In a fitting tribute to his legendary taste for luxury, notorious mobster Al Capone’s platinum and diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe pocket watch is set to headline Sotheby’s Important Watches Auction on June 10. This exceptional timepiece exemplifies Capone’s flair for extravagance and is now poised to become a coveted collector’s item.
Dating back to around 1919, the keyless wind watch’s provenance remains partly mysterious; Capone’s family does not know where he originally acquired it. However, Sotheby’s confirms that the watch was later fitted with a custom platinum case, elevating its exclusivity. The aged dial features elegant Breguet numerals and a period-authentic “long signature,” although the minute hand is notably missing. The real highlight, however, is the case back, where Capone personalized the watch with his initials spelled out in 90 single-cut diamonds—an iconic statement of opulence. Sotheby’s estimates the watch will sell for between $80,000 and $160,000.
The auction will also showcase an array of ultra-rare Patek Philippe masterpieces with significantly higher valuations. Among them is a Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, a model revered by collectors due to its limited production of just nine units annually over 35 years. This unique pink gold variant bears a dial stamped by the Italian jeweler Gobbi-Milano and is expected to command between $3 million and $5 million.
Another star attraction is the Ref. 2524, an exceedingly rare pink gold edition with fewer than 50 pieces ever made. This particular iteration, one of only two known to exist, is projected to fetch $1.25 million to $2.5 million.
Additional notable lots include a Ref. 5531R World Time ‘Rare Hand Crafts’ featuring a detailed Lake Geneva motif on its dial (estimated at $550,000 to $1.1 million), a double-signed Ref. 3448 Perpetual Calendar ‘Beyer’ retailed by Beyer (estimated at $500,000 to $1 million), and a Ref. 5711P ‘Sapphire,’ distinguished by a bezel adorned with 32 baguette-cut sapphires and sapphire hour markers on a black dial, expected to sell for $300,000 to $600,000.
Watch enthusiasts eager to view these exceptional timepieces in person can visit Sotheby’s New York galleries from June 6 to 9 prior to the auction. The stage is set for an extraordinary showcase of horological artistry—may the best bids win.
