Excitement is building in the English expat community in Switzerland as we prepare for our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Union Jack bunting is going to be flying high, the local supermarkets have been cleared out of Pimm's, and scones will be rising in ovens across the country.
Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating an incredible 70 years on the throne in service to her country and the Commonwealth. Britain’s longest reigning monarch, she has been served by 14 Prime Ministers, from Winston Churchill to Boris Johnson; she has visited over 100 countries; and has carried out over 21,000 official engagements – that is 300 events per year (probably more than Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet combined, to put things into perspective)!
Her sense of style is legendary – the brightly coloured dresses, matching coats and hats, signature square handbag and historical brooches. Lesser noticed is her collection of timepieces that always accompany her discretely under her gloves. So, in a little royal celebration of our own kind, we thought it could be fun to do a little overview of 70 years of royal timekeeping.
The Coronation Watch – Jaeger-LeCoultre
For her coronation in 1953, the Queen wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre 101, powered by the smallest mechanical movement in the world that is composed of 95 components and weighs a mere gram. The timepiece was a gift from Vincent Auriol, the then President of France, and was chosen for its discrete look that would not distract from the Crown Jewels. She has worn this timepiece on different occasions throughout her reign, but it never really goes unnoticed!
Omega Ladymatic
In the 1990s, Her Majesty was often spotted wearing an Omega Ladymatic in yellow gold with a white dial and woven gold bracelet. A fine choice, if we do say so ourselves!
Patek Philippe Ref. 4975
For official occasions, the Queen often chooses her Patek Philippe Ref. 4975 with its lavish pearl bracelet (she kindly loaned this wristwatch back to Patek Philippe for its Grand Exhibition in London in 2015). She also owns a Patek Philippe Ellipse in white gold with a blue dial that is particularly elegant for formal evening occasions.
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars
In more recent years, the Queen has been seen wearing her Jules Audemars in yellow gold with a white dial and Roman numerals. This timepiece was also spotted on her wrist in her latest official Jubilee portrait.
Mystery Watch
In our search for photos of the Queen, we also came across this photo of her during an official visit to Canada in 2019. She is wearing what looks like a white gold timepiece with diamonds that has a vintage Piaget vibe, but on closer inspection, the logo seems to indicate a longer brand name. If, like us, you love a little watch spotting/sleuthing, let us know your thoughts!
Whatever this timepiece may be, there is no denying that Her Majesty has exquisite taste in timepieces and we wish her a wonderful Jubilee celebration over the bank holiday. We will be raising a glass to her over here in the land of watches too, to thank her for her service in promoting fine Swiss watchmaking!
