Al Capone's Rolex Prince Reference 3140 from 1937
Here's a fascinating story: Al Capone, legendary Chicago gangster of the 1920s, is said to have worn a Rolex Prince – an elegant, rectangular watch that perfectly matched his sense of fashion.
Al Capone & the Rolex Prince
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Numerous sources confirm: Capone wore a Rolex Prince in yellow gold, presumably the reference 3140, manufactured around 1937. With its Art Deco design, decentralized second hand at 6 o'clock and chronometer certificate, the Prince was a status symbol at the time – comparable to today's gold Daytonas or Patek watches.
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Capone was one of the first known Rolex enthusiasts worldwide and appreciated the combination of style and precision of this brand
Other watches of the gangster boss
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Additionally, Capone wore a triangular-shaped pocket watch from the Illinois Watch Company , set with 72 diamonds and the initials "AC" made of 23 diamonds – sold at auction for over $84,000
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The legendary Rolex wristwatch model remained a rarity for decades. Among collectors, the reference 3140 is known as the "Al Capone" model—only a few pieces were produced in 1937/38.
Short information: Rolex Prince Ref. 3140
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Model type | Rolex Prince, rectangular, Art Deco |
| Reference number | 3140 |
| Housing material | yellow gold |
| Movement & Caliber | Hand-wound, 17 rubies, chronometer certified |
| Production period | 1937–1938 |
| Connection to Capone | Wore this model before later being considered legendary |
Pop cultural reverberations
Rolex remade the Prince model from 2005 to 2015 as the Cellini Prince, based on earlier designs, with caliber 7040 and limited versions in gold or Everose – a typical “gentleman's watch”
Conclusion
The Rolex Prince was a perfect choice for Al Capone: striking, stylish, precise—a typical symbol of power and elegance in 1920s Chicago. Even today, the reference model 3140 remains one of the most coveted vintage Rolex watches—not least because of its famous connection to Capone.
