Steve McQueen: 5 iconic watches from the king of cool, from the Rolex Submariner to the Heuer Monaco

For decades, Steve McQueen has embodied masculine style in its purest form. His watchmaking choices, from Rolex to TAG Heuer, continue to fascinate collectors the world over. Yet behind every watch worn by the actor lies a captivating story that few really know.

Steve McQueen and his passion for character watches

The American actor never chose his accessories by chance. Every watch on his wrist reflected his rebellious personality and his taste for precision engineering. As a result, his timepieces have become sought-after icons for watch enthusiasts.

Steve McQueen owned several Rolex models that he wore on a daily basis. His Submariner reference 5512 remains one of the most famous in his personal collection. At the time, this timepiece represented the perfect alliance between robustness and discreet elegance.

As a result, auctions of watches linked to the actor are reaching record sums. Collectors vie for every piece that once belonged to the “King of Cool”. What’s more, the authenticity of these timepieces is meticulously verified by experts.

“A watch doesn’t just tell the time, it tells who you are.

The Rolex Submariner: a symbol of adventure

The Submariner accompanied Steve McQueen in his most intense activities. This diver’s watch withstood both filming and racing. However, the actor wore it not for its water-resistance, but for its timeless design.

The black dial and steel case of the Rolex Submariner were perfectly suited to its casual style. This sobriety explains why this model remains so popular today. Vintage versions now fetch considerable prices on the secondary market.

• Rolex Submariner 5512: iconic model worn by the actor
• TAG Heuer Monaco: made famous by the film Le Mans
• Rolex Explorer II: another piece associated with McQueen
• Heuer Autavia: a chronograph popular with pilots
• Cartier Tank: an elegant watch from its collection

The TAG Heuer Monaco and the Le Mans film

In 1971, the film Le Mans propelled a watch to legendary status. Steve McQueen wears a TAG Heuer Monaco on his wrist during the racing scenes. This cinematic exposure transformed the chronograph into an object of desire for entire generations.

The TAG Heuer – Monaco Calibre 11, the Steve McQueen version, boasts a bold design with its distinctive square case. This automatic chronograph stood out for its innovative movement and avant-garde style. As a result, this timepiece has become inseparable from the American actor’s image.

The TAG Heuer – Monaco blue is the archetypal waterproof square chronograph. Its deep-blue dial and contrasting counters make it an instantly recognizable timepiece. As a result, modern reissues continue to appeal to lovers of fine mechanical engineering.

An enduring watchmaking heritage

Watch brands are still capitalizing on Steve McQueen’s image. TAG Heuer regularly offers special editions paying tribute to the actor. However, Rolex has never officially used his name in its communications.

This discretion doesn’t prevent vintage models linked to McQueen from achieving spectacular bids. In 2018, a Rolex once owned by the actor sold for several million dollars. Each new sale also revives interest in his personal collection.

Why these watches still fascinate collectors

The appeal of Steve McQueen’s watches goes beyond mere market value. These timepieces embody an era when masculine style was defined by assertive choices. What’s more, they bear witness to an authentic relationship with mechanical objects.

Vintage Rolex enthusiasts are particularly interested in watches with a documented provenance. The traceability of a watch that once belonged to a celebrity considerably increases its value. On the other hand, forged certificates of authenticity are a recurring problem in this market.

For young collectors, acquiring a watch similar to McQueen’s remains affordable. Today’s models echo the aesthetic codes of the original pieces. In this way, anyone can be inspired by the actor’s style without paying astronomical sums.

Steve McQueen’s influence on contemporary watchmaking remains undeniable. His choices continue to guide the trends and reissues of the major houses. As a result, his stylistic legacy remains as relevant as ever.

• Rolex