Steve McQueen watches command eye-watering sums. So much so that you’ll think twice about looking at your wrist. Watches belonging to the King of Cool have sold for £1.6 million at auction. McQueen’s watches aren’t just about master craftsmanship. They’re representative of a Hollywood icon who cemented his racing chops by finishing 2nd overall in the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring behind the wheel of his Porsche 908.
The value of McQueen’s timepieces continues to amaze collectors. His Rolex collection stands out, and collectors worldwide chase after his Submariner models. A Submariner reference 5513 that he gave to his stuntman brought an incredible sum at auction in 2018. His screen-worn timepieces have achieved legendary status. The Rolex Submariner from Bullitt demands sky-high prices because it appeared in one of cinema’s greatest car chases. Anyone wanting to own watches as with McQueen’s movie pieces should be ready to spend big. Vintage models cost around $16,000, and this is a big deal as it means that special editions like the TAG Heuer WAW2170 with V4 Caliber can reach $70,000.
Steve McQueen’s influence reached far beyond movies and into the world of luxury timepieces. His iconic watch choices on screen created legends that collectors still chase passionately today.
McQueen’s choice of the square-faced TAG Heuer Monaco 1133B in “Le Mans” created an enduring legacy. The watch stood out with its blue dial, white subdials, and groundbreaking Caliber 11—one of the first automatic chronograph movements. The actor’s decision transformed this once struggling design into one of TAG Heuer’s most sought-after models. This is a big deal as it means that authentic vintage Monaco 1133B pieces now sell for over $30,000, with pristine examples fetching upwards of $50,000.
McQueen rocked a military-inspired Benrus Series 3061 in “Bullitt” that perfectly matched his character Detective Frank Bullitt’s tough image. The watch featured a black dial, luminous markers, and a sturdy stainless steel case. While not as flashy as his other timepieces, this watch has gained a loyal following. Vintage pieces now command between $8,000-12,000 depending on their condition and history.
The sophisticated Thomas Crown role called for an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox alarm watch. Its clean dial design and practical alarm function suited a busy businessman with a taste for art theft. McQueen paired this subtle yet luxurious timepiece with impeccable suits throughout the film. Collectors now pay between $7,000-15,000 at auction for original Memovox models from this era, especially those matching the film version.
McQueen showed his refined side with the Cartier Tank Cintrée during formal events. This rectangular watch’s sleek profile and understated dial revealed his sophisticated nature rather than his rebellious spirit. The Tank Cintrée remains one of Cartier’s most prestigious pieces. Vintage examples from McQueen’s time sell between $20,000-35,000, with prices varying based on materials and condition.
McQueen’s on-screen watches gained fame, but his off-screen watch priorities showed his real personal style and taste. The Rolex Submariner models—especially when you have references 5512 and 5513—became part of the actor’s identity beyond Hollywood.
McQueen chose the Rolex Submariner as his everyday watch, unlike his movie timepieces. The rugged yet sophisticated diving watch went together with one another with his relaxed persona. The Submariner stayed on McQueen’s wrist throughout the 1960s and 70s as he raced motorcycles through the desert and attended motorsport events. His adventurous lifestyle found a perfect match in the resilient 40mm stainless steel case, rotatable bezel, and water resistance. Photos from racing competitions at Sebring and Le Mans captured the Submariner as his trusted timekeeper.
McQueen showed his legendary generosity in 1964 when he gave a Rolex Submariner reference 5513 to his longtime stuntman and friend, Loren Janes. The caseback carried a special message: “LOREN, THE BEST DAMN STUNTMAN IN THE WORLD. STEVE.” The watch survived incredible hardship—including the devastating 2016 Sand Fire that destroyed Janes’ California home. Rolex professionally restored the timepiece despite severe damage and preserved both its mechanical integrity and the precious inscription that linked these two Hollywood legends.
The McQueen-Janes Submariner sold at auction for an astounding $234,000 in 2018. This sale showed how much collectors value timepieces with direct McQueen connections. Similar Submariner models linked to McQueen sell for 30-50% more than watches without the McQueen connection. These pieces continue to show strong investment potential through rising auction results. Modern watch enthusiasts who want the McQueen look often pick current Submariner references that mirror the vintage 5512 and 5513 designs. This keeps his watch legacy alive fifty years after he first wore these iconic timepieces.
