Tribute to Marie-Antoinette
Marie-Antoinette is part of Breguet’s history. The loyal client was behind several creations including the piece named after her. In tribute to the last queen of France, Breguet has unveiled Désir de la Reine and La Classique Rose de la Reine.
Event partner Breguet has unveiled two new exclusive timepieces to coincide with the launch of the “Marie-Antoinette, a queen in Versailles” exhibition at the Résidence de France in Tokyo. Marie-Antoinette was more than a symbol; she hugely influenced Abraham-Louis Breguet’s designs. Pocket watch N°1160 is a prime example. The iconic piece is a copy of the Marie-Antoinette N°160, a watch which Abraham-Louis Breguet was commissioned to make for the queen in 1783 and spent almost a century as one of the most complex pieces ever made.
With this in mind, the brand’s sophisticated models are still inspired by the French queen. The 18 carat white gold Classique Rose de la Reine is named after one of her favourite flowers, Rosa Centifolia Bullata, visible on the dial. What elevates the piece to another level is the skilful enamelling as the subtle blend of different enamel colours brings the regal rose to life. The time is tracked by openwork pomme hands in white gold whilst the minute track has tiny gold dots to give pride of place to the diamond-covered dial. The self-winding movement is showcased beneath the sapphire crystal back so you can admire the brand’s technical expertise. The bezel, chapter ring and lugs are paved with 167 brilliant-cut diamonds whilst the strap gleams with pink satin.
Breguet has also put a fresh spin on the Désir de la Reine for the occasion. The dial glitters with pink sapphires in different sizes whose many tones create shading. Marie-Antoinette’s signature bow in 18 carat white gold at 6 o’clock is paved with 87 brilliant-cut diamonds and two pear-shape diamonds whilst a briolette diamond sparkles on the crown. Like the Classique Rose de la Reine, the Désir de la Reine also has a pink satin strap but the deployment clasp is paved with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds. Breguet has captured the femininity that Marie-Antoinette epitomised for centuries after her death in two new fabulously ladylike pieces.
Price: 75,000 CHF (Classique Rose de la Reine) , 139,000 CHF (Désir de la Reine) breguet.com
By Inès Aloui