Breguet Reine de Naples Bicentennial Celebration

October 5, 2012. Naples, Italy. 200 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet designed the first wristwatch, for a Queen (Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples). In order to pay tribute to this historical piece and its brilliant creator, Breguet flies off to Naples, to where it all began …

A special program for a unique anniversary

On October 5 and 6, 2012, Breguet will take over the Gulf of Naples to celebrate the bicentennial of the first wristwatch, as well as the 10th anniversary of its “Reine de Naples” ladies collection. Breguet has invited its guests from around the world to take a leap backwards in time and begin by exploring the Reggia Di Capodimonte, originally built for Charles de Bourbon in 1738. In 1808, this palace became home to Caroline Murat, who occupied the throne of Naples until 1815. Today a national museum, the Reggia Di Capodimonte still houses some apartments from the time of Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. And it is inside this very Capodimonte museum, in the apartments’ ballroom, reputed for its sumptuous decorations, that Breguet will invite its guests to lunch. The festivities will continue on the Isle of Capri where a VIP gala will crown this unique commemorative event.

Caroline Murat Reine de Naples

At the same time, Breguet will offer its guests a glimpse of the world of the first wristwatch, by setting up its travelling “Reine de Naples” exhibition on the heights of Capri. First shown in January 2012 at the Cité du Temps in Geneva, then presented in a succession of the largest cities in Asia, the United States and Europe, this exhibition looks back over the history and the mysteries of the first wristwatch. Part of the finest pieces of the contemporary “Reine de Naples” collection will be on show, brilliantly illustrating the ingenuity and elegance of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s timepieces.

Breguet, ever proud to spotlight some of the more meticulous stages in the creation of a watch, will also present an exclusive representative selection of the artistic crafts that comprise its ancestral know-how. Breguet will feature decorative techniques including bevelling, engraving, engine-turning and the art of the cameo.

World preview of exclusive pieces

An international event on this scale cannot be imagined without some exceptional exhibits. Accordingly Mr. Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Montres Breguet, will be unveiling a world preview of a new “Reine de Naples” special anniversary model, as well as a complete jewellery set, designed exclusively for this double jubilee. Both pay tribute to the 200th anniversary of the delivery of the first wristwatch and the 10th anniversary of the “Reine de Naples” collection.

Reine de Naples 8973

The “Reine de Naples” anniversary special is the latest in the line of Breguet’s Grandes Complications. This striking mechanism marks the top of every hour with two chimes repeated thrice. It offers a discreet reminder of the passing of time. A pushpiece at 2 o’clock disables the function. Along with the usual technical imperatives involved in designing an oval movement, this unique timepiece incorporates the results of fundamental research by Breguet into the acoustics of chiming and repeating watches.

The geometry of the bridges, the oscillating weight and the decoration, displayed through the sapphire crystal back of the watch, form the image of a garden pavilion in the Mediterranean style, identical to the stately residences of Caroline Murat. To do justice to the lavish setting in which the piece is unveiled, the bezel and the snap of the “Reine de Naples” anniversary special are set with 28 brilliant cut diamonds and 27 blue sapphires. The striking hammers appear above the dial at 11 and 1 o’clock, while between them the diamond heart of a rose engraved in gold indicates the engagement of the hour striker. The silvered gold dial and its flange are paved with 233 brilliant cut diamonds and 303 blue sapphires with different nuances, offering a subtle colour gradation. A crown placed at 4 o’clock and set with a briolette-cut diamond adds a sublime final touch to this exclusive anniversary watch, mounted on an alligator strap with a folding clasp set with 26 diamonds.

Press Release

This message has been edited by Kong on 2012-10-05 20:25:45

Breguet Reine de Naples Bicentennial Celebration

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