Watches

Queen Elizabeth’s watch collection discovered

What watch did the Queen wear? The Queen is rumoured to have owned over fourteen luxury timepieces. Here, we discover the best watches in her collection, from the petite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 to the high-octane glamour of the Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G

By Joshua Hendren

Unlike those who ruled before her, Queen Elizabeth II spent a lifetime in front of the camera. As the most photographed woman in the world, over her 70-year reign, royal fans were treated to a detailed showcase of the sparkling tiaras, crowns, necklaces and brooches that make up the late monarch’s vast jewellery collection.

But, what remained a lesser-known element of her trinket box was an impressive assortment of watches. In fact, the Queen is rumoured to have owned over fourteen luxury timepieces, proving her to be a secret watch connoisseur. Here, we dip into her treasure trove of arm candy and discover the best watches in her collection, from the petite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 to the high-octane glamour of the Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 on her way to her first State Opening of Parliament as monarch in 1952 (Photo by Douglas Miller/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101

For her first State Opening of Parliament as monarch in 1952, the Queen opted for this dainty Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 timepiece.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 after her coronation in 1953 (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The tiny watch was chosen again for her Coronation in 1953. Launched in 1929, the Calibre 101 continues to set the standard for small movements that power jewellery watches and, thanks to its minuscule construction and versatility, made for the perfect choice for Princess Elizabeth’s ascension to Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Omega Ladymatic with German Chancellor, Willy Brandt, at Windsor Castle (Photo by Mike Lawn/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Omega Ladymatic

A fan favourite from Her Majesty’s watch collection, Queen Elizabeth II greeted German Chancellor Herr Brandt at Windsor Castle during his visit to Britain wearing this vintage, yellow gold Omega Ladymatic.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse as she attends a banquet at Claridge’s in London (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse

Such a glamorous event as a banquet at Claridge’s requires decadent wrist candy. Pictured here in 1982, Her Majesty chose this Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, crafted in white gold with a blue dial and diamond bezel.

Queen Elizabeth II wears a classic vintage watch at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Classic Vintage Timepiece

The maker of this classic timepiece has never been confirmed. Experts believe it was either a one-of-a-kind Cartier watch or an archival 1930s model made by either Omega or Patek Philippe.

Queen Elizabeth II wears a classic vintage watch at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Presented on a black leather strap, the watch glimmers in the sunlight at the Windsor Horse Show in 1998.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G at the Empire Theatre for the 2007 Royal Variety Performance in Liverpool, England (Photo by POOL/ Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images)

Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G

Worn here by Her Majesty at the 2007 Royal Variety Performance, this Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G watch is the most breathtaking timepiece in the Crown’s collection. Encrusted with baguette-cut diamonds, the dial is strung on lustrous strands of milky pearls. 

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars at the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Meeting at Newbury Racecourse in 2015 (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars

Most notably, this Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars was worn by Her Majesty during her address at the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Here, the watch elevates her striking magenta outfit at the Newbury Racecourse in 2015 with a regal yet understated appeal.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars at The Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Spotted on the Queen’s wrist many a time, the Jules Audemars injects a flicker of gold to this baby-blue ensemble at The Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars at The Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

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