Al Capone’s Diamond-Set Patek Philippe Acquired by Berry’s Jewellers for New Leeds Showroom
A historic timepiece once owned by one of the most infamous figures of the 20th century is set to go on display in the UK. A 1920s Patek Philippe pocket watch, formerly belonging to American mobster Al Capone, has been acquired by Berry’s Jewellers and will take pride of place in their newly designed Patek Philippe showroom, opening later this month in Leeds.
This luxurious artefact from the golden age of horology was sold at Sotheby’s in New York for $95,250. The watch features Capone’s monogram, “AC”, set in 90 pavé diamonds on the caseback. Crafted in yellow gold, it embodies the classic elegance of early 20th-century Patek Philippe pocket watches, and is likely powered by a manually wound movement typical of the brand’s high-grade calibres of that era.
Simon Walton, Managing Director of Berry’s, confirmed the purchase. “We were captivated not only by the watch’s craftsmanship, but by its rich and complex provenance. This is a museum-quality piece with a story that resonates globally,” he said.
The same watch had previously gone under the hammer in 2021 at Witherell’s in Sacramento, California, fetching $229,000 — despite being in non-working condition and missing its minute hand. That sale formed part of a broader auction of Capone family heirlooms, which included weapons, photographs, and personal correspondence, all of which attracted widespread public and media interest.
A glimpse into Capone’s lavish life
Al Capone, head of the Chicago Outfit, was not only a ruthless gangster but also a man of considerable style. Born in Brooklyn in 1899, he rose to power during Prohibition and, by the late 1920s, had built an empire driven by bootlegging, gambling, and extortion. He was known for his bespoke suits, expensive cigars, and refined taste in jewellery and timepieces.
Patek Philippe, founded in 1839 and widely regarded as the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, was already firmly established by the 1920s as a brand worn by royalty, industrialists, and the social elite. Capone’s choice of such a watch speaks to his desire to project sophistication, even as he built his reputation through violence and organised crime.
Berry’s Jewellers: a heritage name in British luxury
Established in 1897, Berry’s Jewellers has long been a significant presence in the UK’s luxury retail market. The Leeds-based company operates boutiques in several cities, including York, Newcastle, and Nottingham, and is among a select group of authorised Patek Philippe retailers in Britain.
The upcoming Patek Philippe showroom in Leeds marks a notable investment in the city’s commercial and cultural landscape. The space will offer a curated selection of timepieces from the Geneva-based manufacture, with the Capone watch serving as a unique centrepiece for watch enthusiasts, collectors, and history lovers alike.
Bringing history into the present
Showcasing the Capone watch in a retail environment underscores a growing trend in fine watchmaking — where provenance and storytelling hold as much weight as craftsmanship. Increasingly, timepieces with rich histories are regarded not merely as luxury items, but as cultural artefacts that bridge eras, design philosophies, and personal narratives.
Rather than being locked away in a private collection or museum, the watch will be displayed permanently at the new Patek Philippe showroom in Leeds. Its presence adds a compelling layer to the boutique, placing a fragment of American criminal lore within a refined, contemporary British setting. For a city steeped in industrial tradition and modern creativity, it offers a surprising yet fitting dialogue between past and present.
