The Breguet We’ve Been Waiting For: The 38mm Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035
When we first opened the press release for the new Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035, our initial thought was: another beautiful piece too large for the wrist. But a few lines in, that notion quickly disappeared. Breguet has done something truly special—returning to its roots with a 38 mm case, inspired by the original 37 mm Tradition 7027 released two decades ago.
This anniversary edition captures everything a horology enthusiast craves. The guilloché dial is brilliantly executed, crowned with the unmistakable Breguet numerals and open-tipped hands. The traditional fluted caseband shimmers with elegance. And when paired with a stunning retrograde seconds complication, it becomes clear that this isn’t just another commemorative release—it’s a celebration of craft, proportion, and legacy. Without a doubt, it’s one of our favorite launches of 2025. With just 250 pieces made, we can only hope one crosses our path soon.
A Tribute in Form and Function
In honor of Breguet’s 250th anniversary, the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 joins the celebratory lineup—following the recent Classique Souscription 2025—and carries forward the design philosophy and movement architecture inspired by Abraham-Louis Breguet’s early souscription and tact pocket watches.
Housed in a compact 38 mm case, the 7035 offers a welcome nod to vintage proportions. The 12.60 mm thickness provides a balanced wrist presence, enhanced by the brand’s signature fluted caseband, welded lugs with screw bars, and dual sapphire crystals. The case is crafted from proprietary 18k Breguet gold, a unique alloy that blends copper, silver, and palladium to create a warm hue resistant to fading—a modern take on antique aesthetics.
The Dial – Heritage Meets Artistry
As expected from the Tradition series, the time display is off-centered at 12 o’clock. The dial is a true showcase of traditional craftsmanship. The base is made of 18k Breguet gold, decorated with a hand-applied guilloché pattern known as “Quai de l’Horloge,” inspired by the flowing lines of the Seine around Île de la Cité—where Breguet once had his historic workshop.
This textured canvas is then treated with translucent blue Grand Feu enamel, adding depth and a soft glow to the dial surface. Breguet Arabic numerals and a minute track with stylized fleurs-de-lys are rendered in contrasting silver, while the hands—crafted in 18k gold—retain the brand’s iconic open-tipped shape. A retrograde seconds hand, located on the left of the sub-dial, arcs gracefully using a blued-steel baton.
Movement – The Mechanical Soul of Breguet
Powering the 7035 is the self-winding Calibre 505SR, a movement inspired by the architecture of souscription pocket watches. Visible from both sides, it showcases an engaging layout with stepped bridges, visible gears, and a centrally positioned barrel. The escapement is mounted on the dial side and equipped with a modern anti-shock system that echoes Breguet’s historic pare-chute invention.
The movement is finished in Breguet gold with a mix of shot-blasted, brushed, and polished surfaces, highlighted by blued screws and beveled edges. On the back, the crescent-shaped rotor—an homage to Breguet’s antique perpétuelle watches—and is crafted in vertically brushed platinum to contrast with the rest of the movement. It offers a 50-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 3Hz, featuring a Nivachron balance spring for enhanced magnetic resistance.
Availability and Price
The Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 250th Anniversary Edition is paired with a navy blue alligator leather strap and delivered in a red commemorative leather case. Limited to just 250 numbered pieces worldwide, it is priced at € 50,300.
More information at www.breguet.com.
General Specifications:
Brand: Breguet
Model: Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035
Reference: 7035BH/H2/9V6
Dial: Translucent blue grand feu enamel gold with hand-guilloché
Case Material: 18k Breguet gold
Case Dimensions: 38 mm Diameter, 12.60 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Blue Alligator leather strap with a 18k Breguet gold buckle
Caliber: Breguet 505SR
Dimensions: 6.31 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, retrograde seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Vph)
Jewels: 38
Components: 245
Power Reserve: 50 Hours
Price: € 50,300
Limited Edition: Yes, 250 pieces
