- Breguet celebrates 250 years with the release of the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035, crafted in a proprietary gold alloy.
- The 38mm timepiece features a translucent blue enamel dial inspired by the curves of the Seine and a retrograde seconds display.
- A platinum rotor and visible movement bridges on the dial side highlight Breguet’s technical artistry and historical innovation.
When Breguet was founded – back in 1775 – the American War of Independence was in full swing, Mozart was writing concertos, and the steam engine was about to change the world.
250 years later, the French-founded watchmaker is continuing the celebrations of its quarter-millennium anniversary with the release of the Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035, following up the Classique Souscription 2025 that debuted last month.
The Tradition 7035 draws inspiration from Breguet’s archives and features a 38mm case (12.6mm thick) crafted from Breguet gold – a bespoke alloy created specifically for the 250th anniversary. This proprietary precious metal is a fusion of gold, silver, copper, and palladium, and radiates a warm, golden glow that’s emphasised by the mirror-like polished finish of the case.
The unmistakable centrepiece of the watch is the finely crafted engine-turned dial, made from a base plate of Breguet gold and finished with translucent blue grand feu enamel, boasting a design that’s inspired by the flowing curves of the Seine in Paris. Over the surface of the enamel, you’ll see classic Breguet hands and numerals, while to the left of the dial is a retrograde seconds indicator in blued steel, adding a touch of refinement.
Much of the movement is visible from the dial side of the watch, hand-applied satin finish on the bridges of the calibre 505SR (a first for the Tradition collection), complete with further blued steel in the movement screws.
Flip the watch over, and the caseback of the Tradition 7035 showcases a striking oscillating weight in brushed platinum, a nod to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s innovative use of platinum to optimise early automatic winding mechanisms.
While the Classique Souscription 2025 might have been an unexpected release for anyone who wasn’t aware of the brand’s earliest history, the Tradition 7035 is a much more familiar expression of Breguet. With its fascinating blend of history, craftsmanship, and innovative alloys, the Tradition 7035 is a contemporary testament to Breguet’s legacy.
