Full article written and shared to us by ROX  - examining how this anti-hero became ‘The King of Cool’, providing insight into his difficult upbringing, impeccable style and impressive career on the silver screen.

 

Steve McQueen's Style

"He would just get dressed in a quick second and always look great. I never saw him once get out of something to get into something else." - Chad McQueen, Son

Defining Features

Classic and simple
Clean-cut
Masculine
Bad boy edge

Signature Looks

Double denim with chukka or desert boots
Roll neck jumper with blazer
Khaki chinos with white plimsolls
Three-piece suit

Key Pieces

Harrington or leather jacket
TAG Heuer Monaco watch
Persol 714 folding sunglasses
Pocket square

 

 

Defining Films & Roles 

"I'm not sure whether I'm an actor who races or a racer who acts."

The Blob (1958) - First leading role, playing local hero Steve
The Magnificent Seven (1960) - Drifter Vin Tanner
The Great Escape (1963) - Captain Virgil Hilts
Bullitt (1968) - Detective Frank Bullitt
The Reivers (1969) - Handyman Boon Hogganbeck
The Getaway (1972) - Mastermind robber Carter 'Doc' McCoy
Papillon (1973) - Henri Charrière
Towering Inferno (1974) - Michael O'Halloran

 

 

Best Quotes

McQueen had the ability to never crack under the pressure of an interview, often dropping immortal lines:

"I live for myself and I answer to nobody."

"I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth."

"I don't believe in that phony hero stuff."

"If I hadn't made it as an actor, I might have wound up a hood."

"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting."

"When a horse learns to buy martinis, I'll learn to like horses."

"There's something about my shaggy dog eyes that makes people think I'm good. I'm not all that good."

 

 

Motorsports & Aviation

Finished top five in eight professional endurance car races, including the 12 hour Sebring.

Performed his own motorcycle stunts in The Great Escape, apart from the final jump.

Did a lot of his own driving in Bullitt.

When he passed away he had 38 cars and approx 140 motorcycles.

Owned iconic planes, including the 1945 Stearman, 1946 Piper-J3 Cub and 1931 Pitcairn PA-8 biplane.

 

 

TAG Heuer

A man of many talents, Steve McQueen is a movie legend that truly encapsulates TAG Heuer's 'Don't crack under pressure' philosophy.

In Le Mans, he wore a Heuer crest on his racing suit and a square-dial Heuer Monaco on his wrist, catapulting the watch into superstardom.

 

Discover more about Steve McQueen and TAG Heuer watches at ROX