Two-time BAFTA Awards winner, actor Sylvester Stallone’s extravagant personal collection of watches is heading the auction block at Sotheby’s. Amongst the 11 exquisite pieces collection, the highlight is the stunning Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, a masterpiece of haute horology highly sought after by collectors. Mr. Stallone’s Reference 6300G Grandmaster Chime, estimated to be worth $2.5-5 million, holds a special place as the first of its kind to ever be auctioned.
The collection will be presented at ‘The Important Watches’ auction in New York on June 5, 2024. Acquired over more than two decades, these watches reflect Mr. Stallone’s deep passion for collecting. Among them are notable pieces from renowned brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Piaget.
Here is a bit more on the star of the collection. Patek Philippe introduced the Grandmaster Chime in 2014 to celebrate the brand’s 175th anniversary. Soon, it became a perennial element under the reference 6300 in the collection in 2016. Crafted with a reversible white gold case featuring Patek Philippe’s iconic hobnail pattern, the design, manufacturing, and assembly process required an impressive 100,000 hours. The watch boasts a total of 20 complications, including five chiming modes.
Nestled within its pristine original casing, the watch comes accompanied by a lavish presentation box adorned with Mr. Stallone’s name, alongside a bespoke Grandmaster Chime book boasting his name gracing both its cover and inner pages.
Alongside these treasures, the lot comprises a Certificate of Origin affirming Mr. Stallone’s status as the inaugural owner, an assortment of product literature elegantly housed within a spacious leather portfolio, a curated collection book, a sleek travel case, distinguished cufflinks, a discreet USB drive, a securely sealed setting pin, a distinctive hang tag, an Apple iPad snugly enveloped in a Patek Philippe leather case, complete with an adapter, charger, and Patek Philippe-branded Apple earpods, all meticulously arranged to complement this exceptional offering.
Sotheby’s Head of Watches, America, Geof Hess, shared, “While many recognize Stallone as the legendary actor behind characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, watch enthusiasts know the legendary actor to be a noteworthy, influential, and truly passionate collector. Each watch in this collection is imbued with his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and artistry; from the intricate mastery of a Patek complication, to the unexpected elegance of a piece-unique Panerai. Not only does Sly’s collection offer discerning collectors the chance to acquire a rare work of horology, but one which has been handpicked and cherished by an American icon as well. It’s particularly thrilling to bring the astonishing Patek Grandmaster Chime, one of the most complicated wristwatches in the world, to the rostrum at Sotheby’s. With Sly being a personal friend, the opportunity to work with him and present this part of his collection to market is a privilege that eclipses virtually any watch project I’ve worked on in my career.”
Another show stealer is The Panerai Reference PAM00382 Luminor Submersible 1950 ($30-60,000). This comes along with a signed movie poster of The Expendables 2.
Some of the other highlights are Patek Philippe Reference 5711/1300A-001 Nautilus ($200-400,000); Audemars Piguet Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 Royal Oak Tourbillon 50th Anniversary ($100-200,000); Panerai Reference PAM00269 Luminor Submersible ‘Piece Unique’ ($30-60,000) and Rolex Reference 228235 Day-Date ($25-50,000).