Breguet adds a grand feu enamel dial to the popular Reine de Naples collection – here are the details of the 8918 Grand Feu,
Press Release with commentary in italics.
Breguet Reine de Naples 8918 Grand Feu
The new Reine de Naples 8918 features expertly applied grand feu enamel on its dial – a first for this collection.
Against an immaculate background, the stylized Breguet Arabic numerals appear in blue enamel, as does the signature of the House and the words “émaillé Grand Feu” (grand feu enamel). The alligator leather strap, fitted with a folding buckle set with 28 diamonds, echoes these heavenly hues. Adorning the circumference of the bezel and the dial flange are 117 diamonds surrounding this composition in white gold. The Reine de Naples 8918 in grand feu enamel ticks to the rhythm of a self-winding manufacture caliber.
The demanding grand feu enamel technique creates dials with a unique grain and immutable colors. During the particularly delicate creation process, the dial is heated at a temperature above 800°C – hence the name of this traditional technique. It is placed in the kiln several times in order to create a natural sheen to the surface.
The time can be easily read thanks to the fine Breguet hands in blued steel. The off-center hours chapter features dots, diamond-shaped markers and fleurs-de-lis, punctuated by a pearshaped diamond at 6 o’clock. If the light is just right, the reflections allow a glimpse of Breguet’s secret signature, which is placed at 3 o’clock.
A white-gold case with finely fluted sides houses the self-winding manufacture caliber 537/3, which has a power reserve of 45 hours. A briolette-cut diamond lends a touch of sparkle to the crown at 4 o’clock. The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the movement of the watch. Each component is decorated by hand with great care. If the owner so wishes, the House of Breguet will record her name in its archives, kept since the late eighteenth century, next to the individual number, engraved on the back of the watch.
The soft light of dawn seems to break across the grand feu enamel dial of the Reine de Naples 8918.
The Reine de Naples collection is one of the most interesting collection dedicated to ladies. It is interesting that though the house of Breguet is well known for its expertise in grand feu enamel, such a dial has not been fitted on the Reine de Naples before. The photographs of the new 8918 suggest a perfect match for the elegant egg shaped oval case to the delicate brilliance of the white enamel dial with its powder blue markers. The exploding numerals is not new on the Reine de Naples. We also like the return of the pear shaped diamond at 6 o’clock on the dial, first seen on the early models in 2002.
Breguet Reine de Naples 8918 Grand Feu Specifications
REF. 8918BB/28/964 D00D
Case: Oval, 18-karat white gold with finely fluted caseband. Bezel and dial flange set with 117 diamonds weighing approximately 0.99 carats. Crown set with a briolette-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.26 carats. Sapphire-crystal caseback. Dimensions: 36.5 × 28.45 millimeters. Thickness 10.05 millimeters. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 meters).
Grand feu enamel dial, signed Breguet. Hours chapter with blue Breguet Arabic numerals offcentered at 6 o’clock. Pear-shaped diamond at 6 o’clock weighing approximately 0.08 carats. Open-tipped Breguet hands in blued steel.
Movement: Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 537/3. 8¾ lignes. 26 jewels. 45-hour power reserve. 191 components. Silicon in-line Swiss lever escapement. Balance spring in silicon. Frequency 3.5 hertz. Breguet balance wheel. Adjusted in 6 positions. Blue alligator leather strap with a triple folding buckle set with 28 diamonds weighing approximately 0.17 carats.
