In 2025, Breguet celebrates 250 years of a legacy that began in 1775 when Abraham-Louis Breguet established his workshop on Paris's Île de la Cité. Renowned for pioneering innovations such as the tourbillon, the self-winding watch (Perpétuelle), and the first wristwatch, Breguet's influence on horology is profound.
To commemorate this milestone, the brand introduces the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035, a timepiece that embodies over two and a half centuries of watchmaking excellence. If you know the Tradition Collection well, you’ll realize that the watch is very similar to the Tradition 7057. A key visual difference is the guilloché pattern on the 7035.
As the tourbillon continues to captivate watch enthusiasts, long after the relevance of the problem it was designed to fix, celebrating 250 years of the inventor's company is something every haute horology fan should be eager to do. So, let's all raise our Dom Perignon filled glasses in honor of an innovative watch company and its legendary founder.
A Legacy of Innovation
Before taking a closer look at the Tradition Seconde Retrograde 7035, it's worth exploring the achievements of the company's founder. Abraham-Louis Breguet's contributions to watchmaking are numerous and transformative. His inventions, including the tourbillon (1801), the Breguet spiral (1795), and the Pare-chute shock protection system (1790), have become foundational elements in horology. These advancements enhanced timekeeping precision and set new standards in watch design and engineering.
Breguet's Tradition Collection embodies the brand's storied history with an alluring design that can be described as elegantly complex.
The Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035: A Tribute in Time
The Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 is a limited edition of 250 pieces. Housed in a 38mm case crafted from "Breguet gold" - an exclusive alloy combining gold, silver, copper, and palladium - the watch exudes a warm, lustrous hue. This alloy not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and resistance to fading.
The dial features a hand-guilloché pattern known as "Quai de l'Horloge," inspired by the Seine's graceful curves around Île de la Cité, where Breguet's original workshop was located. This intricate design is overlaid with translucent blue grand feu enamel, creating a captivating depth and sheen. Silver-toned Breguet Arabic numerals and stylized fleurs-de-lis minute markers provide a striking contrast against the blue enamel, enhancing legibility and elegance.
It really is a joy to observe, even in photographs.
Mechanical Mastery
At the heart of the Tradition 7035 lies the in-house Calibre 505SR, an automatic movement comprising 245 components and 38 jewels. Operating at 3 Hz, it offers a 50-hour power reserve. The movement's architecture showcases Breguet's signature symmetrical design, with the balance wheel prominently displayed on the dial side. A retrograde seconds hand, positioned between 10 and 11 o'clock, adds dynamic motion and technical intrigue.
The caseback reveals a crescent moon-shaped oscillating weight made of vertically brushed platinum, reminiscent of those used in Breguet's early "perpétuelle" watches. This rotor, along with the shot-blasted mainplate and satin-finished bridges, underscores the brand's commitment to blending tradition with contemporary watchmaking techniques.
A Collector's Piece
Each Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 is presented on a navy blue alligator leather strap secured with an 18K Breguet gold pin buckle. The watch is delivered in a special red leather pillow-shaped case, echoing the design of Breguet's early Moroccan leather boxes, further emphasizing its commemorative nature.
Priced at $51,200, this timepiece is not only a celebration of Breguet's storied past but also a testament to its enduring legacy in the world of haute horlogerie. Here's to an additional 250 years and more.
