Breguet’s Reine de Naples 8925 is a Valentine’s Day Ode to Love 

In the heart of haute horlogerie, where craftsmanship and artistry synchronise like two hands of the same clock, Breguet is a name synonymous with timeless elegance. As we embark upon a new year, the venerable House of Time has crafted yet another masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of mere timekeeping.

The Reine de Naples 8925 Valentine’s Day Edition, a limited series of 28 pieces, is not merely a watch; it’s a poetic ode to love, a celebration of innovation, and a testament to Breguet’s unwavering commitment to excellence. As one beholds this horological marvel, the first impression is a dance of romance and sophistication. The 18k white gold case watch, much like the others in the Reine de Naples collection, pays homage to the trailblazing spirit of Caroline Murat – Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister and a renowned patroness of the arts.

Image from Breguet

In an era when watches were worn as necklaces, it was Caroline Murat who commissioned Abraham-Louis Breguet to create the world’s first wristwatch. Thus, in 1810 Abraham-Louis Breguet began to work on this one-of-a-kind timepiece: the world’s first wristwatch. This story is not to be confused with a footnote this watch’s legacy, and instead, the integral subtext behind its creation. 

The dial, a canvas of white mother-of-pearl, becomes a stage for a chorus of emotions. Delicate red accents, a subtle nod to love’s ardour, are scattered across the dial like love notes on an enduring parchment. The flange is adorned with 66 hand-set rubies, while the bezel, a constellation of diamonds, whispers tales of eternal love. The crown, adorned with a cabochon-cut ruby, is a regal touch, a reminder that love, like royalty, is meant to be cherished. 

A closer inspection reveals discreet red hearts marking the hours on an offset chapter ring. The hands, painted in a passionate shade of red, trace their ardent path, keeping time with the beating heart of the Reine de Naples. The watch comes together with the dainty yet bold alligator leather strap that cradles the wrist with refined luxury. 

But the true heartbeat of this timepiece lies within its distinctive 33mm egg-shaped silhouette, where 180 parts come together to form the 586/1 self-winding movement. With a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 3 Hz, this calibre is not just a mechanical marvel; it is a testament to Breguet’s commitment to precision.

The balance spring, made of silicon, showcases Breguet’s technological prowess, offering resistance to corrosion, wear, and magnetic influences, ensuring the enduring accuracy of this horological gem. Turn the watch over, and the sapphire-crystal back reveals the mesmerising dance of the platinum oscillating weight, adorned with Côtes de Genève decoration and bevelling. 

Image from Breguet

As we immerse ourselves in the splendour of the Reine de Naples 8925, it’s impossible not to reflect on its historical roots. Caroline Murat, the queen who defied convention in 1810, continues to inspire the modern interpretation of her audacious request. This watch is a continuation of a legacy, a reminder that innovation and classicality can coexist in a timeless embrace. 

Breguet has never shied away from being inspired by the past, and in fact, has a famous penchant for timepieces that constantly allude to the brand’s historical narratives. Its Type 20 collection that launched its more recent timepiece last year, is a military chronograph, paying heed to the brand’s supply of over 1000 watches to the French Air Force during the First World War. Of the array of watchmakers who lined up in an attempt to meet the air force’s requirements, only Breguet’s watches that dodged its scrutiny. Type 20’s civilian counterpart Type XX is similarly entrenched in the brand’s storied past, and these tales are now upheld with each launch.  

For Reine de Naples 8925 as well, Breguet preserves the spirit of Caroline Murat, capturing the essence of her bold vision in a contemporary creation, in a world where traditions often fade. This limited edition, with its unique combination of red accents, diamonds, and rubies, serves as a manifestation that like these pieces of history, love too, can transcend time.  

Breguet, with its unwavering commitment to excellence, invites us to embark on a journey where history, romance, and craftsmanship converge—a journey guided by the beating heart of the Reine de Naples.