Discover our carefully curated selection of pre-owned Rolex Explorer Steve McQueen watches, chosen for authenticity, condition and collector appeal. Whether you know it as the Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer or the Steve McQueen Rolex Explorer, these vintage tool watches offer enduring character and real-world usability.
Shop online with fully insured UK delivery, or visit our London showroom for one-to-one guidance from our specialists. Every watch undergoes comprehensive checks and authentication before listing, with transparent photos and descriptions for confident buying. Explore our current second-hand selection below, or ask us to source a specific example if it’s not in stock.
Use the filters to refine by dial details, condition, year and price. Each listing includes high-resolution imagery and an in-depth description so you can evaluate originality and patina at a glance. Can’t see the exact Rolex Explorer Steve McQueen you want? Submit a sourcing request and our team will notify you as soon as a suitable piece arrives.
For over 30 years, BQ Watches has helped clients buy, sell and care for pre-owned luxury timepieces, including Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer models.
Collectors prize the Steve McQueen Rolex Explorer for its rugged character, highly legible dial, fixed 24‑hour bezel and striking orange 24‑hour hand - hallmarks that embody true tool‑watch utility and vintage charm. Buying pre‑owned unlocks discontinued variants, desirable dial textures and honest patina that new watches simply cannot offer. It also allows you to evaluate originality and provenance with our expert help, often with faster availability than waiting for the right piece to surface elsewhere.
Among collectors, certain vintage Explorer II models are nicknamed the “Steve McQueen,” a reference to their adventurous character, tool-watch ethos, and striking visual identity. The nickname is most closely associated with early references featuring a bold orange 24-hour hand, a fixed steel bezel with engraved numerals, and a highly legible dial designed for practical use in demanding environments.
Although the name has no official connection to Rolex and there is no documented evidence that Steve McQueen wore the model, the moniker has endured within the collecting community. It reflects the watch’s perceived alignment with McQueen’s on-screen persona - rugged, independent, and exploration-driven—rather than any formal endorsement.
Today, the “Steve McQueen” Explorer II remains one of the most recognisable vintage sports Rolex references, valued for its utilitarian design language, historical significance within the Explorer line, and unmistakable styling that continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you want to buy Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer watches or sell Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer pieces from your collection, our team offers transparent advice on pricing, condition and availability. Browse our curated selection online any time, or visit our London showroom for tailored guidance. Can’t find the exact model today? Send us your preferences and we’ll alert you when a suitable Rolex Explorer Steve McQueen becomes available.
You can also sell to us, part‑exchange, or request an expert valuation.
