When you hear the name Elizabeth Taylor, your brain probably goes straight to that massive 33-carat Krupp diamond or the pear-shaped Taylor-Burton rock that was so heavy she had to turn it into a necklace just to stay upright. But there’s this specific corner of her legacy that keeps popping up on eBay, at estate sales, and in late-night Google searches: the Elizabeth Taylor White Diamond watch.
Honestly, there is a lot of confusion about what this actually is. Is it a million-dollar piece of high horology? Is it a perfume giveaway? Depending on which "White Diamond watch" you’re looking at, the answer is either "it’s a piece of history" or "it’s a vintage fashion statement from the 90s."
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People often conflate her actual personal collection—which sold for record-breaking millions at Christie's—with the promotional jewelry line she launched alongside her fragrance empire. Let’s set the record straight on what really happened with these timepieces.
The "White Diamonds" Fragrance Connection
Basically, the most common version of this watch you’ll find today wasn't a gift from Richard Burton. It was part of the massive marketing machine for her White Diamonds perfume, which launched in 1991.
Elizabeth Taylor didn't just put her name on a bottle; she built an empire that basically funded her AIDS foundation work for decades. To keep the "glamour" accessible to the masses, a line of costume jewelry and watches was produced. These were often sold in department stores like Macy’s or through brands like Avon.
The typical Elizabeth Taylor White Diamond watch from this era features:
- A gold-tone or silver-tone finish (usually base metal, not solid gold).
- A mother-of-pearl dial or a simple white face.
- Rhinestone or "crystal" accents meant to mimic the sparkle of her real diamonds.
- Often a signature "bow" charm or a floral motif on the bracelet.
They aren't "fine jewelry" in the traditional sense. You aren't going to find Vacheron Constantin movements inside these. They use standard quartz movements. But for collectors, they’ve become these weirdly charming artifacts of 90s celebrity culture. They represent a time when Elizabeth Taylor was the undisputed queen of the "celebrity scent" before every TikToker had a fragrance line.
The Real "Jewels That Tell Time"
If we’re talking about the actual diamond watches Elizabeth Taylor wore—the ones that would make a Christie’s auctioneer sweat—we are in a completely different league. These were "jewels that told time," as her curators often called them.
One of the standouts was the Vacheron Constantin "Lord Kalla" watch. This wasn't a promotional item. It was a gift from Michael Jackson in 1989. It was entirely set with large diamonds—we’re talking 114 emerald-cut stones. When it went up for auction in 2011, it realized over $362,500.
Then there’s the Bulgari Serpenti. This is arguably the most famous watch she ever owned. She was photographed wearing it on the set of Cleopatra in 1961. The watch is hidden inside the head of a diamond-encrusted gold snake with emerald eyes. It’s iconic. It sold for nearly $1 million at the legendary Christie’s "Sale of the Century."
Why the Confusion Persists
The mix-up happens because Taylor’s promotional line was so well-made for costume jewelry that people often think they’ve struck gold at a garage sale. The "White Diamonds" branding on the box makes people think of her actual white diamonds.
It’s a clever bit of marketing that has lasted thirty years.
Spotting a Genuine Elizabeth Taylor Promotional Watch
If you’ve found a watch in your grandmother’s drawer and it says "Elizabeth Taylor" or has a "White Diamonds" logo, here is the reality check.
- The Movement: Open the back. If it says "Japan Movt" or "Quartz," it’s the promotional/fashion line.
- The Stones: Her real watches used D-color, internally flawless diamonds. The promotional watches use glass rhinestones or cubic zirconia. If the stones are glued in rather than held by prongs, it’s the costume version.
- The Weight: High-end jewelry watches from Piaget or Bulgari are heavy because of the gold and platinum. The fashion watches feel light, often made of plated brass or zinc alloy.
Is It Still Worth Anything?
Don't get discouraged. Even though the "White Diamonds" perfume watches aren't worth six figures, they have a solid secondary market. Vintage 90s "Liz Taylor" gear is actually trendy right now.
On platforms like Etsy or eBay, these watches usually sell for anywhere between $30 and $150 depending on the condition and if you still have the original purple box. The "Evening Star" and the "Midnight Romance" models are particularly popular with people who love the kitschy, high-glamour aesthetic of that era.
How to Care for Your Vintage Taylor Watch
If you own one of the costume pieces, keep it away from perfume. Ironically, the very thing that inspired the watch—fragrance—is what will ruin the gold plating. The alcohol in the perfume causes the "gold" to pit and peel over time.
- Clean with a dry cloth only. No jewelry cleaners or harsh chemicals.
- Change the battery yearly. Old batteries leak acid that can destroy the quartz movement.
- Store it in the original box. It prevents the rhinestones from getting knocked out of their settings.
Elizabeth Taylor once famously said, "I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it." Whether you’re wearing a million-dollar Serpenti or a $40 perfume giveaway, the vibe is the same: unapologetic glamour.
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Next Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to buy one, check the battery status before purchasing. Many of these have sat in boxes since 1995, and "new old stock" is always better than a used one with a scratched crystal. If you're looking for the investment grade pieces, you'll need to monitor the "Heritage" auctions at houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s, though be prepared—the "Taylor tax" is real, and her provenance usually triples the expected price of any watch.