A Tribute to Mastery
The Breguet Reine de Naples 8939 Ref. 8939BB/6D/964/DD0D3L is an extraordinary creation that pays homage to the historic legacy of the first wristwatch designed by Abraham-Louis Breguet for Queen Caroline Murat of Naples in the early 1800s. This lineage of regal sophistication is carried forward in this masterpiece, which gracefully combines horological artistry with high jewelry. The Reine de Naples collection celebrates femininity through its elegant proportions, precious materials, and refined complications, and the 8939 model stands at the pinnacle of that vision.
Case and Dimensions
The case of the Reine de Naples 8939 is crafted in 18K white gold, shaped in the distinctive elongated oval form that has become the signature of the collection. Measuring 36.5 mm by 28.45 mm, the case is slightly curved to embrace the wrist with natural elegance and comfort. Every surface of the white gold case is polished to perfection, enhancing the play of light and shadow across its sinuous profile. The soft lines and rounded edges express a sense of grace that is uniquely feminine, setting this model apart as both a timepiece and an objet d’art.
Functional Features
Enhancing the allure of the white gold case is a dazzling bezel set with 131 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.82 carats). These stones are meticulously placed by Breguet’s master gem-setters to follow the curvature of the case, ensuring symmetry, brilliance, and fluidity. The attention to detail is extraordinary; each diamond is hand-selected for clarity and cut, and the setting work is executed under a microscope to meet the maison’s exacting standards. The effect is one of radiant elegance, where the boundary between timekeeping and jewelry disappears.
Dial and Design Details
The dial is a marvel of haute joaillerie, entirely snow-set with 384 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.89 carats), creating a surface of glimmering texture. The snow setting technique, in which diamonds of varying sizes are placed together with barely visible metal between them, gives the dial an organic shimmer reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. This jewelled canvas serves as the backdrop for one of the most revered complications in watchmaking—the tourbillon—placed majestically at 6 o’clock and highlighted by a delicate diamond-set frame.
The tourbillon is not only a mechanical feat but a visual triumph. Invented by Breguet in 1801, this rotating mechanism compensates for gravitational variations to improve accuracy. In the Reine de Naples 8939, the tourbillon carriage rotates gracefully within the dial, blending technical precision with decorative harmony. The exposed movement draws the eye, offering a glimpse into the watch’s soul, while its rhythmic motion adds a poetic dimension to the passing of time.
Movement and Complications
Adding to the charm is the off-centered chapter ring with Breguet’s iconic Arabic numerals and finely blued open-tipped hands, positioned at 12 o’clock. This unusual dial layout preserves the focus on the tourbillon while honoring the brand’s historical design codes. The numerals are printed on a mother-of-pearl sub-dial, adding a layer of depth and luxury. The contrast between the blued hands and shimmering diamond dial ensures legibility while contributing to the timepiece’s unmistakable Breguet identity.
Powering the Reine de Naples 8939 is the Breguet Calibre 187D, a hand-wound mechanical movement specifically designed to accommodate the watch’s unique shape and tourbillon configuration. This movement offers a 50-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 2.5 Hz. Although not visible from the front, the movement’s bridges and plates are hand-finished with traditional techniques including Côtes de Genève, chamfered edges, and perlage—ensuring it is as beautiful inside as it is outside.
Strap and Wearabillity
The timepiece is fitted with a satin-finished leather strap, complementing the luminous tones of the white gold and diamonds. The strap is soft, supple, and meticulously crafted, offering both comfort and visual harmony. It is secured with a folding clasp in 18K white gold, which is also adorned with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds. Even the clasp, a seemingly minor detail, is treated with the same level of care as the dial and case, reflecting Breguet’s dedication to excellence in every component.
Brequet: The Standard of Prestige
Offered in limited production, the Breguet Reine de Naples 8939 is a rare and coveted creation. Each piece is individually numbered and recorded in Breguet’s archives, ensuring authenticity and traceability. Its exclusivity makes it not just a luxury watch, but a collector’s piece—one that represents the highest achievements of the Breguet maison in horology and jewelry. For connoisseurs and collectors alike, this watch is a statement of refinement and rarity.
Available at Jewels by Love, an authorized Breguet retailer, the Reine de Naples 8939 is more than a timepiece—it is an heirloom of artistic and mechanical distinction. As part of Breguet’s exclusive women’s collection, this model reflects the house’s deep history, artistic mastery, and enduring relevance in modern haute horlogerie. Its front view captures everything it stands for: elegance, precision, luxury, and timeless beauty, making it one of the most exceptional fine jewelry watches available today.
