‘The Gilded Age’: How Much Jack’s Clock Would Be Worth Today

Jack Trotter just secured the bag—and then some. In the latest episode of “The Gilded Age” season 3, Jack (played by Ben Ahlers) struck gold when he and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) sold the patent for Jack’s alarm clock invention. But how much was that $600,000 really worth in today’s money?

On ‘The Gilded Age’ Jack’s Clock Would Be Worth Nearly $20 Million Today

In “The Gilded Age” season 3, Jack and Larry make a game-changing deal, selling the patent for their alarm clock “lock, stock and barrel” for $600,000. It’s a jaw-dropping amount of money in 1884—but in 2025? It’s practically a fortune.

Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Inflation Calculator (which only goes back to 1913), the deal would be worth about $19,748,632.65 today. HBO Max even leaned into the fan curiosity by posting an Instagram graphic that estimated the amount at $21,195,495.51.

Thanks to their 50/50 partnership, both Jack and Larry would walk away with nearly $10 million each in modern dollars.

And it was Larry’s negotiation skills that sealed the deal. After hearing the original $300,000 offer, Larry coolly responds, “You know you intend to make many times that.” Cue the buyer doubling their bid.

The Money Is Life-Changing for Jack, But Will He Leave the Van Rhijns?

While Larry Russell is the son of railroad magnate George Russell (Morgan Spector) and already lives among New York’s upper crust, Jack Trotter is a footman living in the basement of Agnes van Rhijn’s (Christine Baranski) household.

Jack’s journey to this payday wasn’t easy. Back in season 2, he struggled to even afford the patent application fee. He eventually secured help from Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon), the rest of the household staff, and even Agnes herself—despite Mrs. Armstrong’s (Debra Monk) snide dismissals.

The alarm clock subplot had quietly been building over the last two seasons, and it all culminated with Jack nervously asking Larry after their windfall, “What do I do now, I wonder.” To which Larry cheekily responds, “You mean now you’re almost as rich as Mrs. Forte and much richer than Mrs. van Rhijn.”

Jack’s keeping the win quiet for now. When his fellow servants ask about the meeting, he simply says, “It went well, I think.”

What’s next for Jack? Will he leave service behind or continue working in the Van Rhijn home out of loyalty—or secrecy? The Gilded Age season 3 may have some answers, and we’ll be watching every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.

The post ‘The Gilded Age’: How Much Jack’s Clock Would Be Worth Today appeared first on EntertainmentNow.