“London Bridge is down”: with these words the death of Queen Elizabeth II of England was announced to the British Prime Minister (Liz Truss) and a small number of officials.
Born in London on April 21, 1926, she was the Queen of the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of the other Commonwealth realms. Ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, her reign, which lasted 70 years and 214 days, was the second longest-lived in the world and the longest in all of British history.
Known for being the most beloved Queen in the world, Elizabeth II has always stood out for her very firm character, great self-confidence and the ability to always keep calm.
In addition to her extensive work as a guide and reference point for one of the most important countries in the world, Queen Elizabeth II was known for her passions for stamps, dogs, horses and, above all (we like to believe) for watches.
In this article, through the one that represents our passion, we want to pay homage to one of the most important and iconic figures in the world, discovering some of the watches with which Queen Elizabeth II was seen during her long reign of over 70 years.
Jaeger-LeCoultre 101
This first watch is certainly one of the most important with which Queen Elizabeth II was seen.
In fact, on the day of her coronation, which took place on June 2, 1953, the Queen showed up in Westminster Abbey with a Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 on his wrist.
It is a yellow gold watch inside which, carefully hidden between two rows of diamonds, beats the Caliber 101, which is still considered to be one of the smallest calibers in the world.
The choice of this watch was in symbiosis with the discreet and elegant personality that has always represented Queen Elizabeth II: a small and classy watch that did not take the attention away from the ceremonial jewels worn at the time of receiving the title of sovereign.
In 2012, on the occasion of the queen’s diamond jubilee, Jaeger-LeCoultre gave Her Majesty a new white gold version of the iconic 101 to celebrate the long-time monarch.
Omega Ladymatic
In this shot from 1992, however, we can see on the Queen’s wrist an Omega Ladymatic made of yellow gold and in an art deco style.
The Patek Philippes
Her Majesty never hid to be very interested in the famous maison from Geneva. Actually, Patek Philippe is known for having made several watches for Queen Elizabeth II including some unique pieces in the world.
Among the different Patek Philippe with which the queen was seen we find the reference 4975 / 1G, a watch adorned with pearls and diamonds.
In 2015 this watch was lent to Patek Philippe to be exposed at an important exhibition held in London, offering the opportunity to collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world to be able to see one of the Queen’s personal watches up close.
During her 70-years-old reign, Elizabeth II was also seen wearing a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse in white gold and diamonds that, rumors say, was specifically made for Her Majesty.
Cartier
In this 1988 shot at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor Great Park, the Queen wears what appears to be a yellow gold Cartier Tank Cintrée with dual time zones.
In this second shot from 1998, however, we can see the Queen, again at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, with a vintage Cartier from the 1930s.
Jules Audemars
In recent years, a Jules Audemars watch in yellow gold by Audemars Piguet seems to always be present in the various shots in which Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed.
It should be noted that there are no certainties regarding this watch as some argue that it is not an Audemars Piguet watch, but that it belongs to another maison.
Since there are no shots in which the dial can be observed in detail, we cannot be sure of which is the Maison that made this watch for her Majesty. Keeping our trust on the most accredited hypothesis, however, we can remain of the idea that it is a Jules Audemars.
The rest of the collection
Queen Elizabeth II’s watch collection certainly does not stop there as she has owned many watches which, unfortunately, have never been worn in public and therefore we may never know.
In this regard, its collection is claimed to include over 14 luxury watches, including other Patek Philippes and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
Moreover, the Swiss government is said to have gifted the Queen a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos on her first visit to Switzerland.
Perhaps we will never know the entire watch collection of Elizabeth II but, if one day there will be an exhibition in her honor and memory, we will finally be able to find out about all the watches that belonged to her.
In farewell to one of the most beloved queens of all time, we hope that the great history of her reign, which lasted over 70 years, can be handed down to future generations with the same emphasis and respect with which it was lived.
God Save The Queen.
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