In a noteworthy development for the luxury watch market, Sylvester Stallone’s exceptional Patek Philippe Ref. 6300G-010 Grandmaster Chime has recently commanded a staggering $5.4 million at Sotheby’s, marking a historic moment as the “most valuable modern watch ever sold” in the prestigious auction house’s annals, as reported by the Daily Caller. The entire collection of the renowned Rocky star fetched a total of $6.7 million, surpassing the initial high estimate of $6 million, with six out of the 11 watches finding buyers online. Impressively, each watch, save for one, exceeded its pre-sale valuation, underscoring a common tactic employed by auction houses to set conservative estimates, enticing potential bidders. Moreover, successful bidders incur a 20% buyer’s premium on items sold for up to and including $6 million. 
This exceptional outcome may serve to assuage any concerns within Patek Philippe; some industry pundits had speculated on the watchmaker’s sentiment regarding Stallone’s decision to auction the white-gold masterpiece – the most intricate Patek creation to date, boasting 20 complications requiring over 100,000 hours of craftsmanship. Stallone, purportedly, never adorned the watch, hinting at a potential intention to resell it from the outset. The watch arrived in a lavish “grand presentation box,” adorned with the actor’s name. Stallone himself articulated his perspective in a video concerning the auction, stating, “I bought this as a collector. I treat it the way you’d treat a painting… it’s a work of art.”
In an official statement following the sale, Stallone remarked, “I’ve had the privilege of owning some truly remarkable watches over the years, each with its own unique character and history. I enjoy the collecting process like so many others in this passionate community, who don’t just see watches as an accessory, but admire them for their history, craftsmanship, artistry – but most importantly – how they make them feel. Looking at these watches, I feel truly lucky to have owned them; they serve as a reminder that hard work pays off. While parting ways with this collection is bittersweet, I cherish that I’ve owned them with pride, and hope they will be appreciated and admired in their next homes.”
A spokesperson from Sotheby’s, in a statement to the Daily Caller, hailed the sale of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime as an unparalleled triumph, not only commemorating a masterpiece crafted by the most revered Swiss watchmakers but also honoring the iconic Sylvester Stallone, a longstanding and influential figure in the world of collectors. The fervent bidding frenzy witnessed underscores the unwavering allure of top-tier collectibles and pays homage to the art of collecting at its zenith. The original purchase price of Stallone’s Patek Philippe watch remains undisclosed.
“This outcome underscores the enduring relevance of high-end Swiss luxury replica watches and underscores the significance of provenance,” observes Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches, a prominent figure among Rolex collectors who also boasts a notable collection of Patek Philippes. “The value and appeal of rare and collectible watches are greatly enhanced when accompanied by a compelling narrative. The pieces in my collection that I hold in highest regard possess incredibly fascinating, well-documented histories that enrich an already exquisite object.”
Notably, the sale of Stallone’s Patek Grandmaster Chime eclipsed the previous record for the highest-selling modern watch at Sotheby’s, previously held by a Richard Mille Reference RM53-02, which achieved $4.5 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2023. Among the other fake watches from Stallone’s collection, his green-dial Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1300A001 with a baguette diamond-set bezel fetched $492,000; his Audemars Piguet Ref. 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 “50th Anniversary” Royal Oak Tourbillon garnered $228,000; his Patek Ref. 5711/1A-010 Nautilus achieved $144,000; his rose gold Ref. 228235 Day-Date with a green dial sold for $96,000; and his screen-worn Panerai “Bronzo” from The Expendables 2 fetched $96,000.