Few of King Charles’ attributes are as well documented as his keen appreciation for traditional crafts. From architecture and ceramics to stone masonry, wood carving and metalwork, His Majesty’s deep passion for craftsmanship covers the most niche of heritage skills and contemporary innovations.
Therefore, when it comes to the fine art of watchmaking, the new British monarch is, as one would expect, quite the connoisseur. Indeed, over the past 64 years serving as the Prince of Wales, Charles has been quietly staking his claim as a true watch aficionado, cultivating one of the most diverse selections of luxury timepieces in the game.
02. Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph (El Primero)
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How King Charles III acquired the Toric Chronograph is very well documented: having been sold through a now-defunct Parmigiani retailer in Klosters, the 'up-scale' Swiss ski resort that is a favorite of the King. He personally bought the watch for himself on a trip, demonstrating his well-known appreciation for craftsmanship and a capacity for horological foresight.
In recent times, the King has been spotted wearing this watch more than any other in his collection, a true testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the Toric Chronograph. This alone has contributed to an uptick in the market price of these now vintage chronographs.
Shop our selection of Parmigiani Fleurier Watches
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso (ref. 140.105.1)
The Reverso is an appropriate watch for a man who is obsessed with playing polo as the Reverso was designed to be a polo player's watch: its rotating case shields the watch's crystal and dial from the bumps and scrapes of a fierce polo match.
Like Cartier, the British royal family has long been a patron of JLCs. Queen Elizabeth II wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 for her coronation, and it was reportedly her favorite watch.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Date (ref. 3445)
These days, King Charles rarely reaches for other watches besides his Parmigiani Fleurier, but his favorite watch throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s was his Patek Philippe Calatrava Date ref. 3445.
It's frequently mistaken for a reference 2551, otherwise known as a 'Disco Volante' – but that's a misnomer as Charles' watch features a date window. It is undoubtedly a reference 3445.
Hamilton 6BB Chronograph (ref. 6BB-924-3306)
Finally, we have King Charles' most unassuming piece, a Hamilton' Fab Four' Chronograph, which he would have received during his Royal Air Force service in the 70s.
The so-called 'Fab Four' were standard issue military chronographs given to the British military.
Although these are only a small portion of the King's collection, we felt it the best representation of his style over the years.
