Breguet

The Breguet Reine de Naples traces its origins to an era when timepieces served purely as functional tools, primarily in the form of pocket watches. In 1812, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, envisioned something revolutionary—a luxurious timepiece worn on the wrist. To bring her vision to life, she commissioned the esteemed watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Inspired by this historical moment, Breguet introduced the "Reine de Naples" collection in 2002, paying homage to the original wristwatch created for the Queen. The collection maintains its signature elegance with its distinctive ovoid, egg-shaped case.

The present lot, reference 8918, is a stunning example of this legacy. Encased in white gold, the bezel and dial flange are adorned with 117 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately one carat. The mother-of-pearl dial features elongated burgundy Arabic numerals, complemented by a pear-shaped diamond at 6 o’clock. A cabochon ruby-set crown adds a touch of refinement, while the burgundy alligator strap, secured with a white gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds, enhances the watch’s cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic.

At its heart lies the automatic in-house caliber 537/3, a 19mm movement used in all of Breguet’s ladies’ watches. Each component is meticulously hand-finished, and the white gold rotor features the exquisite guilloché engraving that is emblematic of Breguet craftsmanship.

On the wrist, the Reine de Naples 8918 is both elegant and commanding—a true statement piece. Beyond its historical significance, it is a masterpiece for any discerning collector. We are delighted to offer this exceptional timepiece, complete with its original accessories.