A gold pocket watch that once belonged to the richest man aboard the ill-fated Titanic has been sold at auction for a staggering £1.175 million ($1.5 million). The timepiece, which was sold by Henry Aldridge & Son, an auction house in Devizes, Wiltshire, South West England, broke the previous record for the highest amount paid for a Titanic artifact.

The coveted watch had originally belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent businessman and real estate developer. Astor, who was known as the wealthiest passenger on the RMS Titanic, tragically perished when the ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1912. At the time, his estimated net worth was around $87 million, making him one of the richest individuals in the world.

The 14-carat gold Waltham pocket watch, engraved with Astor's initials "JJA," was discovered on his body when it was recovered a week after the disaster. The watch served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy, symbolizing the wealth and luxury that accompanied many of the Titanic's passengers.

The auction of the historic timepiece set a new record for Henry Aldridge & Son, with the sale of the watch fetching the impressive sum of £1.175 million. The watch now belongs to a private collector based in the United States, marking a truly significant acquisition for the proud owner.

In addition to this remarkable sale, the auction also included another iconic Titanic artifact. A violin believed to have been played by band member Wallace Hartley as the ship sank garnered a high bid of £1.1 million ($1.4 million). The violin's case was also sold, fetching £360,000 ($455,000) at the same auction.

The sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, claiming the lives of approximately 1,500 people. The tragic incident continues to captivate people's imaginations, as evidenced by the enduring fascination with artifacts connected to the ill-fated vessel.

The sale of the gold pocket watch and the violin case demonstrate the enduring allure and historical significance associated with the Titanic and its passengers. While they serve as poignant reminders of the tragedy, they also provide a tangible connection to a bygone era, capturing the interest of collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

As the auction concluded, this extraordinary sale serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Titanic and its passengers, ensuring that their stories will continue to be remembered and explored for generations to come.