Breguet Reine de Naples 9835
The Breguet Reine de Naples 9835 is the latest creation from the prestigious Maison. It is joined by its sibling the Reine de Naples 9839, an exquisite watch endowed with a white lacquered dial. However, it is the 9835, the prima ballerina that ensnares the Lancastrian’s heart. It extends its arms, assuming the fifth position, to impart the minutes with aplomb, all set against a bewitching blue backdrop.
It may sound strange for a male, heterosexual, fiftysomething to say he finds ladies’ watches alluring, but I always have. I’m fascinated by this enchanting world where design, mechanical ingenuity, métier d’art and finissage coexist. With this in mind, I find much to admire about Breguet and I adore its latest model, the Reine de Naples 9835.
Breguet Reine de Naples 9839
The historical Maison has just unveiled two new references, both inspired by the first-ever wristwatch made for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. The Breguet Reine de Naples 9839 features a white lacquered dial, a white gold case and a tasteful application of sapphires to the bezel, flange and crown. Eminently beautiful and wonderfully executed, the Reine de Naples 9839 is certainly worthy of the Breguet name.
A blue mother-of-pearl dial
However, it is the other Breguet sister that has ensnared my heart. The Breguet Reine de Naples 9835 features a white gold oval case measuring 36.5mm x 28.45mm and its face is a vision, appointed in blue mother-of-pearl. On this model, diamonds are tastefully employed, gracefully enlivening the flange, bezel and lugs, bestowing a sparkling allure.
Variable-length hand indicating the minutes
The dial eschews conventional hour and minute hands. The hours are shown within an arc-shaped aperture with the prevailing hour denoted with a discreet dot. The hour indication is very intelligible and notably stylish. However, this model’s pièce de résistance is unquestionably its distinctive minute hand. Formed of two arms and resembling a heart, the hand telescopically morphs as it follows the shape of the dial, pointing to pearl-like dots encircling its prepossessing face. The action is captivating to observe but simple to read. Stylised Arabic numerals are located at the cardinal points, albeit they are predominantly skewed towards the lower hemisphere of the dial.
Calibre 78A0
Beyond its pulchritudinous dial, the Breguet Reine de Naples 9835 is equipped with an exquisite self-winding movement incorporating a platinum oscillating weight. Despite the Maison’s rich heritage, the Swiss brand has embraced cutting-edge know-how, employing silicium for the balance spring and Swiss lever escapement. This glass-like lightweight material is friction-free, corrosion resistant and unaffected by magnetic fields; all useful attributes for watchmaking. In contrast, traditions are also respected with this movement. In fact, peerless finishing abounds with numerous components embellished by deft, time-served hands.
One glance at this model and it seems beauty and intellect can happily co-exist. The only problem with the Breguet Reine de Naples 9835 is that it is limited to just 20 pieces, hence demand will inevitably outstrip supply.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Breguet Reine de Naples 9835
- Reference: 9835BB/5Y/964 DD0D
- Case: 18K white gold, dimensions 36.5 mm x 28.45 mm, height 11 mm, water resistance 3ATM (30m), sapphire crystal to the front and solid case back.
- Functions: variable-length hand indicating the minutes and disc displaying the hours through an aperture
- Movement: Calibre 78A0; self-winding movement, frequency 25,200 vph (3.5Hz), 33 jewels, power reserve 40 hours.
- Strap: blue alligator leather, folding clasp set with 28 diamonds
- Price: £48,100 (RRP as of 4.10.2022)
- Limited Edition: 20 pieces