany Archives.
“Captain Rostron’s pocket watch is an incredible expression of thanks and gratitude, and we are humbled to welcome this extraordinary treasure home to Tiffany & Co.”
The watch will be on display at LVMH Watch Week 2025, scheduled for Jan. 28-Feb. 1 in Miami, and it will make special appearances at key events and at Tiffany & Co. stores.
Related stories will be right here …
Tiffany & Co. announced Tuesday that it was the party that placed the winning bid of $2 million for the gold pocket watch gifted to Arthur H. Rostron, the captain of the ship that came to Titanic’s aid after it hit an iceberg and began sinking.
Offered in a sale facilitated last month by English auction house Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd., the pocket watch is the single most expensive piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold.
“Tiffany & Co. jewelry and objects have been a cornerstone of global luxury since the mid-19th century, and that Tiffany was entrusted to help give thanks in the wake of the unthinkable Titanic tragedy reminds us of our humble role in the lives of our clients,” said Christopher Young, the retailer’s vice president of creative visual merchandising, events, and the Tiffany Archives.
“Captain Rostron’s pocket watch is an incredible expression of thanks and gratitude, and we are humbled to welcome this extraordinary treasure home to Tiffany & Co.”
The watch will be on display at LVMH Watch Week 2025, scheduled for Jan. 28-Feb. 1 in Miami, and it will make special appearances at key events and at Tiffany & Co. stores.
Rostron was captaining the steamship R.M.S. Carpathia on a journey from New York to the Mediterranean when he became aware of a distress call from the Titanic in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912.
He ordered the ship to change course to come to the Titanic’s aid, with the crew of the Carpathia ultimately rescuing more than 700 people and taking them to Pier 54 in New York City (now the site of Little Island).
Three survivors of the wreck—Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener—presented Rostron with the watch at an “intimate” luncheon for Titanic survivors that Astor hosted at her mansion on Fifth Avenue around the one-year anniversary of the tragedy.
All three women lost their husbands, prominent businessmen John Jacob Astor IV, John Borland Thayer II, and George Dunton Widener, when the Titanic sank, and Eleanor also lost her 27-year-old son, Harry Elkins Widener, in the disaster.
Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener had the gold Tiffany & Co. pocket watch they gave to Rostron engraved. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
Tiffany & Co. said Tuesday that a ledger from its archives shows that Eleanor was the one who actually purchased the watch, which is engraved with the words, “Presented to Captain Rostron with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors of the Titanic April 15th 1912, Mrs. John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor and Mrs. George D. Widener.”
The pocket watch also has the enameled monogram “AHR” on its caseback.
“Every man, woman and child on the Titanic had a story to tell, and we tell those stories a century later through their memorabilia,” Henry Aldridge and Son Ltd Managing Director Andrew Aldridge said.
“This watch is a testament to the bravery of Sir Arthur Rostron and the regard he was held in by the widows of three of the most influential men on the Titanic. The fact that Tiffany & Co. purchased the piece 112 years after selling it shows the circle being completed and it going home.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
