Al Capone’s diamond-studded pocket watch sold for $84,375 according to Boston-based RR Auction. The platinum rounded triangular pocket watch made by the Illinois Watch Company, with the circumference of front bezel set with a series of seventy-two cut diamonds, a platinum face, and gold-tone impressed numerals and watch hands; the reverse of the case bears the initials “AC,” which consists of twenty-three cut diamonds, and is encircled by twenty-six more. Includes the original 12″ watch chain made of 14K white gold.
Eager to be perceived as an elegant gentleman, the formidable Capone was fastidious about his appearance and style, forgoing subtlety in favor of fine, flashy suits, large pinky rings, and no shortage of diamonds. Capone insisted that his Chicago Outfit also dress the part, and required each of his men to wear gray fedoras and spotless tailored suits. The pocket watch is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Eric Griese, the great-grandson of Al Capone, 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 grand father, Alphonse G. Capone.”
“It’s a brilliant pocket watch that exudes all of the Ritz and power redolent of the one of most notorious gangsters,” – Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction
