Reine de Naples
Breguet's oval case family, named for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, who commissioned the first oval Breguet pocket watch in 1812. The modern line uses an automatic caliber inside a cushion-oval case with a coin-edge bezel; the 8967 in steel with a silver guilloche dial is the most accessible and most-traded variant.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Reine de Naples is Breguet's oval-case ladies' watch -- named for the Queen of Naples, Napoleon's sister Caroline Murat, who was one of Breguet's most important clients. Reference 8998 is the contemporary automatic version. Historically the first wristwatch ever made, commissioned by Breguet for Caroline in 1812.
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Reine de Naples 8998 -- the first wristwatch by lineage, oval case, historically significant, the Breguet for collectors who care about provenance.
- The case for it:
- The Reine de Naples has a legitimate claim to being the first wristwatch ever made -- Breguet's commission from Caroline Murat predates other documented wristwatches by decades. The oval case is genuinely distinctive and the movement finishing matches the historical weight of the piece. This is a collector's ladies' watch with real depth.
- Consider instead if:
- Ladies' watches from this tier require committed buyers. The secondary market for ladies' Breguet is specialized. Buyers who want an oval ladies' watch without the history premium might consider Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.