Breguet’s new limited edition watch is priced over $50,000

Breguet has released two new timepieces with two different styles.  The Reine de Naples collection is inspired by the first-ever wristwatch, delivered in 1812 to Napoleon’s sister, the elegant Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. 

The flexible minutes hand gracing the dial of these two new models is as admirable as it is intriguing. The magic of an ingenious mechanism enables it to change shape according to its position on the oblong dial. 

This original mechanism protected by several patents was devised by Breguet. The variable-length minutes hand is composed of two arms linked at one end yet independent of each other. These arms change shape thanks to a clever set of gears. The hand thus plays with the dial by appearing in different guises when it is stretched at 12 o’clock and then more rounded at 6 o’clock. Behind the device enabling this optical game is an oval cam reminiscent of the Reine de Naples’ characteristic curves. As the minutes go by, each arm operates at a different speed. The dimensions of the hand are constantly adapted in step with its path around the dial, thus perfectly following the shape of the watch. 

Its white gold case elegantly contrasts with its midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial, whose subtle hues vary as the light plays over it. Its flange, bezel and lugs are set with 161 diamonds. Its crown bears a briolette-cut diamond, while its folding clasp is adorned with 28 diamonds. Time is indicated by an aperture in the dial center. The powdered silver-toned minutes numerals, featuring a font reminiscent of hand-drawn designs. This version is available with an alligator leather strap matching the dial color of this timepiece issued in a 20-piece limited edition. 

At the heart of its 36.5 x 28.45 mm oval case, 252 components drive the 78A0 self-winding movement with an oscillation frequency of 3.5 Hz. This movement is equipped with a balance spring as well as an in-line Swiss lever escapement that are both made of silicon, a material endowed with multiple properties. In addition to being resistant to corrosion and wear, it is insensitive to the influence of magnetic fields and enhances the precision of the timepiece. The gear trains of this complication, like all components of the calibre whether visible or invisible, are carefully finished by hand in keeping with the Breguet tradition. The sapphire back of the white gold case reveals the movement’s platinum oscillating weight as well as the Côtes de Genève motif and bevelling. The gold rim is engraved with the individual watch number recorded in the Breguet archives.

Technical data 

Reine de Naples 9835BB/5Y/964 DD0D 20-piece limited edition 

• Case: 18K white gold, sapphire caseback, bezel, flange and lugs set with 161 diamonds, crown set with a diamond 
• Dimensions: 36.5 mm X 28.45 mm 
• Thickness: 11 mm 
• Dial: blue mother-of-pearl 
• Hands: variable-length hand indicating the minutes and disc displaying the hours through an aperture 
• Movement: self-winding with platinum oscillating weight
• Escapement: in-line Swiss lever escapement, with escape-wheel and flat balance spring in silicon
• Water resistance: 3 bar (30 m)
• Caliber: 78A0
  Frequency: 3,5 Hz 
• Power reserve: 40 hours 
• Strap: blue alligator leather, folding clasp set with 28 diamonds 

Technical data 

Reine de Naples 9838BB/B8/364 S00S 

• Case: 18K white gold case, fluted caseband, bezel, flange and crown set with blue sapphires 
• Dimensions: 36.5 mm X 28.45 mm 
• Thickness: 11 mm 
• Dial: white lacquered 
• Hands: variable-length hand indicating the minutes and disc displaying the hours through an aperture 
• Movement: self-winding with platinum oscillating weight
• Escapement: in-line Swiss lever escapement, escape-wheel and flat balance spring in silicon
• Water resistance: 3 bar (30 m)
• Caliber: 78A0
• Frequency: 3,5 Hz 
• Power reserve: 40 hours 
• Strap: blue alligator leather, folding clasp set with 28 blue sapphires