Steve McQueen’s Watch Collection: What Makes These Timepieces Worth $100,000+ Today

Steve McQueen watches command astronomical prices that might make you look at your own timepiece differently. The “King of Cool’s” personal watches have sold for £1.6 million at auction. These watches represent more than expert craftsmanship – they tell the story of a Hollywood legend who proved his racing credentials by securing second place in the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring with 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.

The Watches That Defined McQueen’s On-Screen Legacy

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.

TAG Heuer Monaco 1133B: Le Mans (1971)

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.

Benrus 3061: Bullitt (1968)

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.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox: The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

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.

Cartier Tank Cintrée: A Touch of Elegance

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.

Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513: McQueen’s Personal Favorites

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 40mm Oyster Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial 5513

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.

Daily Wear and Racing Appearances

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.

Gifted Submariner 5513 to Stuntman Loren Janes

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.

Auction Value and Collectibility Today

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.

The Myth of the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655

A strange mystery in the watch world continues to puzzle enthusiasts – the lasting connection between Steve McQueen and a timepiece he never actually owned.

Why It’s Called the ‘Steve McQueen Rolex’

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.

No Evidence He Wore It

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.

How Marketing Created a Legend

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.

Rare and Revival Pieces in the McQueen Watch Collection

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.

Hanhart 417 ES: Off-Road Racing Companion

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.

Rolex Speedking: The Great Escape Connection

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 TTT Great Escape: Modern Tribute with Film DNA

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.

Conclusion

Steve McQueen’s watch legacy goes beyond simple celebrity endorsement. His watches reveal the story of the man behind the “King of Cool” persona – a perfect mix of adventure and sophistication, rugged yet refined. Very few Hollywood icons have shaped the watch world so deeply that their timepieces fetch six-figure prices decades after they’re gone.

McQueen’s collection shows clear patterns that mirror his complex personality. His choice of the Submariner for everyday wear shows his practical, adventure-loving nature. The elegant Cartier Tank Cintrée reveals a sophisticated side that few knew about. Each watch served as more than just an accessory – it became part of his iconic image.

These watches are fascinating for reasons beyond their McQueen connection. Many of them mark key moments in watchmaking history. The Monaco 1133B started as a commercial failure but became TAG Heuer’s flagship model thanks to McQueen wearing it on screen. The Explorer II story shows the power of McQueen’s name – it turned an unpopular model into a collector’s favorite even though he never wore one.

McQueen’s watches prove their worth as investments too. Watches that he owned sell for 30-50% more than similar models at auction. His gifted Submariner 5513 sold for an amazing $234,000, even after surviving fire damage and restoration.

You have many options to capture McQueen’s timeless style at different price points. Original pieces cost astronomical amounts, but modern tributes like the REC TTT Great Escape let you connect with his legacy without spending six figures. Whatever watch you choose, wearing a McQueen-inspired timepiece links you to a man who shaped watch culture forever. His watch choices, like his cultural influence, have truly stood time’s test.