A gold pocket watch belonging to Isidor Straus, a first-class passenger who perished during the tragic sinking of the Titanic, is expected to attract a minimum bid of £800,000 at an upcoming auction. The watch, crafted by Jules Jurgensen and engraved in 18-carat gold, was recovered from Mr. Straus after the disaster, along with other personal belongings, and returned to his family.
Isidor and his wife, Ida Straus, were famously depicted in James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic,” showcasing their profound love as they faced the ship’s demise together. On that fateful night in April 1912, after the Titanic struck an iceberg, the couple made their way to the deck where Mr. Straus, despite being offered a spot on a lifeboat due to his age, refused to leave, declaring that he would not go without others. Ida, steadfast in her devotion, insisted on staying with her husband, leading to the couple being last seen together in deck chairs, united in their fate.
The watch is set to be auctioned later this month by Henry Aldridge & Son Auctioneers in Devizes, Wiltshire, alongside a letter written by Ida while aboard the Titanic. This correspondence offers a rare glimpse into the life of a first-class passenger during the voyage.
Andrew Aldridge, the auctioneer, expressed the significance of the items, stating that the Straus collection is one of the most iconic related to the Titanic. He praised Isidor’s remarkable story, which illustrates the quintessential American Dream, as he rose from being an immigrant to a prominent figure, co-owner of Macy’s department store in New York.
Ida’s heartfelt gesture of giving her fur coat to her maid before boarding a lifeboat further emphasizes the couple’s dedication to one another. With the watch and the letter, the family hopes to pass down a piece of history that has been cherished for over 113 years, as the time has come for these items to find a new home, ensuring that the legacy of Isidor and Ida Straus continues to evoke the same admiration and recognition they hold today.