A gold pocket watch recovered from an elderly couple aboard the ill-fated British liner Titanic sold for 3.61 million Australian dollars.
Auctioneers confirmed the sale broke the previous record for any Titanic-related artifact.
Collectors and enthusiasts worldwide participated in the bidding, driving the price to unprecedented levels.
The auction house said the watch’s provenance and rarity contributed to its record-breaking value.
The pocket watch belonged to an elderly couple who perished in the 1912 disaster.
It was recovered during salvage operations decades later, along with other personal effects.
Auctioneers described the piece as “exceptionally preserved” and “a tangible connection to Titanic history.”
Previous Record and Collector Interest
The prior record for Titanic memorabilia was set last year when another gold watch sold for 3.16 million Australian dollars.
That watch had been presented to the Titanic captain who rescued more than 700 passengers.
Experts say both sales reflect the sustained fascination with Titanic artifacts and the stories behind them.
Collectors often seek items with documented ownership or connections to notable passengers or crew.
“The Titanic continues to captivate imaginations globally,” an auction spokesperson said.
“Each artifact tells a personal story, giving people a direct link to one of history’s most famous maritime tragedies.”
The 1912 sinking of the Titanic claimed more than 1,500 lives and remains a subject of research, film adaptations, and historical study. Artifacts like the newly sold gold watch provide both historical insight and emotional resonance for collectors and historians alike.
Auction houses report rising interest in personal items recovered from the wreck, including jewelry, letters, and household items. Experts predict that Titanic memorabilia may continue to fetch record-breaking prices as global attention endures.
