The British Royal family is known to be an image of prestige, sophistication, and wealth, and this reflects in their choice of wristwatches. Because of this, it’s only fitting that they choose a reputable brand of luxury watches – Cartier.
If you’re a watch collector or an enthusiast having difficulty choosing the right watch for you, you may want to consider these royalty-approved timepieces. It cannot be denied these watches offer a timeless design that exudes the utmost elegance and excellence. They are one of the most high-profile owners and collectors of Cartier’s most expensive watches.
From Prince Charles’ timeless Cartier Santos to Prince Michael’s, the mens Cartier Tank watches in this article details the Cartier timepieces loved by members of the Royal Family.
1. Cartier Santos, Charles Prince of Wales
In the 1980s, Prince Charles was known to wear a wide range of wristwatches, including well-known brands like Cartier. One of his favorite pieces is a Cartier Santos in square gold and steel in his earlier years.
This two-tone-watch is a signature piece that you can use for formal and casual occasions. It has a square steel and gold casing and a stainless steel link with gold accents inspired by a one-of-a-kind art deco design. Santos de Cartier is worth approximately $9,950.
2. Cartier Ballon Bleu, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton had been seen sporting a classic Cartier Ballon Bleu on multiple public occasions. The wristwatch was a third wedding anniversary present from her husband, Prince William, and she had been seen wearing it since 2014.
Kate Middleton owns a 33m Cartier Ballon Bleu in stainless steel, with blue hands to match her engagement ring and sapphire diamonds in the frame. The watch retails for $7,100, but its popularity rose with the Duchess’ frequent use. Its estimated worth is approximately $25,000 today.
3. Cartier French Tank, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle purchased a gold Cartier French Tank. When the hit American TV series Suits was renewed for a third season, the Duchess of Sussex treated herself to this watch and had “From M.M. to M.M” engraved on the back. In an interview, Meghan Markle said that she intends to give it to her daughter as an heirloom.
The Duchess of Sussex’s Cartier French Tank has a dual-tone casing in stainless steel and a yellow gold accent, a silver dial, and deep blue hands. It retails for $6,050.
4. Cartier Tank Française, Princess Diana
Princess Diana and Meghan Markle share many things in common, including their taste in watches. The late princess favored wearing a Cartier Tank Française in gold on formal occasions. The tank watch was also worn by equally prestigious women, such as First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jackie Kennedy.
A significant part of Princess Diana’s collection, the Cartier tank watch, had a bit of history. The wristwatch was a gift from her late father, Earl Edward John Spencer. Princess Diana often wore it, especially after her divorce from Prince Charles. After her death, she passed on the watch to her son Prince William and a sapphire engagement ring to Prince Harry.
When Prince William proposed to his now-wife Kate Middleton, the prince traded the watch for his brother’s inherited ring. Later, Prince Harry opted to gift the Cartier Tank to his wife, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. The Duchess had been seen wearing it on important public occasions, such as her Oprah interview and a black-and-white photoshoot with her husband.
Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Française is a small model in yellow gold with a similarly colored bracelet. It has silver dials and blue hands studded with sapphire stones. This classic timepiece retails for $20,900.
5. Cartier Tank Louis with Alligator Strap, Princess Diana
Princess Diana also frequented another Cartier watch — a stylish Cartier Tank Louis with an alligator strap. She used it to accessorize her everyday casual outfits.
The Cartier Tank comes in small and large models, multiple colors of cases, silver dials, and blue hands. Princess Diana’s tank watch was a small model with a yellow gold casing and a black alligator strap. Cartier sells variations of Tank Louis from $10,000 to as much as $39,000.
Cartier Tank Americaine, Prince Michael
Prince Michael, the Duke of Kent, is Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin and is arguably one of the most stylish men in the British Royal Family. He also owns an extensive collection of high-end watches, including a Cartier Tank Americaine.
Although the prince’s Cartier Tank model is unfamiliar, the simple yet elegant timepiece comes in various colors. The men’s Cartier tank watch is a large model with automatic winding, a brown or black leather strap, and steel, yellow gold, or rose gold casing. Depending on the variation, it is currently sold for $4,900 to $16,000.
