Steve McQueen — watch collection

About Steve McQueen’s watch collection

Steve McQueen was an American actor and racing driver who became one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his roles in films including Bullitt, The Great Escape, and The Thomas Crown Affair, McQueen developed a reputation as an unconventional star who pursued his genuine interests rather than following industry conventions. His passion for motorsport and mechanical engineering informed his approach to both film roles and personal style, including his selection of wristwatches.

The Steve McQueen watch collection reflects a preference for functional, well-engineered timepieces over status symbols. Jaeger-LeCoultre emerged as his favored brand, with the actor frequently wearing the Memovox model, including the E857 with cream dial and black leather strap, and the Memovox Jumbo reference 5103592 in 10K yellow gold, visible in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968). These practical alarm watches aligned with his preference for utility-focused design.

McQueen's broader horological taste encompassed other accomplished manufacturers. He wore a Rolex gilt dial Submariner 5512 from the 1960s, a robust sports watch suited to both daily wear and diving. For formal occasions, he selected a Cartier Tank Cintrée in yellow gold (reference 21612), demonstrating versatility across dress and tool watches. During the 1971 racing film Le Mans, McQueen wore a Heuer Monaco reference 1133 steel chronograph, a choice reflecting his active engagement with motorsport and his appreciation for chronographs designed for professional use rather than display.