A strange mystery in the watch world continues to puzzle enthusiasts – the lasting connection between Steve McQueen and a timepiece he never actually owned.
The Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655 stands out with its orange arrow-tipped hand (nicknamed “freccione” in Italian). Watch collectors have tied this model to McQueen’s name, much like the Paul Newman Daytona’s famous connection. Rolex designed this watch for cave explorers and speleologists, but their original 1971 release failed to impress buyers.
The largest longitudinal study by watch experts revealed absolutely no photographic evidence of McQueen wearing an Explorer II 1655. His clear favorite was the Submariner 5512, which appears in countless photos. Even when McQueen’s image showed up next to the Explorer II in ads, he wasn’t wearing the advertised model.
An Italian magazine started this myth when it wrongly reported McQueen wore the Explorer II. The story goes that an Italian wholesaler thought over spreading this connection to boost poor sales. The irony lies in how McQueen’s imagined connection turned an unsuccessful model into a collector’s prize. This Explorer II 1655 now brings premium prices at auction, showing that perception can match value in the vintage watch market.
Steve McQueen’s collection went far beyond the iconic timepieces that made him famous. His taste in watches revealed some fascinating rarities that tell us more about his personality.
The German-made Hanhart 417 ES chronograph held a special place in McQueen’s heart during the early 1960s. This tough pilot’s watch became his trusted companion during adrenaline-pumping motorcycle races. McQueen wore this timepiece at the International Six Days Trial (ISDT) in East Germany, an event many called the Olympics of enduro motorcycle racing. Photos from 1963 show him wearing the 417 ES with a distinctive bund-style strap at his Palm Springs home. Watch enthusiasts can get their hands on a modern version of McQueen’s favorite timepiece for about $2,000.
McQueen’s character in “The Great Escape” (1963) sports a Rolex Speedking—a choice that reflects historical accuracy. Allied prisoners received these watches through Red Cross packages after German guards took their original timepieces. Records show that at least one officer involved in the actual Stalag Luft III escape had a Rolex during the event. The model’s modest 30-34mm case size has left it overlooked by most collectors.
REC Watches has created something special with their TTT Great Escape timepiece. They’ve used actual parts from McQueen’s 1962 Triumph TR6 Trophy motorcycle from “The Great Escape”. The watch comes in a limited run of 393 pieces and costs $1,995. Its dial contains material from the original clutch plates that were replaced when the motorcycle was restored. The innovative design lets wearers turn the dial 30° clockwise to switch from “Dress” to “Ride” mode, making it easier to read while riding.
Few celebrities have had such a lasting impact on watches like Steve McQueen. His timepieces paint a portrait of the King of Cool: poised somewhere between rugged and sophisticated, adventurous yet grounded. While many Hollywood stars have left their mark on the watch industry, few have watches that sell for six figures long after their deaths.
Analysing McQueen’s Watches can show you some of his trademarks. From adventure-seeking when he wore his Submariner daily to a mysterious sophistication when he donned his Cartier Tank Cintrée, McQueen selected watches that suited his multi-faceted personality. His watches weren’t just accessories, they completed his look.
McQueen Watches are interesting not just because they were worn by McQueen. Many of the watches McQueen favoured were crucial to turning points in watch history. The Monaco 11: 33 B became TAG Heuer’s lead model when McQueen wore it racing against the clock in films. Though he never owned an Explorer II, McQueen helped transform the watch from one of Rolex’s least popular models to a modern icon.
McQueen Watches have also held their value as investments. Watches proven to have been owned by McQueen demand 30-50% more at auction than other identical models. McQueen’s gifted Submariner Reference 55: 13 sold for an impressive $234,000 despite needing restoration after being damaged by fire.
Wearing a Steve McQueen Watch doesn’t have to cost you six figures. While vintage models command astronomical prices, there are plenty of modern watches inspired by McQueen. From the REC TTT Great Escape to the Helson Fusion Range, you can channel McQueen’s timeless style. No matter which watch you choose, wearing something as Steve McQueen wore helps you connect with a man who forever changed watches.
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