In the new series “Tulsa King,” Sylvester Stallone takes on his first television role as Dwight “The General” Manfredi.
After spending 25 years behind bars, this character emerges as a formidable force in the criminal underworld of Oklahoma, wreaking chaos at the age of 75.
Dwight’s Life After Prison
The storyline centers on Dwight’s life as a capo with the New York mafia.
During his long imprisonment, he held fast to the principles of the Omertà code to protect his comrades.
However, as he steps out into the world again, he grapples with the realities of his criminal past and wonders if his loyalty will be returned by those he served.
To his dismay, upon his release, he finds that his former mafia allies have moved on and no longer see him as a leader.
Expecting to reclaim a prominent position as the right-hand man to the mob boss, he faces disappointment instead.
Instead of accolades, he’s assigned a demotion to Tulsa—a mission framed as an effort to broaden the mafia’s reach into rural landscapes.
With few options available, Dwight reluctantly accepts his fate, clinging to the remnants of his former life represented only by his suit and watch.
The Symbolism of His Watch
On a brighter note, Dwight’s watch is striking.
Stallone is known for his love of big timepieces, a typical choice for action heroes.
Yet in “Tulsa King,” he wears a watch that reflects his criminal past—a version of the yellow-gold Piaget Polo.
The late 1970s witnessed the emergence of integrated-bracelet sports watches, and the Piaget Polo, introduced in 1979, is particularly noteworthy.
Its unique gadrooned design coupled with satin-brushed surfaces give it a luxurious texture.
Weighing in at 132 grams and measuring 36mm, this watch flows elegantly on the wrist, reminiscent of fine jewelry, much like the striking Vacheron Constantin 222.
A vintage Piaget Polo suits an aging mobster perfectly.
In fact, Robert De Niro donned this very watch during key moments as Sam “Ace” Rothstein in “Casino.”
Contradictions in Timepieces
Wristwatch choices in films about gangsters often blur the line between functional timepieces and luxurious jewelry.
For instance, John Travolta showcased a Piaget Ultra-Thin in white gold adorned with a diamond dial in “Gotti.” Tom Hardy opted for an 18K gold Omega with a diamond bezel while portraying Reggie Kray in “Legend,” and De Niro sported a Mathey-Tissot featuring a jewel-encrusted bezel in “The Irishman.”
This penchant for exquisite watches among infamous characters poses an intriguing contradiction.
While many of these on-screen figures lack any moral compass, the timepieces they choose are consistently elegant and refined.
This contradiction creates a fascinating interplay between the artistry of horology and the brutal behaviors of the wearers, weaving a rich tapestry of grace and violence.
Source: Timeandtidewatches.com