Tiffany & Co. has secured a remarkable piece of history with the acquisition of an 18-karat gold pocket watch connected to the ill-fated Titanic voyage of 1912. Purchased at a UK auction for a staggering $2 million, this treasure now holds the record as the most valuable piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold.
A Testament to Tiffany’s Timeless Legacy
The pocket watch, which highlights Tiffany’s illustrious horological history dating back to 1847, was originally commissioned by three Titanic survivors:
- Madeleine Talmage Astor.
- Marian Longstreth Thayer.
- Eleanor Elkins Widener.
These women presented the watch as a heartfelt token of gratitude to Captain Arthur H. Rostron of the RMS Carpathia, the heroic vessel that saved nearly 700 Titanic passengers.
A Historic Presentation
The watch was gifted to Captain Rostron at Madeleine Astor’s New York City residence, where fellow survivors attended the ceremony. Engraved with the monogram AHR, the watch also bears an inscription that reads:
"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."
Tiffany’s Emotional Connection to the Timepiece
Christopher Young, Tiffany & Co.’s vice president of creative visual merchandising, expressed the significance of the acquisition:
“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.”
This record-breaking purchase not only celebrates a historic moment but also reinforces Tiffany’s enduring connection to craftsmanship and cultural heritage.