A Bow to the Queen - The Watches of Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, an icon of grace and royalty, left an indelible mark on history with her 70-year reign. While much has been said about her unmatched sense of style, her collection of timepieces deserves its own spotlight. These watches, like the Queen herself, exude elegance, sophistication, and a touch of subtlety.

 

Photo source: Library and Archives Canada/K-0000047

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre 101: The Coronation Elegance

 

In 1953, as Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, she graced her coronation with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101. This masterpiece, gifted by the former President of France, Vincent Auriol, was more than a watch; it was a symbol of refined craftsmanship. Its slender, diamond-set frame concealed a tiny miracle – the Caliber 101, one of the smallest movements ever created. This watch showed a blend of horological expertise and regal allure.

 

Photo source: Tom Wargacki

 

Vacheron Constantin 4481: A Wedding Memento

 

A treasured gift from the Swiss Confederation on her wedding day in 1947, the Vacheron Constantin 4481 holds a special place in the Queen's collection. Crafted in gold and paired with diamonds, it's a testament to her lifelong union with Prince Philip. While it graced her wrist on numerous occasions, it found another admirer in Princess Diana.

 

Photo source: Getty

 

Patek Philippe Ref. 4975 / 1G: Diamonds and Delicacy

 

Custom-made by Patek Philippe, this watch marries luxury with refinement. Encrusted with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, it exudes a regal aura. The Queen's choice of pearls and diamonds on the bracelet complements her understated elegance, making it an integral part of her ensemble.

 

Photo source: Getty

 

Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3609 / 1: Timeless Elegance

 

The Golden Ellipse, a hallmark of Patek Philippe's artistry, found a place on the Queen's wrist. Its classic design, captured in the 1984 Yousuf Karsh portrait, reflects her enduring commitment to tradition.

 

Photo source: Getty 

 

Omega DeVille Ladymatic: Mechanical Beauty

 

A pioneer in the world of women's watches, the Ladymatic made a statement in 1955 with its automatic movement. The Queen's choice of the Ladymatic resonates with her appreciation for both aesthetics and mechanical prowess.

 

Photo source: Getty

 

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars and Patek Philippe Ref. 4706/11: Practical Majesty

For daily affairs, the Queen turned to her Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars and a Patek Philippe Ref. 4706/11. These timepieces, chosen for their practicality, showed that the queen knew how to balance class and comfort.

 

It’s been some time since the departure of Queen Elizabeth II, but her legacy lives on in these timepieces. Each watch tells a story of elegance, grace, and the mark of a truly remarkable monarch. God Save The Queen.