In 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet produced the first wrist replica watches for Caroline Murat, queen of Naples. This timepiece is noted for the delicate shape of its case with its elegant curves being an ode to femininity. The watch also distinguished itself by its movement. While many watchmakers produce mechanical movements for men only, Breguet has since its beginnings designed mechanical timepieces for women.

The seductive power of the collection is concentrated in these Reine de Naples Princesse Mini models, measuring 32.7 x 27.3mm. The first version comes in a steel case with a self-winding movement. Its domed dial is in shimmering white natural mother-of-pearl, while the hour markers are in a marquetry of natural white mother-of-pearl. This is a real achievement because mother-of-pearl is naturally brittle, making its use in marquetry particularly tricky.

Reine de Naples Princesse Mini 9807 (Ref. 9807ST/5W/922). © Breguet

Another version has also been made, this time in a rose gold case. It has the same movement as the steel replica Breitling watches, but the domed dial is slightly different, being made of mother-of-pearl from Tahiti. Another feature exclusive to the rose gold model is that the spherical attachment of the strap is set with diamonds while the crown wears a briolette diamond.

Reine de Naples Princesse Mini 9808 (Ref. 9808BR/5T/922 0D00). © Replica Breguet UK