Titanic Belfast is currently hosting a remarkable piece of maritime history—the pocket watch gifted to Captain Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia. This luxury 18ct gold timepiece, presented by the widows of prominent Titanic victims, will be on public display until the end of October 2024. This limited-time exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to view a significant artifact from one of the most heroic episodes of maritime history.
A Tribute to Heroism
The Legacy of Captain Rostron
Captain Arthur Rostron’s actions on the night of April 14, 1912, were nothing short of extraordinary. When RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Rostron and his crew aboard RMS Carpathia navigated treacherous waters to rescue over 700 survivors. The bravery and swift response of Rostron and his team were pivotal in saving countless lives.
In recognition of his heroism, Captain Rostron was honored with several tokens of appreciation, including the exquisite Tiffany & Co. pocket watch now on display. The watch, crafted in 18ct gold, was a gift from the widows of three wealthy Titanic victims: Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener. These women presented the timepiece to Rostron at a special luncheon held at the Astor mansion in New York on May 31, 1912—exactly one year after the Titanic’s ill-fated launch.
A Glimpse of History
Display Details and Visitor Experience
The Tiffany & Co. pocket watch is on loan from Wiltshire auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons and will be displayed on Level 1 Apex of Titanic Belfast until October 31, 2024. This exclusive exhibit offers a unique chance for the public to witness a piece of history before it goes to auction on November 16, 2024.
In addition to the pocket watch, Titanic Belfast’s Titanic Experience showcases other significant artifacts from the era, including the Carpathia Loving Cup—a gift from Molly Brown, one of Titanic’s most famous survivors—and an original Fosbery lifejacket, one of only twelve remaining from the Titanic. These items collectively honor the remarkable story of the Titanic and its legacy.
Titanic Experience by Night
For those interested in a more immersive experience, Titanic Belfast offers “Titanic Experience by Night” events every Friday evening throughout August. These special events provide a unique setting to view the pocket watch and other exhibits in an evening atmosphere.
Statements from Key Figures
Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, expressed pride in the display, stating, “Captain Rostron is a significant part of RMS Titanic’s story as his heroic efforts ensured that over 700 of its passengers were rescued. We are proud to be able to publicly display his pocket watch until the end of October, presented to him by these high-profile widows and survivors of the tragic sinking.”
Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are delighted to be able to place a watch of this importance with Titanic Belfast, the birthplace of Titanic this summer for visitors to enjoy prior to our specialist auction on November 16th. It’s a unique opportunity to see first-hand this stunning artifact, gifted to Arthur Rostron who was one of the heroes of the disaster.”
Visit Titanic Belfast
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to view Captain Rostron’s pocket watch and other Titanic artifacts at Titanic Belfast. The display is open to the public free of charge until October 31, 2024. To plan your visit or book tickets for the Titanic Experience, please visit the Titanic Belfast website.
