Among his more nefarious pursuits, infamous mob boss Al Capone loved the good life and indulged in expensive cigars, flashy suits and the best drink, as well as flamboyant, high-priced jewelry. He favored large pinky rings and diamond-studded accessories—like the platinum watch shown here.
“It’s a brilliant pocket watch that exudes all of the ritz and power redolent of the one of most notorious gangsters,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction, which hosted the Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen live auction on June 24 in Massachusetts.
The hammer price for the platinum timepiece, made by Illinois Watch Company in 1870, was $84,375.
The watch is a triangular model whose bezel is set with 72 cut diamonds and a platinum dial with gold-toned numerals and watch hands. The initials “AC,” engraved on the caseback, comprise 23 cut diamonds, encircled by 26 additional stones.
The watch was accompanied by its original 14-karat white gold watch chain and a letter of provenance from Eric Griese, Capone’s great-grandson, saying in part:
"Shortly after the passing of Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone, his daughter, Barbara Prince, nee Capone, a resident of California, delivered the watch described below to me, along with other personal property that at one time was the personal property of my great grandfather, Alphonse G. Capone.”
Al Capone in 1930.
The Illinois Watch Company, originally known as the Springfield Watch Company, was founded in Springfield, Illinois. It was later purchased by the Hamilton Watch Company, which continued to operate under the Illinois name. Emphasis shifted from pocket watches to wristwatches, but the Great Depression forced Hamilton to close the Illinois factory. Its name later became the property of the Swatch Group. The modern-day Illinois Watch Company is owned by Craig Stone, who produces and repairs watches in Quincy, Illinois.
Capone, who was born in Brooklyn and later moved to Chicago to continue his life of crime, was ultimately imprisoned at Alcatraz. There, revealing a softer side, he started a band for which he wrote original music. In fact, another item in the recent auction was Al Capone’s handwritten musical manuscript to Humoresque, which sold for $18,750.
