Reine de Naples 8908

This newest Reine de Naples enhances the main attributes of the original model, the first ever wristwatch created by A.-L. Breguet for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

This year, Breguet is presenting a new interpretation of its Reine de Naples 8908 model, the first timepiece of the eponymous collection launched in 2002. This new version is distinguished by an association between a rose gold case set with  128 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.77 ct) and a dial partially crafted from Tahitian mother-of-pearl. The ovoid 36.50 x 28.45mm case has a crown set with a cabochon-cut ruby (approx. 0.27 ct) and a sapphire-crystal caseback. It i water resistant to 30 m.

The dial is made of Tahitian mother-of-pearl and silvered gold and is engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet, it bears an hours chapter with Roman numerals and open-tipped Breguet hands in blued steel. 

The self-winding movement Cal. 537 DRL2 is numbered and signed Breguet. Offering a 45-hour power reserve, it includes a silicon escape-wheel and an in-line lever escapement, a Breguet balance wheel and a silicon balance spring in silicon.

This new Reine de Naples 8908 is worn on a black satin strap with diamond-set folding clasp.  The watch is also available with a rose gold bracelet.

Reine de Naples 8908

Original model

The new Reine de Naples 8908 effectively enhances the main attributes of the original model, namely the moon phases and the power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock; along with the offset hours chapter and small seconds at 6 and 7 o’clock respectively. The layout of these functions is inspired by the first ever wristwatch, created by A.-L. Breguet between 1810 and 1812 for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

According to the historical records, stored in the Breguet Museum (Place Vendôme, Paris), model No 2639 was an oblong-shaped repeater watch fitted with a dainty wristlet. It featured a detached lever escapement and was equipped with a thermometer and fast/slow indicator off the dial – replaced on reference 8908 by a moon phase and a power-reserve indicator. When delivered on December 21, 1812, it had an engine-tuned silver dial with Arabic numerals.

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