Royalty and watchmaking go way back. In the 18th century, monarchs and maharajas were among the first true patrons of Europe’s great horological houses, commissioning bespoke pocket watches from the likes of Breguet and Patek Philippe. The tradition continues today: while billionaires and celebrities may hog headlines, it’s still royals who quietly give some of the world’s most exclusive timepieces their seal of approval. From diamond-drenched Jacob & Co.’s to discreet Omegas worn at weddings, each watch tells us as much about its wearer as it does about fine watchmaking itself. And in one surprising case, a Gulf head of state chooses a humble Seiko over Swiss bling.

Queen Elizabeth II — Patek Philippe Ellipse QEII Ref 4975 (Custom)

Elizabeth II’s bespoke Ellipse is less a watch than a piece of regal jewellery. White gold, baguette-cut diamonds, and a multi-strand pearl bracelet made it one of one — a wrist-mounted coronet. Exhibited publicly since her passing, it remains a unique fusion of Patek precision and royal pageantry .

King Charles III — Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

Charles’ taste has always veered towards the discreetly refined. His go-to is a now-discontinued Parmigiani Toric Chronograph in pink gold with a guilloché dial. Elegant without being ostentatious, it’s a subtle rebuke to the steel-sports mania of today .

Prince William — Omega Seamaster Professional 300M

The heir apparent has usually been spotted with just one watch: a stainless-steel Omega Seamaster Professional rumoured to be gifted by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Complete with helium escape valve and rotating bezel, it’s technically a diver—but in William’s hands, it’s a time capsule of maternal memory and possibly the most personal watch on this list.

Kate Middleton — Cartier Ballon Bleu

Kate’s Ballon Bleu is her constant companion. At 33mm with a sapphire cabochon crown and a silvery guilloché dial, it reflects her royal predecessor's love for Cartier and is an ideal match for her polished but approachable style—and reportedly an anniversary present from Prince William. Rarely has a single watch been so effectively branded to a royal image .

Prince Harry — Rolex Explorer II (Apache Regiment Edition)

Harry’s signature piece is a Rolex Explorer II believed to be one of just 48 made for Apache helicopter pilots. Stainless steel with the trademark orange GMT hand, it’s a soldier’s tool upgraded to royal provenance — worn on deployment in Afghanistan .

Sawai Padmanabh Singh 'Pacho' of Jaipur — Louis Vuitton Tambour (Gold)

Pacho was spotted wearing a Louis Vuitton Tambour in gold — it stands out both for its luxe finish and its fashion-refined cheek. The Tambour, with its signature concave case design and bold LV branding, marries street style bravado with royal polish, especially when crafted in gold. While not a rare vintage Patek or flooded with complications, this choice tells you a lot: he doesn’t lean on tradition alone but uses fashion houses and striking design to express identity. He’s modern royalty, visible in style as much as in lineage.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman — Cartier Rotonde de Cartier

Spotted on His Majesty’s wrist is the elegant Rotonde de Cartier, a discontinued 42mm model that quietly underscores Cartier’s savoir-faire in complications. Featuring a retrograde second time zone and a day-night indicator, it mixes practical travel functionality with Cartier’s unmistakable Parisian elegance. It’s a refined departure from the flashier pieces favoured by other Gulf rulers — the kind of watch that whispers status rather than shouts it.

King Felipe VI of Spain — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “City of Sails”

A lifelong sailor, Felipe sports the Royal Oak City of Sails, a 2003 limited edition celebrating Team Alinghi’s America’s Cup victory. With its yachting cues and limited production, it’s a nautical twist on Gérald Genta’s classic design .

Prince Albert II of Monaco — TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton “Dark Blue”

Albert has been spotted courtside with the Monaco Skeleton, a DLC-titanium square chrono with an openworked dial. Equal parts motorsport homage and contemporary flex, it’s a pitch-perfect choice for the sovereign of Formula 1’s spiritual home.

King Frederik X of Denmark — Omega Seamaster 300M

King Frederik X was photographed wearing an Omega Seamaster 300M, not on a dress bracelet but ruggedly sporting a NATO strap — showing that even a monarch can lean into authenticity and personal history. The watch has military roots (“unit watch” from Denmark’s frogman corps) and carries extra weight for Frederik: it’s not just a tool watch, it’s a piece tied to his service and identity. The custom matte dial, brushed finishing, no date window, and the insignia (complete with royal crown) engraved on the caseback make it deeply personal. For a king, it’s not about flaunting, but honouring. 

Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Montauk Highway

The Saudi Crown Prince has been photographed wearing the Royal Oak Offshore Montauk Highway, a limited edition of just 300 pieces. Launched in 2009, it stands out with its cream dial, aqua-blue accents, and crocodile strap with matching stitching. Ostensibly inspired by a New York coastal road, it’s an Offshore that veers more Hamptons than Riyadh — a bold, colourful choice that reflects MBS’s taste for exclusivity and statement-making design.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE President) — Seiko SNZG15J1

Here’s the twist: MBZ, leader of one of the world’s wealthiest states, has been photographed in a Seiko field watch. The SNZG15J1, with Arabic-day wheel and fabric strap, is an inexpensive, robust choice more often seen on students than sheikhs. It’s a rare case of a royal wrist sending a democratic signal—or perhaps a reflection of the Sheikh's straightforward approach to ruling the Emirates.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (Emir of Qatar) — Rolex Day-Date 218239

Tamim’s Rolex Day-Date, the archetypal “President’s” watch, perfectly suits the image of a Gulf ruler balancing tradition and global prestige. Executed in white gold with Arabic calendar wheels, it’s both culturally resonant and globally.