Breguet International Event To Celebrate The Bicentennial Of The First Wristwatch
Oct 05, 2012,20:25 PM
October 5, 2012. Naples, Italy. 200
years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet designed the first wristwatch, for a
Queen (Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples). In order to pay tribute to this
historical piece and its brilliant creator, Breguet flies off to
Naples, to where it all began …
A special program for a unique anniversary
On
October 5 and 6, 2012, Breguet will take over the Gulf of Naples to
celebrate the bicentennial of the first wristwatch, as well as the 10th
anniversary of its “Reine de Naples” ladies collection. Breguet has
invited its guests from around the world to take a leap backwards in
time and begin by exploring the Reggia Di Capodimonte, originally built
for Charles de Bourbon in 1738. In 1808, this palace became home to
Caroline Murat, who occupied the throne of Naples until 1815. Today a
national museum, the Reggia Di Capodimonte still houses some apartments
from the time of Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. And it is inside this
very Capodimonte museum, in the apartments’ ballroom, reputed for its
sumptuous decorations, that Breguet will invite its guests to lunch. The
festivities will continue on the Isle of Capri where a VIP gala will
crown this unique commemorative event.
Caroline Murat Reine de Naples
At
the same time, Breguet will offer its guests a glimpse of the world of
the first wristwatch, by setting up its travelling “Reine de Naples”
exhibition on the heights of Capri. First shown in January 2012 at the
Cité du Temps in Geneva, then presented in a succession of the largest
cities in Asia, the United States and Europe, this exhibition looks back
over the history and the mysteries of the first wristwatch. Part of the
finest pieces of the contemporary “Reine de Naples” collection will be
on show, brilliantly illustrating the ingenuity and elegance of
Abraham-Louis Breguet’s timepieces.
Breguet,
ever proud to spotlight some of the more meticulous stages in the
creation of a watch, will also present an exclusive representative
selection of the artistic crafts that comprise its ancestral know-how.
Breguet will feature decorative techniques including bevelling,
engraving, engine-turning and the art of the cameo.
World preview of exclusive pieces
An
international event on this scale cannot be imagined without some
exceptional exhibits. Accordingly Mr. Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO
of Montres Breguet, will be unveiling a world preview of a new “Reine
de Naples” special anniversary model, as well as a complete jewellery
set, designed exclusively for this double jubilee. Both pay tribute to
the 200th anniversary of the delivery of the first wristwatch and the
10th anniversary of the “Reine de Naples” collection.
Reine de Naples 8973
The
“Reine de Naples” anniversary special is the latest in the line of
Breguet’s Grandes Complications. This striking mechanism marks the top
of every hour with two chimes repeated thrice. It offers a discreet
reminder of the passing of time. A pushpiece at 2 o’clock disables the
function. Along with the usual technical imperatives involved in
designing an oval movement, this unique timepiece incorporates the
results of fundamental research by Breguet into the acoustics of chiming
and repeating watches.
The geometry of the
bridges, the oscillating weight and the decoration, displayed through
the sapphire crystal back of the watch, form the image of a garden
pavilion in the Mediterranean style, identical to the stately residences
of Caroline Murat. To do justice to the lavish setting in which the
piece is unveiled, the bezel and the snap of the “Reine de Naples”
anniversary special are set with 28 brilliant cut diamonds and 27 blue
sapphires. The striking hammers appear above the dial at 11 and 1
o’clock, while between them the diamond heart of a rose engraved in gold
indicates the engagement of the hour striker. The silvered gold dial
and its flange are paved with 233 brilliant cut diamonds and 303 blue
sapphires with different nuances, offering a subtle colour gradation. A
crown placed at 4 o’clock and set with a briolette-cut diamond adds a
sublime final touch to this exclusive anniversary watch, mounted on an
alligator strap with a folding clasp set with 26 diamonds.
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2012-10-05 20:26:25
October 5, 2012. Naples, Italy. 200 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet designed the first wristwatch, for a Queen (Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples). In order to pay tribute to this historical piece and its brilliant creator, Breguet flies off to Naples, to ...
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