A historic moment in the legacy of the Titanic unfolded as the gold watch worn by John Jacob Astor IV, the wealthiest individual aboard the ill-fated ship, fetched a staggering £1.175 million ($1.485 million) at auction. Surpassing all expectations, the timepiece soared to ten times its anticipated value, setting a new pinnacle for Titanic memorabilia.
Andrew Aldridge, managing director of Henry Aldridge and Son auction house, declared the sale a milestone in Titanic history, underscoring the enduring fascination with the tragic tale. Astor, among the 1,500 souls lost to the icy depths on that fateful April 15, 1912, left behind a poignant legacy, survived only by his pregnant wife, Madeleine.
Among the notable artifacts showcased at the Wiltshire auction were the valise holding the iconic Titanic band leader's violin, along with a pocketbook chronicling the ship's scheduled journeys. The valise commanded £360,000, while the violin had previously fetched £1.1 million in a 2013 auction, until Astor's watch claimed the spotlight.
Recovered alongside Astor's body, the watch and its companions – gold cufflinks, a diamond ring, and more – bore witness to the tragedy. Vincent Astor, his son, meticulously restored the watch, later passing it on as a christening gift to William Dobbyn IV's infant son in 1935.
From the Dobbyn family's custody until the late 1990s, the watch eventually found its way to an unnamed American collector, gracing museum displays and captivating millions worldwide. Its journey mirrors the enduring allure of the Titanic saga, immortalizing the memory of its passengers and crew."