Watches The British Royal Family Wears — Cartier, Rolex, And Omega.
The interview, everyone is talking about, had its premiere yesterday in the US and today it will be released in Europe. Meghan Markle and Harry spoke with Oprah Winfrey about everything that raised doubts about their relationship and the reasons behind Megxit. Other burning issues they are tackling are their relationships with other royals, racism, and how their mental health suffered. Apart from the various controversies, they have a big impact on the current trends, maintaining, as they do, an impeccable style. Are you curious about what watches the British royal family wears on their wrists? Read on to find out more!
Meghan Markle wearing Cartier Tank Française / Photo: Matt Sayles/PA/AAPSource:AAP
Meghan Markle and her love for Cartier
Women belonging to the royal family undoubtedly love Cartier. Not only have four generations of the royal family have worn the Cartier Halo tiara, but also the duchesses wear Cartier watches. Meghan Markle was a Cartier fan even before becoming Harry’s wife. She bought herself her first two-tone Cartier Tank Française just after finding out that Suits was returning for a third season. Also, that Cartier was purchased to commemorate another important moment in her life. She bought it imagining she would one day give it to her daughter. That’s why she decided to engrave the case back with a message: “To M.M. From M.M.”
Another Cartier watch Meghan Markle has is Diana’s gold Cartier Tank Française watch. The timepiece which belonged to Diana in the 1990s was gifted to Meghan by Harry. It hadn’t been seen in public for years until recently. Meghan, during her appearance at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, wore the gold Cartier Tank along with the Cartier bracelet that also belonged to Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry wearing the Rolex Explorer II / Photo: Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his Rolex
Prince Harry’s watch collection boasts at least two quality pieces. The one he wears the most often is the Rolex Explorer II 216570. A gorgeous timepiece made of stainless steel, it features the bright orange 24-hour hand and white dial. Another watch he was spotted wearing is the Breitling Aerospace. Well, I must admit both choices are a true reflection of his style and capabilities. Don’t forget he has served tours in Afghanistan where he was promoted to Captain. Thus he couldn’t have chosen better than two tool watches.
Close up of Kate Middleton wearing Ballon Blue de Cartier / Photo: Getty Images
Another Cartier enthusiast — Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge
We will find out how much in common has Kate Middleton with Meghan Markle from the new Meghan and Harry interview. What is certain, however, is that both Duchesses have similar tastes in watches. Kate is the lucky owner of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier. This watch was a gift from her husband Prince William for their third wedding anniversary in 2014. And as if that wasn’t enough, Prince William commissioned the replacement of the sapphire which features the crown of the watch. For this, he used one of the sapphires that in the past used to belong to Diana. Sounds sweet, doesn’t it?
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William wearing Omega Seamaster / Photo: Getty Images
Prince William rocks Omega
Prince William’s mid-size Omega Seamaster Professional 300m 2561.80.00 is a truly special timepiece. This watch was a gift from his mother Princess Diana. He got this Seamaster as a child, and since then it’s been something he hasn’t parted with. Even on his wedding day in 2011, he wore it which I must admit is quite an astonishing choice for a wedding watch.
Princess Diana wearing Patek Philippe Ref. 3445 and Patek Philippe Ref. 3618 / Photo: Graham Wood/Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock
Diana — the Queen of Hearts and her wrist game
Princess Diana, a woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and a constant source of style inspiration loved watches. The timepieces Princess Diana collected and wore over the years had special meaning. Also, she was probably the first woman who wore two watches at the same time. Soon after she got engaged, we could spot her at Guards Polo Club in Windsor while wearing Prince Charles’ Patek Philippe Ref. 3445 and her gold Patek Philippe Ref. 3618. Her Patek was a gift from Prince Charles for Diana’s 20th birthday. Other important timepieces in her collection were a diamond-set Vacheron Constantin 4481, a gold Tank Louis Cartier watch, and a gold Tank Française.
Close up of Prince Charles’ Parmigiani Fleurier Toric chronograph/Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Prince Charles and his unexpected choices
Prince Charles has a pretty impressive collection of watches. Starting with classics such as the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric chronograph with Roman numerals or the Patek Philippe 3445, ending with more unexpected choices like Hamilton RAF Pilot’s Chronograph 924-3306 or Santos de Cartier. Undeniably, he has a very specific taste when it comes to watches which is very tough to define. Another extraordinary timepiece we can see him wearing is the gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Patek Philippe reference 2503, and finally the Breguet 3680 BA.
Queen Elizabeth II wearing Omega Ladymatic / Photo: National Portrait / PA
The world’s first female watch collector? Queen Elizabeth II
By far the most powerful woman in the world (and my personal inspiration) Queen Elizabeth II is perhaps the very first female watch collector. On her coronation day, the Queen of the United Kingdom wore a discreet Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 which later on became one of her beloved everyday watches. Moreover, to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee, Jaeger-LeCoultre gifted Queen Elizabeth II a new version of the iconic 101.
Another one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite watches is the Omega Ladymatic! This gold Ladymatic is the only watch the Queen has ever shown in all its glory in her official portrait from 1992. As the creator of Omega Ladies Club, I’m always so moved when I look at this photo.
The Queen of the United Kingdom is rumored to own over 14 luxury watches, including a Cartier, more Patek Philippe, and at least one Audemars Piguet. Recently we can see her wearing a gold Jules Audemars from Audemars Piguet and a Patek Philippe ref. 4975. For me, the Queen possesses an enviable watch taste that speaks for itself — so feminine and so powerful!
Which of these regal choices is your favorite? Are any of them on your wish list? Let me know in the comment section! For me, it’s the modern, gold Ladymatic!
