Captain Rostron's Watch Sets Titanic Auction Record

A gold Tiffany & Co. pocket watch, given to Captain Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia for his heroic efforts in rescuing over 700 passengers from the Titanic, sold at auction for nearly $2 million, setting a new record for Titanic memorabilia. Rostron diverted his ship from its course to the Mediterranean after receiving the Titanic's distress call on April 15, 1912, and navigated through icebergs to arrive at the scene, rescuing survivors from 20 lifeboats. The watch was gifted by the widows of John Jacob Astor, the richest man aboard the Titanic, and two other wealthy businessmen who perished, as a token of gratitude. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge noted the enduring fascination with Titanic artifacts, demonstrated by this sale and a previous record set by Astor's own watch, which sold for $1.46 million earlier this year. This reflects the growing demand and diminishing supply of Titanic-related items, making them highly valuable to collectors. The inscription on Rostron's watch commemorates his bravery and the gratitude of the survivors he saved.