The timepieces in the Reine de Naples collection have always been noted for lapsing into poetry. This is due to the unique shape of the case, which symbolises the origin of life, but it could also be because it is a collection in which each highly complicated watch is made specifically for women. In these models, Breguet expresses its high regard for women through both artistic and mechanical skills.
With the Reine de Naples Day/Night model, Breguet wanted to bring to life the enchanted dance of the sun and the moon as they strive to meet. To this end, a patented movement with a unique type of indication on two dials - one for the traditional hours and minutes, and the other to stage the complication showing the hours of day and night - was conceived.
A disc of lapis lazuli for the sky and encrusted it with clouds of white mother-of-pearl, gold stars and a moon of engraved titanium expresses the gracefulness of the dance. But the true star is the sun, symbolized by the facetted rim of the balance wheel that throws out rays of light. While the balance does its duty, the sun goes on a daylong tour, passing beneath the steel bridge supporting the mechanism, meeting the hands for the hours and minutes and reaching its zenith facing the onlooking titanium moon.
Breguet Arabic numerals mark the 24 hours while the hours chapter has Roman numerals. Flame patterned engine-turning evokes the brilliance of our sun while a barleycorn pattern has been cut around the edge. In an effort to out-dazzle, 143 diamonds have been set into the dial flange and the bezel, while the crown is topped by a briolette diamond. The hours and minutes hands are in blued steel with Breguet open tips. Nor is the self-winding movement neglected: the rays of the sun engraved on the winding rotor can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback. Finally the case, water resistant to 30 metres, is on a black satin strap with a three-blade clasp.
Technical data
Reine de Naples “Day/Night” 8998
REF. 8998BB/11/874 D00D
Case in 18-carat white gold. Bezel and dial flange set with 143 diamonds (approx. 1.45 cts). Crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct). Sapphire-crystal caseback. Dimensions: 40.05 x 32mm. Water resistant to 3 bar (30m).
Dial in 18–carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in flame and barleycorn patterns. Complication indicating the day and night on the upper dial with the Breguet balance-wheel representing the sun, and the moon engraved on a titanium disc, rotating together in 24 hours. Hours and minutes on the lower dial. Individually numbered and signed BREGUET. Hours chapter in Roman numerals, day/night indicator in Breguet Arabic numerals. Open-tipped Breguet hands in polished steel.
Self-winding movement. Numbered and signed BREGUET. Cal. 78CS, 9¾ x 13¼ lignes, 45 jewels. 57 hours power reserve. In-line Swiss lever escapement. Silicon balance-spring. 3.5Hz frequency. Adjusted in 6 positions.
Satin strap with three-blade clasp.
Also available in a rose-gold case: reference 8998BR/11/874 D00D
