Inspired by the Netflix series The Crown, Watchfinder takes a look at the watches worn by the British Royal Family. What kind of watches do they wear?
Article published on December 2, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom wears a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse
As you can imagine, Queen Elizabeth owns a number of beautiful timepieces. According to Watchfinder, she is particularly fond of Patek Philippe, including the Golden Ellipse with a white gold case and blue dial set with diamonds, and the 4975G with a diamond-set dial and pearl bracelet, which she wore for Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement and wedding.
When it comes to her favorites other than Patek Philippe, a jewelry watch equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101 is an absolute must. This movement was developed in 1929 and, at 14mm long and 4.8mm wide, is the world's smallest mechanical movement. The Queen wore a jewelry watch equipped with the Caliber 101 at her coronation in 53. The Queen also owned a gold and diamond Vacheron Constantin, which was given to Princess Diana after her marriage to Prince Charles.
Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Française
Princess Diana was known for her unique style. When she married Prince Charles, he gave her a specially made Vacheron Constantin Lady Cara watch. She was also known to have favored Cartier, the French jeweler and watch brand.
Princess Diana often wore a Cartier Tank, and it was something of a symbol. She owned two models: the Tank Louis Cartier, with a yellow gold case and black strap, and the Tank Française, also in yellow gold. The latter was passed down to Prince William as part of her heirloom, but when he was engaged to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, he traded it for a sapphire engagement ring that his brother Prince Harry had chosen as part of his mother's heirloom, and it is said that Prince Harry now owns the Tank Française.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, loves Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre
A bastion of traditional style, the Patek Philippe Calatrava has long been one of Prince Charles's favorites. In a 1981 photograph of then-engaged Princess Diana attending a polo match with Prince Charles, she can be seen wearing both a Patek Philippe watch given to her by Charles and a Calatrava that belonged to Prince Charles.
Another favorite model is the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph, which he wore to his son Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. The Prince's impressive collection also includes a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a Cartier Santos, and a personalized Breguet, which he received as a gift for his 60th birthday.
What watches do Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle wear?
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, wears an Omega Seamaster Professional
Prince William's favorite watch, the one he wore at his engagement press conference with Kate Middleton, is an Omega Seamaster Professional. It is said to have been a gift from his mother, Princess Diana, and he wears it almost every time he appears in public. It must be an important keepsake for him. Of course, he also wore it at his wedding to Kate Middleton.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, loves Cartier's Ballon Bleu de Cartier
In 2011, Kate Middleton became a member of the royal family when she married Prince William, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II. Always elegant and attracting attention for her fashion sense, she wears a Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch. This watch was a gift from her husband, Prince William, to commemorate their third wedding anniversary. The combination of the stainless steel case and blue crown is a perfect match for the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Kate Middleton always wears.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, wears a Breitling professional model
Prince Harry has long worn the Breitling Aerospace Evo. In a photo taken at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a special emblem not found on the regular model can be seen on the dial, suggesting it was likely a custom-made watch made for some kind of commemorative occasion. In addition to this watch, his impressive collection also includes a rare model: a special edition Rolex Explorer II. This watch is one of only 48 in the world and was made specifically for the Royal Flying Corps, of which Prince Harry served.
Prince Michael wears an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Prince Michael, cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, is known as one of the most elegant members of the British royal family. His favorite watch is apparently the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in stainless steel and yellow gold. He also collaborated with British watch brand Backes & Strauss to release the Royal Kent Collection in 2019, featuring his coat of arms on the dial.
