There’s something about the Titanic that continues to fascinate us over a century later, and its artefacts are some of the most sought-after collectables at auction.

One incredibly piece recently made headlines: an 18-carat gold Tiffany & Co. pocket watch belonging to Captain Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia. This extraordinary watch, gifted to Rostron for his heroic efforts in rescuing Titanic survivors, made waves at auction, selling for an astonishing £1.56 million—setting a new high for Titanic memorabilia.

For anyone interested in the Titanic’s tragic story and the heroism of those involved in the rescue efforts, this is the kind of story that makes auctions so exciting. And if you’re looking to browse fascinating collectables yourself, Easy Live Auction is the perfect place to start!

Captain Roston’s pocket watch achieved a hammer price of £1.56 million in Henry Aldridge & Son’s 16^th November auction of Titanic, White Star and Transport Memorabilia.

The Story Behind the Watch

Captain Rostron’s watch is a powerful symbol of courage and gratitude. Back in April 1912, Rostron and his crew famously steered the Carpathia toward Titanic’s distress call, saving 705 passengers from the icy waters of the Atlantic.

In recognition of this bravery, three survivors — Mrs John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Mrs. George D. Widener — presented him with the watch during a lunch at the Astor family mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York. The heartfelt inscription on the watch says it all:

“Presented to Captain Rostron with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors of the Titanic April 15^th, 1912, Mrs John B Thayer, Mrs John Jacob Astor, and Mrs George D Widener.”

What makes this even more special is that these women had each lost their husbands in the tragedy, making this gesture all the more emotional.

A Record-Breaking Auction

The watch was sold by Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, fetching £1.56 million from a private U.S. collector. This sale has set a new record for Titanic memorabilia, surpassing the previous high set in April when a gold pocket watch belonging to John Jacob Astor—the Titanic’s richest passenger—sold for £1.175 million.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge described the sale as a reflection of Captain Roston’s heroism:
“It was presented principally in gratitude for Rostron’s bravery in saving those lives, because without Mr. Rostron, those 700 people wouldn’t have made it.”

Amongst many more lots pertaining to the Titanic, also featured in Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd Auctioneers & Valuers was this First-Class Plan of Accommodation dated December 1911, which went under the hammer for £12,000.

Why Does Titanic Memorabilia Continue to Fascinate Us?

Artefacts from the Titanic hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. As well as their unequivocal value, they carry stories of human strength, sacrifice, and resilience. These items serve as substantial links to a night that changed history forever.

In April of 2024, Henry Aldridge & Son sold the ‘sister piece’: J. J. Astor's pocket watch.

This lot achieved £900,000 in Henry Aldridge & Son’s 27^th April 2024 auction of Titanic, White Star and Transport Memorabilia.

Not every collectable comes with a million-pound price tag, but each piece bears its own story.

Easy Live Auction is the perfect platform to find something meaningful. With hundreds of auction houses listing incredible items, you can explore everything—from Titanic memorabilia to antiques and unique collectables—all from the comfort of your own home.

The sale of Captain Rostron’s watch is a reminder of the bravery and compassion of that defined one of history’s most infamous and tragic nights. For collectors, it’s also proof of the emotional power that historic relics can hold.

If you’ve been inspired by this story, why not set out on your own collecting journey? Browse Easy Live Auction to explore upcoming auctions and discover your next special piece—you never know what you might find!