Introducing Breguet’s Enduring Legacy Comes to Life Once Again in the Classique 7235

Abraham-Louis Breguet contributed more to the world of fine watchmaking than any other name in the history of the craft. To mark the 250th anniversary of the Maison, Breguet recognized that a single watch would not suffice to embody its illustrious legacy. Thus began a series of commemorative creations paying tribute to this exceptional heritage. The latest among them is the Classique 7235, inspired by the historic pocket watch No. 5, delivered in 1794 and now displayed at the Breguet Museum in Place Vendôme, Paris.

The No. 5 pocket watch was one of the earliest examples of a perpetual timepiece, making the use of a modern self-winding movement in the Classique 7235 a fitting homage. Like all of Breguet’s 250th-anniversary creations, the watch is crafted from Breguet gold. It comes in a 39 mm case measuring just 9.9 mm thick, featuring a three-part construction inspired directly by the 1794 pocket watch. Mirroring the design of the earlier Classique 7225, the case flanks are finely engraved by hand with the “Quai de l’Horloge” motif and offer 30 meters of water resistance.

The dial, also fashioned from solid Breguet gold, showcases the same hand-applied guilloché “Quai de l’Horloge” pattern. Deep blue varnish fills the engraved numerals and inscriptions, while blued steel Breguet hands elegantly indicate the hours and minutes. 

The power reserve indicator sits at 10:30, the moon phase display at 1:30, and a small seconds subdial occupies the lower portion of the dial. Both the small seconds and power reserve sectors, as well as the outer dial rim, feature a circular rendering of the guilloché motif, separated by satin-brushed inserts with blue Roman numerals. The moon phase at 2 o’clock is a faithful reproduction of the one found on the original No. 5 watch.

Powering the watch is the Calibre 502.3.DRL, visible through the sapphire caseback. This ultra-thin automatic movement, measuring just 3.95 mm thick, features an off-centered rotor that contributes to its slim profile. Beating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vph), it offers a 45-hour power reserve and is equipped with a silicon balance spring and escapement. True to Breguet tradition, the finishing is exquisite: the bridges are hand-engraved with the historic Turgot map, a remarkably detailed depiction of 1730s Paris, marking the very location of Breguet’s original workshop.

The Classique 7235 also debuts the new Breguet Hallmark, the brand’s in-house certification that guarantees the highest standards of finishing and mechanical excellence.

Fitted with a blue alligator leather strap and a Breguet gold pin buckle, the Breguet Classique 7235 is limited to 250 pieces and priced at CHF 65,000, equivalent to approximately AED 300,300.

For more information, visit Breguet official website.