Breguet Reine de Naples

Breguet turns the spotlight on two new timepieces showcasing two styles but with one thing in common: the minutes hand that adopts various shapes in the course of its path around the dial. Precisely what it takes to lend an additional touch of character to this iconic collection. 

An example of feminine-oriented watchmaking. The Reine de Naples collection draws inspiration from the first-ever wristwatch, delivered in 1812 to Napoleon’s sister, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

Initially elliptical, it has become oval, featuring curves making it instantly recognisable. Each model in the contemporary collection – whether gem set, engraved or lacquered – is an ode to femininity.

This new interpretation by Breguet is no exception to the rule. Today we have two new timepieces distinguished by their inherent originality. 

The path of a hand 

The flexible minutes hand gracing the dial of these two new models is as admirable as it is intriguing. The magic of an ingenious mechanism enables it to change shape according to its position on the oblong dial. 

Breguet devised the original mechanism, protected by several patents. Two arms linked at one end yet independent compose the variable-length minutes hand.

These arms change shape thanks to a clever set of gears. Thus, the hand plays with the dial by appearing in different guises, stretching at 12 o’clock and then rounding up at 6 o’clock.

Behind the device enabling this optical game is an oval cam reminiscent of the Reine de Naples’ characteristic curves. As the minutes go by, each arm operates at a different speed. The dimensions of the hand constantly adapt following its path around the dial. In this way, they perfectly following the shape of the watch. 

Two aesthetic interpretations with powerful characters 

Mysterious elegance 

Its white gold case elegantly contrasts with its midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial, whose subtle hues vary as the light plays over it.

161 diamonds adorn its flange, bezel and lugs. Its crown bears a briolette-cut diamond, while 28 diamonds adorn its folding clasp. An aperture cleverly indicates time in the dial centre. The powdered silver-toned minutes numerals, featuring a font reminiscent of hand-drawn designs, are subtly offset. This version is available with a matching blue alligator leather strap.

This timepiece is issued in a 20-piece limited edition. 

A play on proportions 

Its white lacquered dial contrasts with its midnight blue alligator strap. Its white gold case features a bezel, flange and crown set with blue sapphires.

The various dial elements of this watch seem to be dancing, notably the offset Arabic numerals that appear to stretch and shorten alternately, as does the path of the minutes hand. 

Two timepieces, one movement 

At the heart of its 36.5 x 28.45 mm oval case, 252 components drive the 78A0 self-winding movement with an oscillation frequency of 3.5 Hz.

This movement is equipped with a balance spring and an in-line Swiss lever escapement that are both made of silicon, a material endowed with multiple properties. In addition to being resistant to corrosion and wear, it is insensitive to the influence of magnetic fields and enhances the precision of the timepiece. 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.