Netflix doc ‘Sly’ showcases a whole other side of Sylvester Stallone, and his watches, of course
Zach BlassMost dismiss Sylvester Stallone as an action star brute, but he is, of course, so much more. Watch the new Netflix documentary Sly and you will see a whole new side of the man you do not get on the silver screen. As he runs through his origins, being brought into the world, and raised as a child by a rather cruel and jealous father, as well as his fight to earn his rightful place in Hollywood and filmmaking, you really get a sense of his street-smart genius. And, as he walks through all of the details and reasons for his choices in his films – in particular, the Rocky and Rambo franchises – you will also notice that in each frame you will find a heavyweight-class timepiece on his wrist. A true watch collector, Stallone has had so many watches to his name that a few years back he auctioned many of his timepieces through Phillips. While some have left his collection, what remains is still a stellar cast of watches including some heavyweight references we would all love to own. After hearing him talk through how he developed Rocky, Rambo, and other aspects of his creations and roles, I would love to one day sit down and talk watches him. I imagine the stories behind each may be quite meaningful. In honour of this new Netflix doc, here we look back on just a selection of what he has been spotted wearing over the last few years.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Yellow
While there are certainly a few Rolex and Patek Philippe watches you will catch on his wrist during the documentary, it definitely seemed like his yellow-lacquered Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 was his go-to. I remember putting my name down for the 36mm configuration when they first launched, and three years later I have still to get the call. Of course, things are even more hopeless considering the 36mm model with a yellow dial has been discontinued. But it’s okay. I have long since moved on.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green
Clearly a fan of the model, Sly has recurringly been seen with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green as well. To be fair, it is a great daily driver for someone who wants luxury but low-key. Of course, the notion this collection is entry-level is a bit ironic as, while it is technically the most price-accessible collection in the Rolex catalogue, it is also one of the hardest to source at retail – and, again, many configurations have recently been discontinued. The simple time-only references, with an upgraded 70 hours of power reserve, wowed watch buyers with their Stella lacquer-inspired tones. Upon their introduction, green was definitely a fan favourite – many drawing a connection to the iconic signature green colour of the Rolex brand.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1AR
I have tried asking for unobtanium watches in stores, only to get laughs and the stink eye thrown my way – a visual “child, please”, if you will. But I dare anyone to say “no” to a Sylvester Stallone watch request. Whether or not they were sourced at retail, Stallone has some serious Nautilus game, which we will cover throughout this list, but first up is the two-tone 5980/1AR in stainless steel and rose gold. The watch leverages a really clean dial, its chronograph display legibly compacted within a sub-dial at 6 o’clock. This single and symmetrical space of real estate holds both the elapsed hours and minutes. It is a sick watch, and one his Instagram reveals he wears quite frequently.
Rolex GMT Master ref. 6542 “Pussy Galore”
This famed Rolex GMT Master watch earned notoriety through actress Honor Blackman’s portrayal of Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, notably wearing a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542 in the film – thus earning its nickname. It is not only a famous reference for appearing in a Bond movie, but also important in the pantheon of Rolex as it was the first-ever GMT model from the brand. Stallone, both a lover of film and Rolex, clearly was attracted to this coveted and expensive vintage reference – securing one (allegedly from David Silver) with a tropical dial and a clean case and bracelet.
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This is a sure-fire sign he is an informed collector, equally drawn to in-demand modern as well as deep-cut vintage. Better yet, he certainly does not make his 6542 a safe queen – dancing away the weekend with it strapped to his wrist.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/13001A
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As we have seen so far, Stallone is a fan of the colour green as well as the Nautilus – so why not tick both boxes? Well, that is exactly what he did. He was captured wearing a diamond-bezelled 5711/13001A, an elusive configuration of the farewell touring green dial Nautilus. Thankfully, Mr Stallone is a wealthy enough man, or enough of a man with integrity, to have not Gregory Pau-d this reference away, enjoying it on his wrist with his family on his birthday.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5740/1G
When launched, the green Nautilus watches were definitely the it-watches of the moment – only to later be eclipsed by the Tiffany limited edition. But, man, if I could take one from his collection it would definitely be this 5740/1G. White gold, perpetual calendar, blue dial. I mean, from a distance many would think it is just a 5711/1A (did I really write “just”?). But for Stallone, and his wrist, he gets to stealthily enjoy the precious heft of white gold on his wrist, and have a clean perpetual calendar and moon phase indication that is anything but busy on the dial. Gorgeous.