McQueen Rolex

[samson66]

Wanted to see if you could help me help a friend. He's looking for "the Rolex that Steve McQueen wore"

I know that was a 60's era Submariner, but I don't know much more than that.

I'm looking for the exact model, and the years it was produced. Told him I'd keep an eye out for it on our "for sale" board.

Thanks.

[Kobayashi]

My trip report to Fourtane and Steve McQueens 5513. And it is for sale.

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=351880

[samson66]

So the 5513 is the model he wore? What years was that produced?

What's the difference between the 5512 and 5513?

[locutus49]

The latest issue of the magazine The Rake has an article on the various watches Steve wore. His own daily watch was a Sub, but in Le Mans, Heuer made a product placement deal that required him to wear it. He did like the Monaco.

The article noted that there were very few photos of Steve wearing his Sub (in a lot of the famous photos he was wearing long sleeved shirts or leather jackets).

If you are really interested, google The Rake magazine and order the July 2014 issue with Hugh Jackman on the cover. The magazine covers fashion and high end watches in each issue.

[mike]

McQueen's watch recently auctioned for north of $230,000 USD. It was a 5512 though what year I'm not sure. Early versions were two line while latter versions carried four lines and would have used a 1560 or 1570 movement.

McQueen actually wore the watch in his last movie. Many photo exist of him and his Submariner.

The 5512 ceased production in 1978.

[phils]

Here is the story:
He owned and wore a 1972 or so year Rolex Sub. model 5512, a four line chronometer.
There are many pics of him wearing it and if you watch his last movie "Hunter"
you will see it.
BTW he drove an early 1950s model Chevy in the movie.

[samson66]

So the 5512 would be the actual model he wore, not the 5513? Or did he wear both at one point or another?

And appearance-wise, are there any differences between the two models other than the "official chonometer" script on the face?

[mike]

Originally Posted by samson66

So the 5512 would be the actual model he wore, not the 5513? Or did he wear both at one point or another?

And appearance-wise, are there any differences between the two models other than the "official chonometer" script on the face?

It was the 5512.

4 line indicate "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER"
OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED

Very early examples didn't carry the 4 line untill the advent of the 5513 which was not certified.

Poor sales compared to the 13 caused the departure of the 5512.

Other than the writing the differences are internal.

[Mack Bolan]

The Hunter & His Sub

[phils]

Originally Posted by samson66

So the 5512 would be the actual model he wore, not the 5513? Or did he wear both at one point or another?

And appearance-wise, are there any differences between the two models other than the "official chonometer" script on the face?

Yes. It was a 5512. Other than the writing on the dial they look alike.
If you look at the pic he gave the 5513 to his stunt man.

[samson66]

Great info, thanks everyone

Do the 5513's generally sell for more or less than the 5512's?

[mike]

Originally Posted by samson66

Great info, thanks everyone

Do the 5513's generally sell for more or less than the 5512's?

Apples to apples-less, but understand condition, varient (gilt dial etc... will affect pricing.)

The 5512 is generally considered more the collector's piece--again all things being equal.

[Kobayashi]

Great information! I learn something new every day here.

[sennheiserz]

So where does the Explorer II 1655 fit into things?

[Mr Daytona]

Originally Posted by sennheiserz

So where does the Explorer II 1655 fit into things?

It doesn't fit into things with Steve McQueen. He did not own the watch contrary to popular belief.