Introducing: The Breguet Classique 7225 And 7235
We may be rolling toward the end of 2025, but Breguet is intent on releasing more stunners in celebration of its 250th anniversary as a watchmaker. Thus far, we’ve been treated to some lovely pieces within several of the brand’s collections. The reception has been positive, which is consistent with what is likely to occur after today’s introductions. The Classique 7225 and 7235 are here, and they’re stunning.
Admittedly, I can be tough on Breguet. I want to love the brand because of its history and enormous contributions to watchmaking over the past 250 years. However, I sometimes find the newer watches incredibly close to pieces from 10 or 20 years ago. On a positive note, though, 2025 feels like the largest shakeup in a long time for this watchmaker. Today’s new Classique 7225 and 7235 models would be hard to confuse with watches from any other brand (a good thing), but they’re different and achingly beautiful.
The Breguet Classique 7225
The Bregeuet Classique 7225 is a visual delight, but as we’ll soon discover, the movement is an absolute game-changer. Starting with the case, it uses the brand’s special alloy of 18K Breguet gold and is fashioned with a 41mm diameter and a 10.7mm thickness. While the overall look and the dark blue alligator strap won’t cause anyone to confuse it with a sports watch, the Classique 7225 has a 30m water resistance rating.
An impressive dial
Design-wise, this watch shows inspiration from the No. 1176, a pocket watch offered from 1802 to 1809. Its 18K gold dial has a hand-guilloché “Quai de l’Horloge” pattern matching a similar motif on the case sides. This finishing contrasts against several circular-brushed sub-dial rings adorned with engraved and blued scales. The blue central hour hand aligns with the Roman-numeral-adorned ring, while the minute hand stretches far beyond it to the minute track enclosing all the sub-dials. A lower, arc-shaped display depicts the 60-hour power reserve. It becomes particularly interesting with the small displays on the upper right and left. Each shows running seconds, but the left register can be reset to zero using the pusher on the left flank.
An incredible movement
A sapphire display provides a view of the impressive manual-winding caliber 74SC. It is decorated by hand with a map of the streets near the brand’s original Parisian workshops. However, the most impressive details surrounding the caliber relate to its mechanics. This movement has a 10Hz frequency (72,000vph) and an accuracy of ±1 second per day. The technology at work is a magnetic pivot for the balance staff. Essentially, placing small magnets at the ends of the staff ensures that only the very end of it touches the jewel. This results in less friction and an ability to run at a higher frequency. Then, Breguet uses silicon for the balance spring, pallet lever, and escape wheel. On top of this, the movement is only 5.5mm thick.
The Classique 7225 is part of the normal collection
It’s a positive that the Classique 7225 joins the regular collection. Obviously, at CHF 75,000, this isn’t inexpensive, but compared to other companies’ simple dress watches priced within earshot, it’s hard to see this as a bad value. Yes, the 41mm case is relatively large, but the movement’s 35mm diameter provides a rationale behind this. This is a stunning watch with gorgeous finishing and an even more impressive movement.
The Breguet Classique 7235
The second new Breguet fits within the same collection and is known as the Classique 7235. This 39mm watch has a 9.9mm thickness and takes inspiration from the No. 5 pocket watch from 1794. Like the 7225, it also features engraved case flanks and a 30m water resistance rating. Similarly, it comes on a dark blue alligator strap with a matching 18K Breguet gold pin buckle.
More hand-guilloché
The Classique 7235 also has a hand-guilloché dial with the brand’s “Quai de l’Horloge” pattern. This pattern changes size and layout within the three sub-displays to help provide contrast. Note a repeating pattern around the entirety of the case band. Also, observe the immensely detailed chapter ring around the dial’s edge. This is some gorgeous workmanship!
Regarding the dial functions, the 7235 has blue central hour and minute hands. It also displays running seconds, a 45-hour power reserve in an arc, and a solid gold moonphase disc. All of these elements echo the design of the original No. 5 pocket watch.
The automatic 502.3.DRL caliber inside
Normally, an automatic movement would cause me concern in a beautiful dress watch like this, but there’s a reason why its use is appropriate. The No. 5 pocket watch was one of the earliest perpetual watches, which makes the use of a modern-day automatic movement a fitting choice. The 502.3.DRL has a silicon balance spring and inverted lever escapement. An offset 18K gold rotor helps achieve a mere 3.95mm thickness. On this movement, too, we find top-notch finishing, including an engraved map of the old Parisian workshop’s neighborhood added to the various plates.
Availability and pricing
Unlike the Classique 7225, the 7235 is a limited edition. In honor of Breguet’s special birthday, just 250 individually numbered pieces will be made and sold for CHF 65,000. Once again, considering the amount of craftsmanship and the movement inside, it’s an interesting watch to compare to others at the same price point.
Final thoughts
The new Classique 7225 and 7235 are easily my favorite recent Breguet releases. The dials are undeniably beautiful, and while they are modeled after historic pocket watches, they still look fresh. I also love the movements, especially the innovation within the caliber 74SC. In fact, I will seek one out in the UK just to listen to a 10Hz movement! Feel free to let us know your thoughts on these watches, and make your way to a nearby Breguet authorized dealer to see them in person.
