The Hammer Collection
Panerai
Reference 5218-201/A Luminor Submersible Sly Tech 'Pre-Vendome' | A prototype stainless steel wristwatch, Circa 1996 | The Hammer Collection
Auction Closed
December 7, 07:12 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 3126 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 0872
Closure: stainless steel Panerai buckle
Size: 44 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Panerai presentation box with outer packaging, Pre-Vendome catalogue, vintage Panerai brand heritage book, vintage Panerai Pre-Vendome folder with marina militare ship on cover, Pre-Vendome screwdriver, silvered Luigi Durand de la Penne Pre-Vendome model ship signed by the former boutique manager of the original Panerai boutique in Florence, vintage 1954 'Siluri Umani' magazine, 1982 marine militare calendar, and two additional Pre-Vendome straps and buckles
The present lot is a Pre Vendôme Reference 5218-201/A Prototype that Panerai specifically made for action star Sylvester Stallone.In 1995, Monty Shadow, a well-connected figure in show business and fashion, proposed a marketing plan to promote Panerai watches with celebrity endorsements, specifically his friend Sylvester Stallone. Initially hesitant of the idea of advertising with celebrities, Panerai saw this as a last-ditch effort to rescue their financially struggling company
Stallone, already a fan of the brand, verbally agreed to the partnership while filming 'Daylight, where two new references with the name Sly Tech on the dial and his signature on the case back would be created for the film. Sly, being Stallone’s nickname, and Tech was short for Technology. The references would be 5218-205/A Submersible for underwater filming and a 5218-207/A Daylight for daytime use.
Due to limited resources in investing in the project, Panerai used existing Luminor 5218-201/A watches which had not yet been sold to create the new models. For the first 12 pieces, only the dials were replaced to ensure Sylvestor Stallone received the Submersibles speedily, retaining the original 5218-201/A caseback. The twelve modified Luminor Logos had the following case numbers: 0872, 0873, 0875, 0876, 0880, 0881, 0882, 0883, 0884, 0885, 0886 and 0887. The present lot offered, is stamped 0872 making it the first ever prototype and first ever watch produced in collaboration between Sylvester Stallone and Panerai. This watch holds significant historical value for Panerai, as the partnership played a pivotal role in helping the brand achieve global exposure and recognition.