Benrus W-113 and Bullitt: Steve McQueen’s watch on the big screen

In the 1968 film Bullitt, Steve McQueen embodies the modern, rebellious spirit of a police lieutenant. Behind the wheel of a green Mustang and wearing a Benrus W-113, McQueen merges style, character depth, and authenticity. Let’s dive into the story of this iconic watch and its unforgettable cinematic appearance.

McQueen, Bullitt, and the power of detail

Steve McQueen in the role of Lieutenant Frank Bullitt with his Benrus W-113

The 1968 movie Bullitt, starring and produced by Steve McQueen, remains inseparable from two things: the legendary green Ford Mustang Fastback V8 GT-390 used in a thrilling car chase through San Francisco, and the Benrus W-113 watch that adorned his wrist. Together, they helped define an era.

Steve McQueen’s method: acting through immersion

Known for his ability to capture the emotional tone of a script and reproduce it with precision, McQueen developed a unique approach to each role. He extracted key psychological and contextual elements, adopted signature postures, and focused on the visual identity of his characters—paying close attention to accessories and wardrobe, even when it meant bending historical accuracy.

When accessories define the role

McQueen often influenced the direction of a film’s aesthetic. From the Triumph TR6 in The Great Escape to the Heuer Monaco in Le Mans, he adapted scripts and props to better align with his personal style. In Bullitt, the requirements were demanding: the character needed to be a modern, attractive police lieutenant influenced by counterculture, yet still aligned with traditional law enforcement visuals.

Designing Bullitt’s visual identity

At the heart of Bullitt’s image is the iconic car—an American muscle car painted green to give it a touch of British elegance. The 10-minute chase scene through San Francisco’s steep streets (featuring landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf and Guadalupe Canyon Parkway) cemented the film’s place in pop culture.

Outfit and accessories, perfectly curated

McQueen's wardrobe was key to the character: a dark turtleneck sweater, a light trench coat, and a gun holster—blending elegance with authority. But to further anchor the character in realism, he chose a Benrus military watch: the W-113, widely recognized among collectors and Vietnam-era soldiers.

The Benrus W-113: a rugged military icon

With its unmistakable silhouette, the Benrus W-113 embodied the American military’s standard: robust, reliable, and built to perform. For the film, McQueen wore the watch with a black leather pilot strap—choosing to forgo the protective cuff that typically separated the case back from skin contact. (This accessory was designed to reduce shock and vibration during firearm use or while piloting vehicles.)

Technical specifications

This monobloc stainless steel mechanical watch featured a 17-jewel Swiss ETA 2750 hacking movement, manufactured by Benrus in the U.S. under reference Benrus GY1L2-DR2F2 hack-watch. With its compact 34mm case, it suited all wrist sizes. Uniquely, the watch was opened through the crystal, a design that enhanced corrosion and moisture resistance. It bore all standard-issue military engravings and was produced from 1967 into the early 1980s.

A cinematic timepiece turned cult classic

In Bullitt, the Benrus W-113 became more than just a prop—it symbolized authenticity, style, and the merging of actor and character. Today, it’s a collector’s dream and a lasting emblem of Steve McQueen’s legendary approach to cinema.