Highest Price Ever: Pocket Watch Sets Record Among Titanic Memorabilia

An 18-karat gold pocket watch, a "Jules Jurgensen" model, owned by Isidor Straus (a first-class passenger on the Titanic), has broken the record for memorabilia from the ship.

The watch was sold at an auction by "Henry Aldridge & Son" in England for £1.78 million, equivalent to approximately $2.34 million USD, becoming the most expensive Titanic artifact ever sold.

The Symbolic Story of Isidor and Ida Straus

• The Iconic Moment: The story of Isidor and his wife Ida became one of the most symbolic moments of the tragedy, famously depicted in the film embracing as the ship sank.

• Noble Refusal: Isidor refused a seat on a lifeboat, citing his age, stating he "would not go before the other men."

• Loyalty: His wife Ida refused to leave him, and they were last seen sitting together on deck, clinging to each other facing their fate.

Watch Details and Other Sales

• The Watch: The timepiece was a gift to Isidor on his 43rd birthday in 1888. It was recovered after the sinking and returned to his family.

• Other Sale: A letter written by Mrs. Straus on official Titanic stationery was sold for £100,000 (about $131,000).

• Previous Record: The previous record for the most expensive Titanic souvenir was another gold pocket watch, sold last year for £1.56 million.