AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionAuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction
The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
Al Capone’s pocket watch is heading to the auction block at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale on June 10 in New York.
New York—A pocket watch formerly owned by Al Capone is a highlight of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction.
The custom watch, circa 1919, features his initials, “AC,” on the reverse side of the case, spelled out in an Art Deco style with 90 single-cut diamonds.
The dial side features an “open face” design with Breguet numerals and a period-correct “long signature,” said the auction house.
“The dial has dramatically aged over the years, and the minute hand is no longer with the watch—we can only speculate as to how or why this happened, but suffice it to say, this watch has more than a few stories it could tell,” said Sotheby’s.
Al Capone’s pocket watch sits atop a paper with his granddaughter Barbara Capone’s signature. His widow, Mae Capone, left his heirlooms to their only child, Sonny, and their son’s daughters Barbara, Diane, and Ronnie.
His family told the auction house that they don’t know where he purchased the watch, but they do know that he got rid of its original plain case and commissioned a new one in solid platinum.
Capone, one of the most notorious figures in American pop culture, was also known for his fashion choices.
The American businessman-turned-gangster had a flamboyant style and lavish tastes, said Sotheby’s, and this watch was “befitting for a man known for his inimitable style, who single-handedly came to define the look of the American gangster.”
The watch has a pre-sale estimate of $80,000 to $160,000.
The timepiece was up for auction in 2021 as part of a sale at Witherell’s in Sacramento, California, titled “A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone.”
Mae Capone, the widow of Al Capone, passed her husband’s heirlooms down to their only child, Sonny Capone, and to their son’s daughters, Barbara, Diane, and Ronnie.
Al Capone’s granddaughters helped orchestrate the auction at Witherell’s.
At the time, the pocket watch sold for $229,900, exceeding its $25,000 to $50,000 estimate.
The previous buyer is the person selling the pocket watch, said a Sotheby’s spokesperson.
It is one of several Patek Philippe timepieces for sale on June 10 in New York.
The auction lineup also includes six minute repeaters, an “unprecedented” number in a single sale, said Sotheby’s, and a sapphire-set Nautilus.
There are also three double-signed vintage timepieces, including a pink gold 2nd series Ref. 2499 retailed by Gobbi Milano, which Sotheby’s said is the only one known to exist.
“These aren’t just rare watches—they're the best examples of the rarest Patek watches,” said Sotheby’s.
The Important Watches auction will be on view, free and open to the public, from June 6-9 at Sotheby’s New York galleries.
For more information on the auction, visit the Sotheby’s website.
The American businessman-turned-gangster had a flamboyant style and lavish tastes, said Sotheby’s, and this watch was “befitting for a man known for his inimitable style, who single-handedly came to define the look of the American gangster.”
The watch has a pre-sale estimate of $80,000 to $160,000.
The timepiece was up for auction in 2021 as part of a sale at Witherell’s in Sacramento, California, titled “A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone.”
Mae Capone, the widow of Al Capone, passed her husband’s heirlooms down to their only child, Sonny Capone, and to their son’s daughters, Barbara, Diane, and Ronnie.
Al Capone’s granddaughters helped orchestrate the auction at Witherell’s.
At the time, the pocket watch sold for $229,900, exceeding its $25,000 to $50,000 estimate.
The previous buyer is the person selling the pocket watch, said a Sotheby’s spokesperson.
It is one of several Patek Philippe timepieces for sale on June 10 in New York.
The auction lineup also includes six minute repeaters, an “unprecedented” number in a single sale, said Sotheby’s, and a sapphire-set Nautilus.
There are also three double-signed vintage timepieces, including a pink gold 2nd series Ref. 2499 retailed by Gobbi Milano, which Sotheby’s said is the only one known to exist.
“These aren’t just rare watches—they're the best examples of the rarest Patek watches,” said Sotheby’s.
The Important Watches auction will be on view, free and open to the public, from June 6-9 at Sotheby’s New York galleries.
For more information on the auction, visit the Sotheby’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
