Having a Rolex Explorer named after Steve McQueen is a bit odd for a couple of reasons. Let’s start with the fact that McQueen didn’t actually wear an Explorer. He preferred a Submariner. McQueen is also very closely associated with TAG Heuer after he wore the brand’s Monaco in the 1971 movie Le Mans.
So how did the ref. 1655 became known as the Steve McQueen? There are two stories. The first is that in the early days of the internet, hobbyists misidentified one of McQueen’s watches as a ref. 1655. The second theory is that Rolex used McQueen in advertisements promoting this watch but I can’t find evidence of that online. Better to stick with the watch the Italians gave this piece, the Freccione, meaning big arrow.
Day-Date
President
The Day-Date is the only Rolex model with a nickname that applies to the whole collection. Regardless of reference number, color or case metal the Day-Date is universally regarded as the President. This nickname is a testament to the number of US Presidents who have worn the model. Owners include Eisenhower, Johnson, Kennedy, and Trump. Not to confuse things but the three-link bracelet on the Day-Date is officially called the Presidential bracelet. Rolex maintains that ‘Presidential’ refers to the bracelet only.
Stella
Back in the 1970s, Rolex introduced a set of Day-Dates with brightly colored dials made of lacquer. Within the range were turquoise, orange, pink, and many others. The Stella isn’t an especially creative nickname. They got their name because a company called Stella provided the dials.
Emoji/Puzzle Dial/Jigsaw Dial
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