MYSTERIOUS ELEGANCE: BREGUET'S NEW REINE DE NAPLES TIMEPIECES

The latest Reine de Naples models-9835 and 9838-offer two varied aesthetics, unified by an ingenious minutes hand that transforms as it traverses the path around the dial

- Aishwarya Sati

If one delves deep into records, the first wristwatch-an 'oblong' repeater, presented on a bracelet of hair entwined with gold thread was created by French watchmaker, Abraham Louis Breguet in 1812 for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, who was also Napoleon's younger sister. This was way ahead of time, as that was an era when wearing a 'time-telling' mechanism on the wrist was highly frowned upon. This also set the ball rolling for advancements in women's wristwatches that went from bejewelled timepieces or 'wristlets' to more functional watches on leather bands, used for outdoor activities like hunting and equestrian sports. Breguet's enigmatic Reine de Naples collection also draws inspiration from this first-ever wristwatch, and the signature oval shape of these timepieceswhether gem set or lacquered-makes them instantly recognisable.

The two new additions (9835 and 9838) are no exception and stand out for their inherent originality and powerful characteristics.