What are the British royal family’s favourite watches? Meghan Markle favours the Cartier Tank while Queen Elizabeth wears a Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101
By Emily Schmidt
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth opted for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101 for her coronation in 1953. Photo: AP Photo
The queen herself is known to be drawn to timepieces that are discreet and feminine, and perhaps nothing shows this more than the watch she chose to wear to her coronation in 1953.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101 Photo: HandoutThe Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101 that she opted for was a technical masterpiece for its time, and even to this day the diamond-encrusted bracelet still remains the smallest watch movement in the world. Ever the trailblazer, the queen.
Prince Harry: Rolex Explorer II and Breitling Aerospace Advantage
Prince Harry was given a limited-edition Breitling Aerospace Advantage. Photo: AFPPrince Harry’s watch choices, as you would expect, are a little different from the rest of his family. The Duke of Sussex, who spent time on the front lines in Afghanistan as a member of the armed services, was given a limited-edition Breitling Aerospace Advantage, awarded to pilots who have completed combat missions.Close-up shots of Prince Harry’s watches – the Rolex Explorer II and Breitling Aerospace Advantage. Photos: rolex.com, crownandcaliber.com
He also has a stainless-steel Rolex Explorer II watch, said to be a favourite among pilots for its useful functions.
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Meghan Markle’s Cartier Tank
Meghan Markle was spotted wearing a Cartier Tank watch before she became a royal. Photo: AFPSince Meghan Markle married her prince in 2018, she seems to have all but dropped a watch from any look she sports, but back when she was an actress and living in Tinseltown, she was spotted wearing a Cartier Tank watch all the time.A close-up shot of the Cartier Tank Francaise. Photo: crownandcaliber.com
She reportedly bought the elegant piece as a gift to herself, with an inscription on the back reading: “To MM, from MM”.
Prince William: Omega Seamaster Professional
Britain’s Prince William wears a Omega Seamaster Professional. Photo: PA Wire/DPA
One would be forgiven for assuming that the second in line to the British throne would be sporting a top of the range, high-end timepiece on his wrist – but that would be wrong. Prince William tends to favour the Omega Seamaster Professional watch.
Prince William opted for an Omega Seamaster Professional on his wedding day. Photo: omegawatches.com
A gift from Diana, Princess of Wales, William also wore the watch on his wedding day, in what could only have been a sentimental nod to his late mother.
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Kate Middleton: Cartier Ballon Bleu
Kate Middleton has been pictured a number of times sporting a Cartier Ballon Bleu timepiece. Photo: @Sapphireblues3/Twitter
Ever the picture of poise and grace, Kate Middleton’s choice of watch fits right in with her classy yet down to earth image.
Cartier Ballon Bleu. Photo: cartier.com
She has been pictured a number of times sporting a Cartier Ballon Bleu timepiece, which was given to her by her husband, Prince William.
Princess Diana: Patek Philippe
The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was a fan of watches. Photo: @The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was an undeniable trendsetter, so it would be a travesty to leave her off this list. Diana was a fan of watches and was even once seen wearing two on the same wrist while watching her then-husband Prince Charles play in a polo match.Both watches that Diana was seen sporting were from Patek Philippe. Photos: whichwatchnext.com
One was Charles’ Patek Philippe Disco Volante, whilst the other was a Patek Philippe watch that Charles had given her for her 21st birthday.