11 of Sylvester Stallone's watches at auction
On 5 June, Sotheby’s will auction off 11 watches from Sylvester Stallone’s substantial watch collection.
Text: Britta Rossander
Image: Sotheby’s
On 5 June Sotheby’s will auction off 11 watches from Sylvester Stallone's solid watch collection. The watches that are to be sold are among others Audemars Piguet, Piaget and Panerai (including a Luminor Submersible from the film The Expendables 2) in the company of three Patek Philippe where we find a Grand Master Chime still in the packaging it came in on delivery. Stallone is admittedly known for his roles in some of the most iconic films during the last 50 years but also for his discerning taste when it comes to watches.
At Sotheby’s ‘The Important Watches’ in New York on 5 June, parts of the collection that has taken more than 20 years to put together will be hammered. The main lot is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime – a sought-after masterpiece with ref no 6300G which is considered to be a ”holy grail” among collectors and this is the first example that to date has turned up at an auction.
Stallone, the actor behind characters such as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo who in this way discerning collectors a chance to get hold of a sought-after watch, says:
–I have had the privilege of owning some truly remarkable watches over the years, all with their own character and history. I like the collecting just like many others in the passionate watch community, who do not see watches only as an accessory, but admire them for the history and the craftsmanship they carry. When I look at these watches I feel fortunate to have been able to own them; they are a reminder that hard work pays off. Even if it is bittersweet to part from them I have owned them with pride and hope that they will be appreciated and admired by their new ”guardians”.
A quick résumé of the watches that are to be sold:
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300G
With 20 complications, including a Grand Sonnerie. Originally developed as a limited edition that was released in 2014 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 175th anniversary. Stallone's example lies in the original plastic seal, which is appreciated by collectors and also shows that Stallone knows his stuff.
Estimate: between $2,5 – $5 million
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 57111-300A
Since production ceased the 5711 has been one of the hardest Patek Philippe models to get hold of, and this reference with the faded green dial is also the first 5711 that has a ring of natural diamonds.
Estimate: $200.000 – $400.000
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1A
Less eye-catching is this 5711 with blue dial and it is a classic and with provenance Stallone this specific watch is likely to become a real trophy.
Estimate: $50.000 – $100.000
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon 50-anniversary ref. 26730OR
When Audemars Piguet in 2022 celebrated 50 years of the Royal Oak this variant in rose gold with tourbillon and blue dial in tapisserie pattern was an important piece. The movement's rotor with shape and engraving for the 50th anniversary 50 is engraved.
Estimate: $100.000 – $200.000.
Cartier Pasha Seatimer ref. W301970M
Engraved with Stallone's name engraved on the case back it is not one of the rarest watches that are to be sold but it gives an indication of Sly's taste, which is often about elegant sports watches in solid gold.
Estimate: $15.000 – $30.000.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Chrono SLYTECH ref. PAM00202
A tribute to Stallone's unique and strong relationship with Panerai. That he himself has one in his collection is a fun detail.
Estimate: $6.000 – $12.000.
Panerai Luminor Submersible SLYTECH Piece Unique ref. PAM00269
The solid gold model is engraved with his signature on the back. It is rare for Panerai to make unique watches and you do wonder how high the bids can go for this watch. Stallone did support the brand early by wearing the Panerai Reference 5218-201/a in the film Daylight 1996. PAM00269 has distinct engravings on the case back including ”Special Edition for SLY” and ”Esemplare Unico”.
Estimate: $30.000 – $60.000
Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Classic Yachts Challenge ref. PAM00332
Panerai has hosted the Classic Yachts Challenge for several years, and watches that pay tribute to the regatta for vintage boats with sails have become an annual tradition. The model is in carbon fibre and is perhaps too light for someone who is fond of the weight of solid gold?
Estimate: $20.000 – $40.000
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 ref. PAM00382
This watch in bronze Stallone wore in the film The Expendables 2, a provenance that can raise the bids.
Sylvester Stallone has indeed made the brand Panerai ”his”, and in the films The Expendables (2010), Expendables 2 (2012) and in Expendables 3 we could see Panerai on all the strong guys' wrists including Dolph Lundgren's.
Estimate: $30.000 – $60.000
Piaget Polo Grande ref. P10623
Piaget Polos have created a trend since the latest relaunch. It feels as if the estimate is set a little low for a model that is trendy today with an integrated bracelet in solid gold with provenance Sylvester Stallone.
Estimate: $6.000 – $12.000.
Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228235
When Rolex celebrates something they like to release ”green” watches. This Day-Date was released in 2016 to mark the 60th anniversary of the legendary model Day-Date – also known as the president's watch because of its connection to Lynden B. Johnson and later Ronald Regan. Rose gold with an appreciated green dial. This one plays in a class of its own with a not entirely perfect engraving with Stallone's nicknam on the case back.
Estimate: $25.000 – $50.000
