For centuries,
Breguet has been synonymous with luxury and innovation in the world of horology. Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the brand has established itself as a pioneer in watchmaking, leaving an undeniable mark on the industry with its intricate mechanisms and sophisticated designs. Throughout its illustrious history, Breguet has not only produced timepieces coveted by royalty and celebrities, but also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of watchmaking itself.
Courtesy of Breguet
One of Breguet's most celebrated collections is the Reine de Naples, a line of timepieces distinguished by its oval-shaped cases and rich heritage. The story of the Reine de Naples collection begins in 1810, when Caroline Murat, the Queen of Naples and sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, commissioned a unique wristwatch from Abraham-Louis Breguet. This groundbreaking creation, a forerunner of the modern wristwatch, was designed to be worn on a bracelet and was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. The Reine de Naples collection, named after the queen who inspired its creation, has since become a cornerstone of Breguet's legacy, constantly evolving while staying true to its roots.
In 2024, Breguet unveiled a captivating addition to the Reine de Naples collection, the Reine de Naples 8918 Mint Green. This exquisite timepiece embodies the essence of the collection's rich heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements and innovations. As a seasoned watch collector would notice, the watch's 18-karat white gold case [in the image, the watch appears to be white] is crafted in the signature oval shape of the Reine de Naples collection. The bezel and inner flange are adorned with 118 dazzling brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a touch of brilliance to the timepiece. The crown, positioned at the 4 o'clock location, is set with a captivating briolette-cut diamond, further highlighting the watch's luxurious aesthetic.
Courtesy of Breguet
The exquisite craftsmanship is evident on the watch's dial, which is made of pristine white mother-of-pearl. Upon closer inspection, a watch aficionado would be drawn to the classic Breguet Arabic numerals, rendered in a refreshing mint green color that complements the white gold case beautifully. These numerals are set on an off-centered gold disc, meticulously paved with 121 snow-set diamonds. The traditional Breguet blued-steel hands, in their distinctive open-tipped style, elegantly sweep across the dial, indicating the hours and minutes with precision. A mesmerizing pear-shaped diamond is positioned at the 6 o'clock location, adding a touch of sophistication and marking a signature detail of the Reine de Naples 8918 Mint Green.
At the core of the Reine de Naples 8918 Mint Green lies the Breguet in-house caliber 537/3, an automatic movement known for its reliability and precision. To the discerning eye of a watch collector, this exceptional movement would be clearly visible thanks to the sapphire caseback, offering a window into the watch's intricate workings. The caliber 537/3 boasts a power reserve of 45 hours, meaning that even after a day at rest, the watch will continue to tell the time accurately. The movement's oscillating weight, crafted from platinum, can be seen diligently spinning and winding the mainspring, the central power source of the watch.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Reine de Naples Mint Green is the utilization of silicon in its movement. Silicon is a highly regarded material in modern watchmaking due to its non-magnetic properties, extreme durability, and resistance to temperature changes. Silicon components, such as the balance spring, escape wheel, and lever, significantly enhance the watch's precision and longevity, making it far less susceptible to the effects of magnetic fields and wear-and-tear.
Courtesy of Breguet
The dial of the Reine de Naples Mint Green holds a wealth of details that showcase Breguet's meticulous craftsmanship. The mint green Arabic numerals – a refreshing departure from the typical black or blue – are hand-painted onto the mother-of-pearl surface. Each numeral is meticulously applied, requiring a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. Moreover, the off-centered chapter with those numerals rests on a gold disc adorned with 121 snow-set diamonds. The snow-setting technique is a testament to the watchmaker's skill, utilizing tiny holes drilled at varying angles to hold the stones. It creates a sparkling, multi-dimensional effect that contrasts beautifully with the smooth mother-of-pearl.
A testament to Breguet's heritage, the signature brand symbols, or "fleurs-de-lis," appear on the minutes track alongside the traditional Breguet Arabic numerals, adding a touch of visual interest and historical significance. The Breguet hands themselves, crafted from blued steel, are a hallmark of the brand. Their distinct open-tipped "pomme" shape adds a flourish to the watch's aesthetic, and the bluing process creates a vibrant blue hue that reflects light beautifully.
The addition of a pear-shaped diamond at 6 o'clock is another captivating detail that sets the Reine de Naples 8918 Mint Green apart. This diamond not only adds a touch of extravagance but also serves as a subtle design counterpoint to the crown and its briolette-cut diamond positioned at 4 o'clock. Each stone is individually selected for its clarity and brilliance, ensuring a flawless appearance.
The Breguet Reine de Naples 8918 Mint Green is completed with an exquisite mint green alligator leather strap that perfectly complements the overall theme of the watch. This handcrafted strap is attached to a triple-folding clasp set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds, adding yet another layer of luxury and refinement. The clasp itself is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also guarantees a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Breguet
The watch's oval-shaped case echoes the original design commissioned by Caroline Murat. This distinctive shape, coupled with the intricate details and luxurious materials, lends the wearer an air of sophistication and individuality. The watch's 30-meter water resistance makes it suitable for daily wear, adding a touch of practicality to its undeniable beauty.