From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: the Watches of the British Royal Family.
What’s on the wrists of the most famous Monarchy?
The British monarchy is without a doubt the most famous royal family in the world.
They have remained the subject of fascination (and sometimes, scrutiny), so all eyes are
on them when they step out in public.
Royals abide by very specific rules when it comes to dressing up, even down to the accessories.
One of the accessories they hold in high regard, are wrist watches.
What kind of watches have graced the wrists of the most famous Royals?
And what are the stories behind them?
Stay tuned, to find out.
Let’s start with the watches of Prince William.
The Prince has been wearing his quartz, mid-sized Omega Seamaster Blue Wave Dial watch for over
a decade now.
This particular timepiece was given to him by his mother, the late Princess Diana, and
has been his go-to timepiece ever since – he even wore it during his wedding to Kate Middleton.
This Bond Wave Dial Seamaster comes in a stainless steel case, and brushed, polished stainless
steel bracelet which makes it wearable for a number of occassions.
William wears it from casual appearances, to official duties as a Royal.
Prince Harry also wears popular sport watch models – the Rolex Explorer II, and the
Breitling Aerospace.
During his time in the military, Prince Harry frequently wore his Rolex Explorer II White
Dial Orange Hand - also known as the Polar.
Designed for cave explorers, the Polar has a robust build, highly legible dial, and a
24-hour bezel and orange hand that helps distinguish night and day.
Prince Harry has served several terms in the military, and this adventurer’s watch is
a good fit for the extreme conditions of his assignment.
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Prince Harry’s other watch is a Breitling Aerospace, which was especially made for pilots.
The Prince is actually trained to fly Apache attack helicopters, so he most likely makes
good use of the watch’s features.
The Aerospace has a durable yet lightweight titanium case, and large, contrasting hands.
This is coupled with a backlit digital display which makes the watch easy to read in any
lighting.
From the Princes, we go to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
Kate is well-known for her elegant and timeless style; and her sartorial sense is admired
by women the world over.
Kate sports the classic and delicate Cartier Ballon Bleu in stainless steel.
With a blue spinel cabochon floating like a balloon on its side, it’s a perfect match
for the sapphire engagement ring given to her by Prince William.
Perhaps the most popular Cartier Ballon Bleu fan, Kate Middleton wears hers in a variety
of occasions – from polo matches to royal tours.
She wears the stainless steel, medium-sized piece, which is one of the more modest models
in the collection.
The newest member of the Royal Family, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, also wears a Cartier
timepiece.
Meghan’s Cartier Tank Francaise was acquired even before she became a royal, but the classic
timepiece suits her current tailored ensembles, and is in line with the royal family’s taste.
The French maison has been a favorite among Royals for centuries!
The watch is one of Meghan’s earliest acquisitions during her stint in Hollywood.
She rewarded herself with the watch after the third season of Suits, and it’s engraved
at the back with the message “To M.M., from M.M.”
Of course, we haven’t forgotten about the more senior members of the family.
They have magnificent taste in timepieces, too!
Camilla Parker Bowles, The Duchess of Cornwall has kept her elegant but down-to-earth style
when she officially joined the royal family in 2005.
Like the rest of the ladies in the family, she wears a Cartier watch – a yellow gold
Tank with a leather strap.
Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, is not as visible as the immediate
family -- but he makes up for it by always being impeccably dressed.
He wears a two-tone, steel and rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak under the cuff.
Prince Charles, heir apparent, was often seen wearing a two-tone Cartier Santos and a yellow
gold Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso back in the day.
These days, he sports a Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph.
And finally, we have Queen Elizabeth.
The queen has an extensive collection of jewelry watches from Patek Philippe, Chopard, and
Audemars Piguet.
She currently wears an 18k yellow gold ladies Audemars Piguet timepiece.
Even with the limelight and status they enjoy, the British Royals value tradition and simplicity,
if we were only to judge by the watches they wear on their wrists.
Which timepiece was your favorite?
Tell us in the comments section!
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