In October last year, the Rolex watch that belonged to the famous actor Paul Newman became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at an auction for as much as $17.8 million.
Following this blockbuster series, the auction house Phillips now puts on the auction another legendary Rolex watch that was once worn by none other than Steve McQueen. Just like the Rolex owned by Newman, and this watch hides an incredible story.
Steve McQueen’s Rolex Watch
Legendary actor bought Submariner model 5513 in 1960. However, something later, in the 1970s, McQueen gave this watch to his favourite stunt double, Loren Janes.
Janes and McQueen have been working together since 1958 and during the next two decades Jane has performed some of the most interesting actions instead of the famous actor, including the well-known scene of the car from the movie Bullitt. McQueen also had the watch case back engraved with the words: “LOREN, THE BEST DAMN STUNTMAN IN THE WORLD. STEVE.” 5513 Rolex is the most famous Submariner owned by McQueen and the only one who owns his engraved name.
Steve McQueen’s Rolex Watch
The watch remained with Janes for the next four decades, but there was fear that it was destroyed in a fire that hit Los Angeles in 2016. Nearly all of Janes’s personal belongings and film memorabilia were lost, but the Rolex was found in his burnt-down property. It was sent to be restored by Rolex and then was purchased by Hollywood memorabilia collector and Beverly Hills Real Estate broker Michael Eisenberg.
olex will be on the auction block on October 25th, and is expected to come with an estimate of $300,000 to $600,000, though it is thought could sell for up to two million dollars.
Steve McQueen’s Rolex Watch
