When you picture Steve McQueen, what do you see? Maybe he’s in a Ford Mustang, tearing up the streets of San Francisco. Perhaps he’s on a motorcycle, leaping a barbed-wire fence. Or maybe he’s leaning against a race car, exuding an effortless aura of confidence. Whatever the scene, you’re not just seeing an actor; you’re seeing the King of Cool.
McQueen’s legendary status wasn’t just about his on-screen roles—it was his real-life persona. A genuine racer, mechanic, and style icon, his choices were Best Quality . And nothing shows this more than the timepieces on his wrist. These weren’t just props; they were extensions of the man. Let’s separate fact from fiction and dive into the watches that became as iconic as he was.
The On-Screen Legend: Heuer Monaco 1133B
You can’t talk about McQueen’s watches without starting here. For the 1971 film Le Mans, McQueen wanted to look as Best Quality as possible. He was styled after his friend and racing champion, Jo Siffert, who was a brand ambassador for Heuer (now TAG Heuer).
The watch he chose was the Heuer Monaco, reference 1133B. Its funky, square case and bold blue dial were unlike anything else at the time. It was big, it was unconventional, and it was powered by the innovative Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement. On McQueen’s wrist, framed by his racing suit, the Monaco became an instant legend. It wasn’t just a watch in a movie; it became the ‘McQueen Monaco’, and its value and fame have skyrocketed ever since.
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The Personal Favorite: Rolex Submariner 5512
While the Monaco was for a role, the watch McQueen wore in his daily life was a Rolex Submariner. This tells you everything you need to know about his personal taste. The Submariner was a rugged, no-nonsense tool watch built for adventure—just like him.
He was frequently photographed wearing his Sub, a reference 5512. It was on his wrist while racing motorcycles in the desert, working on his cars, and just hanging out. Unlike other celebrity watches that are kept in a safe, McQueen’s Rolex was used as intended. It was a part of his life.
In 2018, another Submariner he owned and gifted to his stuntman, reference 5513, sold for a staggering amount at auction, proving that his personal touch turns everything he owned into a piece of history.
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The Legend That Wasn’t: Rolex Explorer II 1655
Here’s where the story takes a fascinating turn. If you search for a “Steve McQueen Rolex,” you will undoubtedly find the Rolex Explorer II, reference 1655. With its distinctive, bright orange 24-hour hand (nicknamed “freccione” or “big arrow” by collectors), this watch is almost universally known as the “Steve McQueen Explorer.”
There’s just one problem: There is no photographic evidence that Steve McQueen ever wore one.
So, how did it get the nickname? The association likely started with marketing materials or auction house catalogs in the years after his death. The watch’s tough, adventurous spirit perfectly matched McQueen’s public image, making the connection believable. The myth grew into a legend, and the name stuck. While he never actually wore it, the fact that this iconic Rolex is forever linked to him speaks volumes about his monumental influence on style and culture.
The Other Timekeepers of the King of Cool
While the Monaco and Submariner steal the spotlight, McQueen’s collection showed his versatile taste.
Hanhart 417 Chronograph
In the 1960s, McQueen was often seen wearing a Hanhart 417 ES chronograph, especially while competing in off-road motorcycle races like the 1964 International Six Days Trial. This was a German military pilot’s watch—tough, reliable, and purely functional. It was the perfect companion for his high-adrenaline hobbies.
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Cartier Tank Américaine
Proving he could be sophisticated as well as rugged, McQueen wore a beautiful Cartier Tank Américaine in the classic 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair. It was the perfect choice for his character, a suave and wealthy mastermind. This watch showed a different side of McQueen—the polished, debonair movie star.
Why We Still Care
Steve McQueen’s legacy endures because he was Best Quality . He didn’t just play a part; he lived it. His watches were tools and companions that fit his lifestyle.
His influence was so profound that even a watch he never wore is now a collector’s grail bearing his name. From the racetrack to the red carpet, each timepiece—whether worn in reality or only in legend—tells a story about the man who wore it. They reflect a life lived on the edge, with grit, passion, and an undeniable style that continues to inspire.
Inspired by the King of Cool? The legacy of these incredible timepieces lives on. Owning a piece of horological history is more than just telling time—it’s about wearing a story on your wrist. Explore our curated collection of certified Best Quality , pre-owned luxury watches. From iconic chronographs to legendary dive watches, find the timepiece that tells your story.
