Worn by: Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo
Reference: Panerai Luminor
Brand: Panerai
Vietnam veteran John Rambo lives a solitary existence in Thailand, capturing snakes and ferrying passengers on his boat, until missionaries convince him to transport them into war-torn Burma where he must rescue them from brutal military forces. The Pre-Vendome Luminor Base represents Panerai at its most fundamental—no date, no complications, just hours, minutes, and legendary durability. For Rambo's character, living off-grid in Southeast Asian jungles, this minimalist tool watch makes perfect sense. The "Pre-Vendome" designation refers to Panerai's pre-1997 production before Richemont acquisition, making these watches extremely collectible today. The Base model strips away everything unnecessary, featuring Panerai's OP X caliber (based on ETA Unitas 6497) with 8-day power reserve. The 44mm cushion case and distinctive crown-protecting bridge derive directly from Panerai's 1950s military frogman watches. For a character who has rejected civilization and lives by survivalist principles, the Base's honest, no-frills construction—legible sandwich dial, wire lugs, Plexiglas crystal—reflects pure functionality. Stallone's personal collection influenced this choice, and his advocacy made Panerai the definitive action-hero watch brand of the 2000s.