The allure of luxury watches has long captivated not just the rich and famous, but even some of history’s most notorious mobsters. These timepieces were more than mere accessories; they were powerful symbols of status, wealth, and a life steeped in extravagance. Let’s take a closer look at the iconic watches worn by some of these infamous figures, and the stories they tell.
Al Capone’s Pocket Watch
When it comes to gangsters, few names are as legendary as Al Capone’s. Known for his ruthless reign during the Prohibition era, Capone also had a well-known taste for the finer things in life. His Patek Philippe pocket watch, crafted in the 1920s, is a perfect example. Encased in 18-karat gold and featuring a sophisticated movement with a moon phase indicator, this watch was more than just a timekeeper—it was a statement. With his initials “AC” engraved on the case, the watch reflected Capone’s desire to project an air of sophistication, despite his criminal empire.
Lucky Luciano’s Rolex Prince
Charles “Lucky” Luciano, often regarded as the father of modern organized crime in America, was a man of impeccable taste. His choice of wristwear, the Rolex Prince, says it all. Introduced in the 1920s, the Rolex Prince is renowned for its unique rectangular case and dual-dial design, separating hours and minutes from the seconds. For Luciano, this watch wasn’t just about telling time; it was a symbol of his precision, authority, and his deep appreciation for elegance.
Meyer Lansky’s Cartier Tank
Meyer Lansky, the brains behind the mob’s financial operations, was as strategic with his fashion as he was with his finances. His go-to watch, the Cartier Tank, embodies understated luxury. Inspired by the Renault tanks of World War I, the Cartier Tank, designed in 1917, is known for its sleek lines and rectangular silhouette. For Lansky, this watch wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was a fitting companion for a man who orchestrated complex financial schemes with unparalleled precision.
John Gotti’s Rolex Day-Date
John Gotti, the flashy boss of the Gambino crime family, never shied away from the spotlight—or from flaunting his wealth. His favorite accessory, the Rolex Day-Date, also known as the “President,” was the perfect match for his larger-than-life persona. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first watch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. Gotti’s gold Rolex Day-Date, often adorned with diamonds, wasn’t just a watch; it was a bold declaration of his power and success in the underworld.
Bugsy Siegel’s Patek Philippe
Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, the infamous mobster with grand visions for Las Vegas, had a penchant for the extravagant. His Patek Philippe watch was a testament to his ambitions and lavish lifestyle. Known for its association with prestige, Siegel’s Patek Philippe, likely encrusted with diamonds and crafted from the finest materials, was more than just a timepiece—it was a symbol of his dream to transform the Nevada desert into a glittering gambling paradise.
These watches, once owned by some of the most infamous figures in organized crime, are more than just luxurious accessories. They are relics of a bygone era, each one telling its own unique story of power, ambition, and an insatiable thirst for luxury. From Capone’s intricate pocket watch to Gotti’s diamond-studded Rolex, these timepieces offer a glimpse into the lives of men who lived on the edge, with style to match.