Elegance and femininity are the hallmarks of Breguet’s Reine de Naples collection which draws its inspiration from the very first wristwatch delivered in 1812 to Napoleon’s sister, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.  Although its was originally oblong in shape it is now oval and the classics in the contemporary collection can be gem set, engraved or lacquered. The house has just brought out two new beautiful pieces bursting with originality and ingenuity for the minutes hand on both models adopts a variety of shapes in the course of its path around the dial, offering up a timeless distraction and amusement in addition to telling time. 

Two versions have been brought out, one is nestled in its white gold case which beautifully sets off its midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial. The timepiece is set with 161 diamonds on its flange, bezel and lugs. Meanwhile its crown is adorned with a briolette-cut diamond and its folding clasp harbors 28 diamonds. There is an aperture in the center of the dial indicating the time while powdered silver toned minutes numerals offer beautiful accessories. This version of the watch is outfitted with an alligator leather strap that matches the dial and the timepiece has been brought out in a limited edition of 20 pieces. The second version of the watch features a white lacquered dial set off by its midnight blue alligator strap. Its white gold case is set with blue sapphires on the bezel, flange and crown.

In the heart of both versions of the new Reine de Naples timepieces, 252 components drive the self-winding movement. The gear trains of this complication, like all components of the calibre whether visible or invisible, are carefully finished by hand in keeping with the Breguet tradition. The sapphire back of the white gold case reveals the movement’s platinum oscillating weight as well as the Côtes de Genève motif and bevelling. The gold rim is engraved with the individual watch number recorded in the Breguet archives that have been faithfully kept since the end of the 18th century. https://www.breguet.com/en#

©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette