Short answer
A fake Breguet Reine de Naples is a counterfeit watch that copies the oval case, offset dial, and mother-of-pearl finish of Breguet's women's line. No authentic Reine de Naples has sold new from an authorized dealer below about $25,000. Offers in the $300 to $2,000 range are counterfeits. The Reine de Naples line also has no steel version. Any listing that describes a stainless steel Reine de Naples is selling a fake.
What the real watch is
Breguet launched the Reine de Naples in 2002. The design traces to an 1812 commission from Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples and sister of Napoleon. The original was an oblong wristwatch with a repeating movement.
- Reference 8918 measures 36.5 mm by 28.45 mm. Case height is 10.05 mm.
- Movement is Calibre 537DRL1, self-winding, with a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock.
- Case metal is 18k rose gold or 18k white gold.
- Dial is natural mother-of-pearl with hand-turned guilloché.
- Crystal and caseback are sapphire.
- Strap is alligator leather with a gold folding clasp.
- Retail prices run from about $30,000 to $60,000, higher with diamonds.
Markers on a counterfeit
- Metal. Fakes use brass or steel with gold plating. The watch feels light for its size. Gold cases carry Swiss assay hallmarks. Fakes show no hallmark or a stamped fake stamp.
- Dial. Real guilloché is cut by engine lathe, so the pattern shifts under light. Printed patterns sit flat. Fake mother-of-pearl is plastic with a photographic print.
- Hands. Breguet hands are blued steel with a hollow eccentric ring, the pomme shape. Fake hands are stamped, thicker, and often painted.
- Crown. The real crown holds a sapphire cabochon set in gold. Fakes use glass or a glued stone.
- Caseback. The real back is sapphire with the movement visible. Engraving shows the serial number and reference. Some fakes seal the back.
- Movement. Calibre 537DRL1 has Geneva stripes, a gold rotor, and hand-finished bridges. Fakes run quartz or a stock automatic with no finishing.
- Signature. The word Breguet on the dial is engraved, not printed. The letter spacing is even.
Serial number and papers
Each Breguet carries a serial number on the caseback. That number matches the certificate. Breguet can confirm a number through a boutique. Counterfeit papers look close to real ones, but the same number appears on many units.
Legal status in the US
Trafficking in counterfeit goods falls under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison. A repeat offense carries up to 20 years. US Customs can seize a shipment at import. Selling a counterfeit watch is trademark infringement under the Lanham Act, and the trademark owner can sue the seller.
Steps if you are unsure
- Take the watch to a Breguet boutique or an authorized dealer.
- Request a photo of the caseback and the serial number.
- Compare the asking price to Breguet retail.
- Weigh the watch. A gold Reine de Naples is heavier than plated brass.
- Ask for service history. Breguet records every service.