Sylvester Stallone is auctioning off his rare watch collection
From an ultra-rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster valued in the millions to a Panerai Luminor Submersible worn during the filming of The Expendables 2, 11 of Sly Stalloneâs most coveted watches are up for grabs
PRECISELY HOW SYLVESTER STALLONEâS near obsession with luxury timepieces started is actually a topic of debate. One dubious origin story asserts that in 1996, Slyâs eye was caught by a Panerai watch in a shop window while filming Daylight on location in Rome. As the story goes, Stallone was instantly drawn to the watchâs imposing appearance, thought it matched his characterâs persona and just had to have it. âWhen I saw the watch, I immediately felt that it had star power,â he would later say.
Whether or not thereâs any truth to that story has become a point of great contention. But regardless, nearly 30 years on, Stallone has become one of the worldâs most influential â yet secretive â watch collectors, having built quite a prized collection of valuable timepieces that rarely make their way into the public eye. Until now.
Stallone is offering a rare insight into the world of prestige, ultra-rare watches by parting ways with 11 of his most valued timepieces in a Sothebyâs auction this June. Stalloneâs collection is as impressive as it is valuable. Having collaborated with Panerai for years â as a crucial cog in making the watchmakerâs rugged dive watches famous â and harbouring a well-known infatuation with Rolex and Patek Philippe, Stalloneâs collection includes everything from ultra-rare piece uniques to vintage collectorâs items. You can check out the watches before they hit the open market below.
All figures have been converted to AUD and are accurate as of May 14, 2024.
The most valuable pieces in Sylvester Stalloneâs watch collection
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300G
While Stalloneâs collection is packed with valuable pieces, none are quite as showstopping as this Patek Philippe Grandmaster. This watch is so rare, itâs never been for sale. Details on how many Grandmaster Chimes actually exist isnât publicly available, but the only other time one was on the market was at a 2019 charity auction â where it sold for more than $50 million. How Stallone got his hands on the watch, we donât know, but heâs never worn it. Instead, itâs remained in its original packaging â which actually isnât allowed, as Patek Philippe dictates that seals be broken at the time of sale, but Sly has never played by the rules.
We could go on forever about what makes this watch spectacular, but an 11-watch roundup doesnât leave much room for excess description. Just know that with a white gold frame, multiple subdials and five different gong sounds, it isnât just rarity that makes this watch valuable.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 57111300A-001
This Nautilus might just be Stalloneâs favourite watch. Itâs been frequently spotted on his wrist during public appearances, and he even jokes âI donât know why Iâm selling it. Because Iâm stupid, I guess, but Iâm gonna do it anyway.â The Nautilus makes use of an unconventional combination between a steel case and diamond bezel, topping it all off with a sublime green dial. Itâs also incredibly rare. According to Sothebyâs, this is only the second time this model has been on the market.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711
Stallone calls his second Nautilus his âcousin from New Jerseyâ. We donât know why. If heâs trying to suggest that itâs somehow one of the more shady, unsavoury pieces in his collection, heâs way off, because its actually one of the more valuable ones. But who are we to contradict Sylvester Stallone?
Panerai Luminor Submersible Piece Unique
No watchmaker is more commonly associated with Stallone than Panerai. In case this articleâs introduction didnât get the point across, Stallone played an important role in popularising Panerai â and the brand repaid him handsomely, in more than ways than simple financial remuneration. Panerai gifted this 47mm yellow gold watch to Stallone as a thank you for his exemplary talent for being a human billboard. With an incredible 1000 metres of water resistance, this Luminor Submersible is a piece unique â which is watch speak for one-of-a-kind.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon 50th Anniversary ref. 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01
The 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak was in 2022, and Stallone says his was a fairly recent acquisition. Judging by the lack of scuff marks and battle scars on it, it would appear that Stallone kept this AP watch as more of a collectorâs piece than a wardrobe staple. The condition and Stallone provenance will likely lead to some lofty bids. With value estimates ranging from $45,000-$90,000, weâd take the over.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 ref. PAM00382
A drastic detour from the pristine watches weâve witnessed so far, this Panerai timepiece has been well-worn. Stallone himself says itâs been âput through its pacesâ, and what else would you expect from a watch that was worn during the filming of The Expendables 2? A bronze case, custom, skull-engraved leather strap and its past as Stalloneâs go-to will ensure this watch fetches a high price.
Rolex Day-Date ref. 228235
Thereâs a lot to like about this Rolex watch that looks downright presidential. The oak green dial, complications at 12 and 3 oâclock and gold case are all nice, but having âSLYâ engraved on the caseback will likely see this pieceâs value skyrocket.
Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Classic Yachts Challenge ref. PAM00332
This limited edition Panerai Luminor boasts a 44mm PVD-coated steel case and a highly complicated split-seconds chronograph mechanism. As it would appear, Stallone has frequently worn this watch, as itâs not in pristine collection. Whether that will increase or decrease its value remains to be seen.
Cartier Pasha Seatimer ref. W301970M
This 42mm Cartier chronograph with 100 metres of water resistance was given to Stallone by the president of Cartier over a dinner spent âtalking about horses and so onâ. Weâre not sure how much crossover there is between horses and watchmaking, but we wonât dwell on it.
Piaget Polo Grande ref. P10623
Stallone made Paneraiâs beefy, robust cases famous, so his possession of a watch from a brand thatâs synonymous with thinner, lightweight watches may seem confusing, but Stallone clearly knows quality. This dainty new vintage number boasts a gold 38mm case and matching strap, looking as if it couldâve been released today rather than in the early 2000s.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Chrono Slytech ref. PAM00202
Another Panerai from Stalloneâs stable, this watch is one of only 1,000 of its kind to be made. With a 47mm titanium case, the Slytech â which is apparently not named in honour of Stallone â is lightweight, attractive and has been kept in near-new condition in the almost 20 years since its release. Itâs also likely to be one of the more affordable pieces going to auction, in case youâre an entry level bidder.
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