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.

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.
 
    
    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.
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 Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.


The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.






















