It’s not just the crown jewels that are worth a bob or two. The Royal Family has been seen wearing more than one horological rarity over the years, accumulating in a collection that’s every bit as interesting as their museum-worthy headgear.
Luxe Watches specialist Arif Mughal says the royals’ watches tick all the boxes – rarity, history and emotional pull – factors that make them especially desirable in a luxury market that has grown faster than gold and property over the past five years.
From Princess Diana’s timeless Cartier Tank to Prince Harry’s coveted Rolex Explorer II, Mughal reveals just how valuable these iconic pieces could be today.
King Charles’s Parmigiani Fleurier Toric
“King Charles’s Parmigiani Fleurier Toric is one of those watches that could quietly command a fortune. Standard Toric models currently retail anywhere from around £16,000 to more than £130,000, depending on the reference, but the King’s discontinued chronograph, coupled with its provenance, would easily push it into six-figure territory. Given the brand’s rarity and the surge of interest sparked by the King’s endorsement, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a similar example fetch well over £100,000 at auction.”
Prince Harry’s Rolex Explorer II
“Prince Harry’s Rolex Explorer II is an incredibly interesting piece. It’s believed that only 48 of these special-edition Explorer IIs (reference 216570) were produced for the British Military’s Attack Helicopter Regiment, the same unit Harry served in. His version, which reportedly features an engraved caseback depicting an Apache helicopter over a Union Jack, was built for durability, with a stainless steel 42mm case, a 24-hour orange hand and Rolex’s calibre 3187 automatic movement.”
“Publicly listed examples of this model, without any royal connection, have sold for around £15,000 to £30,000, depending on condition and provenance. However, the one worn by Prince Harry himself, especially given his active service in Afghanistan, would carry enormous historical significance. In the right auction setting, it could easily exceed those figures many times over.”
Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Française
“Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Française is one of the most recognisable watches in the world. Her yellow gold model, reference WGTA0114, features a 25.7mm by 21.2mm case, a faceted crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and Cartier’s signature Roman numeral dial with blue sword-shaped hands.”
“Retail models of the same specification typically sell for around £20,000 to £25,000, depending on condition, but the example worn by Princess Diana, now also associated with Meghan Markle, would be considered priceless. The historical significance and royal provenance make it far more than just a timepiece; it’s a cultural icon that would attract extraordinary attention if it ever came to auction.”
Prince William’s Omega Seamaster 300M
“Prince William’s Omega Seamaster 300M might not be the flashiest watch in his collection, but it’s certainly the most meaningful. His model, reference 2561.80.00, was a gift from his late mother, Princess Diana, and he’s worn it for decades, including on his wedding day. The 36mm stainless steel case, blue dial, and quartz calibre 1538 movement make it a classic, understated choice, perfectly in keeping with his personality.”
“While similar Seamaster models sell for around £1,500 on the secondary market or £4,000–£5,000 for current versions, Prince William’s personal piece carries immense sentimental and historical value. Given its royal provenance and emotional significance, its true worth goes far beyond price; it’s a one-of-a-kind heirloom that will always be associated with his mother’s memory.”