Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035: A Tribute to the Grand Master

Gold meets blue in Breguet’s latest horological homage—the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035. Limited to just 250 pieces, this new model is a vibrant celebration of both craftsmanship and heritage, marking 250 years since Abraham-Louis Breguet founded the brand that still bears his name. With its elegant execution and deep historical resonance, the watch is unmistakably Breguet.

Every Breguet timepiece blends refined aesthetics with masterful watchmaking, but the Tradition collection showcases this perhaps in its most distilled form. Hallmarks of the line include off-centered subdials with classic Breguet hands with their signature hollowed-out “pomme” tips, which indicate hours and minutes with graceful clarity. Thanks to this decentralized layout, the mechanical heart of the watch becomes a focal point—fully visible, meticulously finished, and elevated to the level of art. It's a charisma that transcends utility.

The Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 is the latest expression of Breguet’s savoir-faire Created to commemorate the manufacture’s 250th anniversary, it features an 18k “Breguet Gold” case—an exclusive alloy debuted in the recent Classique Souscription model. With a case diameter of 38mm and a height of 12.6mm, the watch retains a timeless profile. Signature details like the fluted case band and polished bezel ensure it remains true to Breguet’s elegant design language.

The visual harmony of the dial is achieved through a specially developed finishing process. The bridges and mainplate match the warm tone of the gold case, while silver wheels, blued screws, and ruby-red jewel bearings create striking visual accents within this fine-mechanical landscape. A first for the Tradition line, the bridges are finished with a hand-applied, silk-matte satin treatment on their upper surfaces—enhancing the visual depth of the movement.

Taking center stage is the deep blue Grand Feu enamel subdial, intricately engine-turned with a mesmerizing wave pattern inspired by the Seine river near the Quai de l’Horloge, the historic address of Breguet’s original Paris workshop. This nod to the brand’s roots is both elegant and evocative.

White Breguet numerals, a fleur-de-lis minute track, and an individual serial number at 4 o’clock stand in bold contrast to the shimmering blue background. Adding to the visual drama is the retrograde seconds hand, lending the watch its name.

Turn the watch over, and the view is no less captivating. The self-winding Caliber 505SR reveals a finely orchestrated display of finishes, with the satin-finished bridges and bead-blasted mainplate creating depth and texture. The rotor, made from platinum, is finished with vertical brushing and features a distinctive crescent shape—a design that harks back to Breguet’s early experiments with automatic winding.

Though steeped in history, the movement is thoroughly modern in its performance. It includes a patented Breguet overcoil in Nivachron, a high-tech alloy resistant to magnetic fields, and delivers a 50-hour power reserve from a single barrel.

Completing this limited edition is a dark blue alligator leather strap that echoes the dial’s deep tones, bringing the piece together in rich harmony. This exclusive tribute to Breguet’s 250-year legacy is priced at $51,200.

To learn more, visit Breguet, here.