Last week, an extraordinary piece of history was sold at auction: an 18k gold pocket watch gifted to Sir Arthur Rostron, the heroic captain of the RMS Carpathia.
The watch, crafted by Tiffany & Co., was given to him by the widows of prominent Titanic passengers, including Madeleine Astor, wife of John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest man aboard the doomed ship. It fetched over £1.5 million, a testament to its historical significance.
This incredible sale reminded us of a personal connection to the Titanic, through the story of Gus Cohen, a young third-class passenger who survived the tragedy. Gus happened to be the great-uncle of co-founder Danielle, and his story is a touching reminder of why timepieces are such a meaningful part of our lives.
Gus Cohen: A Young Man’s Journey to America
At just 19 years old, Gus was setting off for a new life in America. His journey aboard the Titanic was made possible by a prize draw from his local Boys’ Club. With his fare paid and a farewell pocket watch gifted by his friends, Gus boarded the ship full of hope.
When the Titanic struck the iceberg, chaos erupted. Gus, traveling in third class, initially found no life jackets or access to the upper decks. After a desperate search, he found a lifebelt but was too late to board a lifeboat. Refusing to give up, Gus made a daring escape, lowering himself hand over hand down the ropes of a lifeboat davit—an estimated 80 feet—into the freezing Atlantic.
He was pulled into a lifeboat that was largely empty but had begun taking on water. Gus bailed out water through the night, determined to survive. He later recalled mistaking the bright stars for rescue ships—a bittersweet moment of hope amid despair.
Rescued by the Carpathia
At 7:00 a.m. on April 15, 1912, the RMS Carpathia arrived and rescued Gus and the others in his lifeboat. They finally docked in New York on April 18. G us wrote to his girlfriend, Hettie, who would later become his wife:
“Dear Hettie, I’ve arrived, rescued and myself safe at New York. I supposed you heard about the Titanic and I supposed you thought I was drowned, but thank God, I just managed to escape.”
Gus mentioned in the letter that he had lost almost everything but treasured the memory of his farewell watch, which sadly remained with the Titanic.
This letter is now part of Letters of the Century 1900–1999, published by Random House. For our family, it’s a cherished piece of history.
A Life of Resilience
Gus’s life after the Titanic was equally eventful. He returned to the UK, served in World War I, and married Hettie in 1917. Despite surviving numerous accidents—including being hit by a car, falling from a train, and enduring the Blitz during World War II—he remained a steadfast and compassionate man, earning the nickname “Gus 9 Lives.”
Gus rarely spoke about the Titanic until the 1958 publication of A Night to Remember reignited public interest. Interviews and recordings from this time provide valuable insights into his remarkable experiences.
Watches as Symbols of Legacy
The sale of Sir Arthur Rostron’s pocket watch and Gus’s story are both reminders of how watches serve as more than timekeepers—they are symbols of resilience, gratitude, and legacy. Gus’s farewell watch lies at the bottom of the Atlantic, a poignant connection to the ship and its history
For Danielle and me, this story reinforces why we’re so passionate about watches. They hold memories, mark milestones, and connect us to the past. Gus’s tale is a testament to the enduring power of these timepieces and their ability to weave together personal and historical narratives
We’re proud to share this incredible story with you, as it forms a profound part of our family’s heritage and the inspiration behind what we do at Helicon Watches.
Thank you for reading,
Jonathan & Danielle
Helicon Watches
