Baselworld 2016: BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES PRINCESSE MINI 9818

Baselworld 2016: BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES PRINCESSE MINI 9818

First launched in 2002, the exclusively feminine Reine de Naples collection is a tribute to the first wristwatch ordered from Abraham-Louis Breguet by Caroline Murat in 1810 and delivered in 1812.

To create this line, Breguet drew inspiration from historical descriptions of the original model, known by its production number, 2639. Like their forebears, the creations composing the Reine de Naples are oval-shaped. Some models feature moon phases or a power-reserve indicator, while others house sophisticated complications as sonnerie au passage (automatic or ‘in passing’ hour-strike). Over the years, Breguet has enriched the Reine de Naples line with mechanical timepieces specifically designed for women and combining technical mastery with aesthetic sophistication.

In 2015, Breguet launched the Reine de Naples Princesse Mini watches, adapting the iconic oval shape of the Reine de Naples collection to even the daintiest wrists. Initially presented in rose gold and steel versions, these refined 32.7 x 27.3 mm models are complemented this year by a new interpretation. The Reine de Naples Princesse Mini 9818 now offers women the choice of opting for white gold. This new model also adopts other distinctive features including a bezel and lug entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The domed dials of the rose gold and steel versions, respectively crafted in natural white or Tahitian mother- of-pearl, are replaced in this model by a lavender-coloured mother- of-pearl dial. Its large hour-markers are crafted so as to form a natural textured white mother-of-pearl marquetry motif. Mother- of-pearl being an extremely delicate material, this work represents an authentic technical feat. A briolette-cut diamond on the crown further magnifies the radiance of this Reine de Naples Princesse Mini 9818.

As far as the movement is concerned, this timepiece entirely made in the Breguet workshops of the Vallée de Joux is equipped with Calibre 586/1 with a silicon balance-spring. Its 38-hour power reserve is ensured by an engine-turned platinum oscillating weight.