Sotheby’s led the Important Watches auction with Sylvester Stallone's impressive watch collection.
Let's examine what happened and why it's significant for the world of luxury watch collecting.
Personal Connections and Sylvester Stallone's Collection
My connection with Sylvester Stallone is interesting, albeit indirect. While working at TASCHEN, I participated in creating his Rocky Art Edition publication. Later, after moving to New York and joining Sotheby’s, I began handling the sale of his watches.
The general public might not know, but Stallone has a deep relationship with art and aesthetics. His edition even includes a reproduction of the actor's own painting.
It's no surprise that his watch collection impresses. One of the lots - a set of eleven watches - became one of the main events of Sotheby’s auction in May.
In two auction rounds, the watches seemed to dodge and strike, leading to victory.
Important Watches Auction: Context and Features
The Important Watches auction is held at Sotheby’s as part of Luxury Week - a week of luxury when leading brands and boutiques organize special events, and auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s conduct prestigious sales.
Primary attention is given to the watch and jewelry departments, but wines and collectible items, including bags and sneakers, also participate.
In 2024, Sotheby's put on quite the show. The day before the auction, I visited the galleries where a white wall was completely transformed into a space with Stallone murals.
The auction itself took place on June 5, 2024, and was held in two rounds.
Sylvester Stallone's Watch Collection: History and Features
Working with Stallone is a great honor. Even for Sotheby’s, where everyone strives to collaborate with famous personalities, it's a special experience.
According to the book A Man and His Watch, Stallone became interested in watches after a chance encounter with musician Gregg Allman on a plane. Allman was sleeping with his hand out, and Stallone noticed his golden Rolex. Inspired, in 1976 he purchased his own gold Rolex Submariner.
By the 1990s, Stallone had become a recognized collector with a particular interest in the Panerai brand. Although Panerai is produced in Switzerland, the brand hails from Florence - explaining the “Italian Stallion’s” affinity for Florentine design with its bold, sporty, large-scale style. As Stallone himself told Sotheby’s, he “loves bold decisions.”
Since the mid-1990s, Stallone has been one of the most important watch collectors in Hollywood and perhaps the world. He often gifts large models to other action stars, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
However, among the eleven watches auctioned, the main star was not a massive bracelet but a romantic Patek Philippe - a testament to the actor's fine taste.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime: The Masterpiece of the Collection
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, Reference 6300G-010, sold for an impressive $5.4 million, exceeding the upper estimate of $5 million. Lot No. 57 out of more than 200.
During the exhibition, the watch was on display in the gallery. At first glance, it seemed like a plastic exhibit, but in fact, the model had never been exposed to human touch, including Stallone’s.
Stallone never intended to wear this watch and did not plan to keep it forever.
The model is equipped with 20 complex functions and has two dials - front and back, both exceptionally beautiful.
The story of the acquisition is also remarkable: Stallone had to write numerous letters, communicate with board members, and overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Upon receiving the watch, he treated it as a work of art.
He told Sotheby’s that it was time to part with this piece. Stallone often gave watches to friends when he felt it was “time for them to enjoy them.”
Nevertheless, giving away such a unique model just like that would be unwise, so the watch was put up for Important Watches.
The Grandmaster Chime came with collectible items: a box engraved with Stallone’s name, a certificate of origin, a personalized book, a travel case, and cufflinks.
Additionally, there was a sealed setting, an iPad in a Patek leather case, and a handwritten note from Rocky himself.
Other Grandmaster Chimes have been sold at charity auctions, but this model is the first Patek Philippe Ref. 6300G-010 presented at auction.
Other Significant Watches from Stallone's Collection
Among the eleven sold watches, several models stand out with interesting histories and unique designs.
Panerai Luminor SlyTech (Reference PAM00269)
Estimated at $60,000, the watch was sold for $90,000. This unique model looks as if the watch is embedded in a gold bar.
PAM00269 is the result of Stallone’s collaboration with Panerai when the brand was just entering the civilian market after years of military exclusivity. The SlyTech model reignited interest in the brand.
The watch was made specifically for Stallone and is one of a kind.
Cartier Pasha Seatimer (Reference W301970M)
These Cartier sold for $66,000, almost doubling the upper estimate.
The watch attracts attention with its massive yet graceful design. The story of how Stallone acquired it is even more interesting: he received it as a gift from the president of Cartier after a dinner where they discussed a love for watches and horses.
This is a vivid example of Stallone’s exceptional communication skills.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 (Reference PAM00382)
Sold for $96,000 against an estimate of $60,000.
Bronze watch lovers will appreciate the natural patina of this model. Stallone wore this watch in the film “The Expendables 2,” adding charisma and history to it.
Rolex Day-Date (Reference 228235)
Sold for $96,000 against an estimate of $50,000. This watch stands out from the collection with its more refined aesthetics - a rose gold case and a green dial, known as the “60th Anniversary,” looks elegant and sophisticated.
Stallone confessed to Sotheby’s that he prefers blue and green dials. His name - Sly - is engraved on the back.
Results of Sotheby’s Auction and the Significance of the Collection
The Sotheby’s auction was an important event for collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts. Sylvester Stallone’s collection showcases not only his passion for watches but also his deep taste, combining large, sporty models with exquisite works of horological art.
Which of the presented watches seemed most interesting to you? What role does the owner's personality play in the value of collectible watches? These questions remain relevant for experts and collectors worldwide.