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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
