A gold pocket watch recovered from one of the richest passengers aboard the Titanic may become the most expensive artifact from the tragedy ever sold, according to experts.

The watch belonged to Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy’s department store, who was aboard the ill-fated ship in April 1912, along with his wife, Ida Straus. The couple were returning to New York from a trip to Europe.

“One account stated they were last seen sitting on the deck arm in arm, although in [the film] ‘Titanic’ they were depicted lying side by side on the bed in their stateroom,” according to auctioneer Andrew Aldridge.

Ida Straus did not want to abandon her husband — and famously refused a spot in a lifeboat, preferring instead to remain by his side. “My place is with you,” she reportedly told him.

See Full Page