Ahead of King Charles’ coronation this Sunday, we have compiled a list of some of the royal family’s favourite watches. With their power and influence, it’s no surprise that many look to them for style inspiration. After all, if someone of their wealth and stature chooses a particular watch, it’s got to be good right? In cases where the watches stray a little too far from the average person’s budget, we have offered some alternatives. However, some contenders on our list may surprise you. So, which watches are worn by the royal family?
Watches Worn by the Royal Family
King Charles: Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph
We suggest: Frederique Constant Men’s Classic Chronograph Brown Leather Strap FC-292MC4P5
Starting with the man himself, King Charles has regularly been spotted wearing a Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph. Although not available to purchase from the brand anymore, it is believed to be worth around over a whopping £15,000.
If you’re on the hunt for a similar model, we would recommend this more affordable luxury piece from Frederique Constant. Part of the brand’s Classics collection, the watch is characterised by a gold-plated stainless steel case and a white guilloché textured dial. To add to the regal feel of the model, the dial is adorned with black Roman numerals and Breguet hands. The dial also boasts several different functions, such as a chronograph and a date display. Securing the watch to the wrist is a timeless brown leather strap, which is complementary to any taste. Other high-quality features include its FC-292 quartz movement, a water resistance of 60 metres, and a sapphire crystal. Fit for a prince or a newly crowned King, this Frederique Constant makes the perfect Parmigiani Fleurier substitute.
Queen Camilla Parker Bowles: Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Yellow Gold with a black strap
We suggest: Herbelin Ve Avenue White Dial Black Leather Strap 17037P01NG
The new Queen normally sports a Cartier Tank Francaise, which is paired with a black leather strap. Elegant and petite, it’s the perfect model for a to-be Queen.
However, for those of us who don’t quite have the Cartier budget, we suggest this much more affordable Herbelin Ve Avenue watch. The eggshell dial features black hands and Roman numeral markers, arranged around the square dial in a similar way to the Cartier. However, Herbelin puts a modern twist on the design. Prominent lugs seamlessly blend into the yellow-gold PVD case, creating a dynamic-looking watch face. Securing the watch is a slim black leather strap, which has the same timeless look as the new Queen’s piece.
Prince William of Wales: Garmin Forerunner 245
We suggest: Garmin fenix 7S Sapphire Solar Carbon Grey DLC Titanium Black Silicone Strap 010-02539-25
Yes, you read that right! Prince William has often been spotted wearing two watches at once, one of them being a Garmin Forerunner 245. Surprisingly, this is quite an outdated model now, but William was spotted wearing it only recently.
To get better value for your money, we suggest you try this fenix 7S instead. This more updated model is similar in appearance to the Forerunner, but the technology and features are more refined. For instance, the Forerunner features the ability to control music playing on your smartphone. But on the fenix, in addition to this, the wearer also has the option to cut out the middleman entirely and download Spotify straight onto the watch itself. The fenix 7S also boasts other utility features such as a calendar, an alarm clock, and contactless payment feature ‘GarminPay’. Not to mention that it’s also solar-powered, cutting down on unnecessary charging time.
However, first and foremost the fenix 7S is a sports watch. With a step counter, automatic rep counting, HIIT routine suggestions…the watch is packed full of attributes to aid your fitness journey. Moreover, health-monitoring features like the inbuilt sleep, stress, and hydration trackers allow you to maintain peak physical form. These capabilities are housed in a black plastic case measuring 42mm in diameter, completed with a metal case back. For comfortable wear, this Garmin also has a silicone strap.
Princess Kate of Wales: Ballon Bleu de Cartier Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
We suggest: LONGINES Record Women’s Swiss Automatic L23204116 L2.320.4.11.6
A favourite of Princess Kate is her Ballon Bleu de Cartier. Accompanied by an otherwise simplistic luxury design, the design of the crown is more daring. Unlike any other on the market, the crown sits within the case giving an unconventional edge to an elegant timepiece.
However, with a retail price of £6,500, it may be off the radar for many. For a fraction of the price, this Longines model radiates the same heritage elegance as the Cartier. Similar in appearance, the Longines Record also has a silver stainless steel bracelet, Roman numeral indices and a white dial. However, as a COSC-certified chronometer, this automatic model also boasts incredible precision. The accuracy of the watch is protected by a non-magnetic silicon spiral, which prevents interference from magnetism, shock and temperature. Crafted from quality materials like anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal and stainless steel, you’re guaranteed a luxury model for an excellent price.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: Rolex Explorer II
We suggest: Citizen Promaster Diver Automatic Men’s Watch NY0150-51A
Prince Harry has always been partial to a military watch, with one of his most favoured being the Rolex Explorer II. Whilst this is a very good quality watch, the prince has also been spotted wearing a Casio G-Shock on occasion.
A similar reimagined design at a more accessible price point is the Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic. A historic piece with a backstory rooted in the Italian Navy, this watch is a solid contender against the Rolex. One of its most prominent features is the serrated design on the rotating bezel. This is said to be inspired by a ‘fugu’, which means ‘pufferfish’ in Japanese. The ‘fugu’ influence is reflected on the case back, where there is an engraving of a jellyfish. Aside from its interesting lore, the watch is also ISO-compliant and water-resistant up to 200 metres. Additionally, the watch boasts a power reserve of 42 hours. A stainless steel bracelet completes the watch design, and the white dial with luminescent divers indices makes the watch comparable to Harry’s.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: Cartier Tank Française
We suggest: Herbelin Art Déco Gold PVD Stainless Steel Watch 17478/P08B2P
The story behind Meghan Markle’s watch is very romantic. Gifted by Prince Harry, the gold Cartier Tank Française once belonged to the late Princess Diana.
Whilst it’s difficult to emanate this sentimental value, this Herbelin comes very close to replicating the watch’s appearance. Finished in gold PVD stainless steel, the case measures 20.3 mm and has a unique vintage flair. Roman numeral indices against the guilloché textured dial gives the watch an air of sophistication, whilst the bracelet ties the design together. Moreover, the watch’s luxurious sapphire crystal and Swiss-made movement contribute to this. Understated but stunning, this Herbelin Art Deco will make you feel like royalty every day.
Which of the Royal Family watches is your favourite? Let us know any more you have spotted down below.
