The Breguet Reine de Naples 8917 is one of the most recognisable ladies' watches ever made: an elongated oval case, a dial shifted off-centre, and a crown set at 4 o'clock. A high-grade 1:1 replica of this reference sets out to reproduce that silhouette, the mother-of-pearl dial and the movement finishing closely enough that only a loupe reveals the difference. This guide covers what the replica gets right, which materials actually matter, and what to expect after checkout.
Key Features
- Oval case profile measuring roughly 43.75 mm by 34.95 mm, matching the proportions of the original
- Crown positioned at 4 o'clock with a cabochon-tipped finish
- Natural mother-of-pearl dial with applied numerals and a recessed small-seconds track
- Blued-steel-tone pomme hands shaped after the Breguet house style
- Automatic self-winding movement with a decorated rotor visible through the caseback
- Sapphire crystal front and back with anti-reflective coating
- Alligator-grain leather strap with a deployant-style clasp
- Splash resistant for hand washing and rain
Materials and Specifications
The case is cut from 316L stainless steel and finished with a mix of polished and lightly brushed surfaces, then given a warm gold-tone plating that matches the tone of the solid-gold original in normal light. The dial is genuine mother-of-pearl, so no two examples show exactly the same iridescence. Sapphire is used on both sides rather than mineral glass, which keeps the movement view clear and resists everyday scratching. Inside is a self-winding calibre running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a power reserve in the high thirties. The strap is vegetable-tanned leather stamped with an alligator grain and lined in soft calf. Each piece is checked for dial alignment, crown action and time-setting before it is packed.
How does the oval case wear on the wrist?
Very comfortably. The oval footprint sits flat against a smaller wrist and spreads its weight evenly instead of tipping to one side, so it wears closer to a bracelet than a round dress watch.
Is the mother-of-pearl dial real?
On the better replicas, yes. Thin natural nacre sheet is used rather than printed plastic, so the colour should shift subtly as you turn your wrist in daylight.
Which movement does it use?
A decorated automatic calibre built on a proven Japanese or Swiss-pattern base. It is accurate enough for daily wear and can be serviced by any competent watchmaker.
Shipping and Returns
Orders are dispatched within a couple of business days and arrive in discreet, unbranded packaging with tracking provided. Returns are accepted within the stated window as long as the watch is unworn and all protective films are intact, so review the returns page before ordering.