Sylvester Stallone's passion for watch collecting ignited shortly after he wrapped up filming "Rocky," the movie that catapulted his Hollywood career. One pivotal moment involved spotting Gregg Allman, of the Allman Brothers Band, dozing off with a distinct gold watch adorning his wrist—a sight that captivated Stallone and kickstarted his enduring fascination with timepieces.
Now, the renowned Hollywood star is preparing to auction off 11 watches from his personal collection at a Sotheby's sale in New York on June 5. The highlight of the auction is the rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, anticipated to fetch as much as $5 million. Only seven models of this exquisite timepiece exist, making it a coveted treasure for watch aficionados worldwide. The Grandmaster Chime stands out for its unparalleled complexity, boasting 20 complications—functions that transcend mere timekeeping—including five chiming mechanisms and a date repeater.
Stallone's acquisition of the Grandmaster Chime wasn't a simple feat. He recounts having to navigate through intricate channels, including appealing to the powers-that-be and penning numerous letters to the board, before securing ownership of this horological masterpiece.
Accompanying the Grandmaster Chime are additional mementos, such as a presentation box engraved with Stallone's name, along with an iPad and AirPods each housed in a Patek Philippe case.
Among the other notable pieces in Stallone's collection up for auction is a Patek Philippe watch from the Nautilus family, expected to fetch up to $400,000. This particular timepiece boasts an olive-green dial encircled by 32 Wesselton baguette diamonds, all nestled within a stainless steel casing.
The auction also features watches from renowned brands that Stallone has proudly sported on screen. A Rolex commemorating the 60th anniversary of a model famed for displaying the day and date separately is estimated to sell for $50,000. Additionally, an Audemars Piguet watch, flaunting a blue face within a pink gold case, is anticipated to fetch up to $200,000.
Panerai watches, a brand championed by Stallone and prominently featured in the 1996 film "Daylight," are also included. Among them is a model exclusively crafted for Stallone, complete with a commemorative engraving on the back, projected to sell for up to $60,000.
Stallone's collection represents not only a passion for horology but also a tangible connection to his illustrious career, making this auction a must-attend event for watch enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.