Breguet Classique 7235 Watch Review
The recently launched Breguet Classique 7235 was inspired by the No.5 pocket watch crafted by Abraham-Louis Breguet, delivered in 1794. The prestigious Maison, currently celebrating its 250th anniversary, has produced some mouthwatering creations recently, including its GPHG award-winning Classic Souscription. We tasked US-based Marcus Henry, an avowed Breguet fan, with reviewing this up to the minute expression of Haute Horlogerie.
Breguet – the Elegance of Tradition
Few brands make wristwatches quite like Breguet. Marrying unimpeachable heritage, often classic styling and technical expertise, the luxury marque has remained a cornerstone of the industry since its foundation by Abraham-Louis Breguet, generally considered the greatest watchmaker of all time. Even many of its core design features are regularly employed by other brands. For instance, Breguet numerals and hands have become so deeply ingrained in watchmaking design that it’s almost easy to forget where they actually originated from.
The new Breguet Classique 7235 is one of the finest examples of the brand’s work that I’ve ever seen. Based on the legendary pocket watch No. 5, crafted by the great man himself, it manages to modernise a traditional design that exudes refinement and yet is perfectly attuned to present-day needs.
Breguet Classique 7235 – dial
At first glance, one might be excused for thinking the lovely dial is simple and with little evidence of newness. Indeed, for those familiar with the iconic brand’s design language, the layout is instantly recognisable; a power reserve, moon phase and small seconds display grace the dial. But take a closer look, because there’s something new here. Rather than perfectly locating each of these indications at a cardinal point, they’re all slightly skewed, each straddled by two hour markers. This apparent imbalance actually proves harmonious and entices the eye to survey the dial, savouring its many intricacies. The inclusion of a lovely Breguet cartouche, right in the midst of negative space, contributes to the sense of balance and proves especially pleasing to the eye.
Though craftsmanship is king, a timepiece can only be as good as the materials used to create it. In this instance, the Maison has used its proprietary alloy ‘Breguet Gold’, heightening every element of the dial and elevating it beyond ‘regular’ dress watches. The inclusion of silver, copper and palladium in this blend creates a subtle pink tone, a colour that is intended to resemble the gold used by watchmakers of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s day. Everything collaborates to deliver a striking yet seemly aesthetic, while the numerals and indicators incorporate tasteful soupçons of navy blue fill.
Let’s conclude by turning our gaze briefly to the gorgeous finishing Breguet has put on display, allowing the materials used for the dial to converse with the world with much finesse. A stunning in-house guilloché motif, known as the Quai de l’Horloge, adorns every surface. Guilloché is an expression of Métiers d’art that is a speciality of the house and an area of expertise few other brands can rival. The dial of the Breguet Classique 7235 upholds the brand’s esteemed reputation. To delineate all subdials, Breguet has endued each element with a motif, either circular or linear in form. This contrast not only creates a visual distinction between each subdial, aiding readability, it also wonderfully enriches the dial’s appearance. The intricately textured dial is complemented with a polished and heat-blued set of hands and, of course, the addition of Breguet’s secret signature.
Breguet Classique 7235 – case
Meticulously shaped, the proportions of the Breguet Classique 7235 hit the ‘sweet spot’. The case measures a restrained 39 mm in diameter, while the thickness is a modest 9.9 mm. The curved lugs exhibit a purity and share the same appearance as the Classique Souscription – last year’s winner of the GPHG Aiguille d’Or.
Image – case being engraved on a traditional guillochage machine
It seems the prestigious Maison has lavished as much attention on the case as the aforementioned dial. The lustrous, polished 18K Breguet Gold case evinces a jewel-like sparkle. Quai de l’Horloge guilloché, gracing the flanks of the case, further heightens the overall visual allure. These contrasting textures play beautifully with light and bestow a becoming warmth. The sapphire crystal to the front is treated on both sides with an anti-reflective coating. Likewise, the exhibition caseback features AR coating on both sides as well as a fingerprint-resistant coating, ensuring the dorsal view of the movement remains smudge-free.
Breguet Classique 7235 – movement
The in-house calibre 502.3DRL automatic movement is at the heart of the Breguet Classique 7235. The balance has a cadence of 3 Hz, a traditional frequency that sits in contrast with the ultra-modern silicon balance spring. Despite the movement incorporating three complications, it measures a mere 3.95 mm in height, a characteristic that is reflected in the svelte profile of the case.
The decoration of the movement, with its intricate finishing, is outstanding. For all the tradition of this watch, Breguet has opted not to go with the usual Côtes de Genève motif, instead choosing to endow the bridges with a gorgeous Turgot map engraving. This unusual execution includes a depiction of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s famous workshop located on Quai de l’Horloge. Shown in warm gold tones against a silver-hued backdrop, it sits in concert with the 18K gold openworked oscillating mass signed with an elaborate ‘B’ in cursive font. This is one of the prettiest rotors I’ve seen.
Breguet Classique 7235 – strap
Breguet has chosen to pair this timepiece with a sumptuous, lined navy blue alligator strap featuring tone-on-tone stitching, echoing the various blue dial elements. The colour proves elegant and a suitable pairing for this watch, which should proffer lasting eye-appeal. However, if you’re interested in an alternative, you may wish to consider pairing the watch with a brown leather or, if feeling bold, a light grey strap. The strap secures to the wrist with an 18K Breguet Gold pin buckle.
Closing remarks
Making watches bearing the name of the greatest watchmaker of all time is a huge undertaking and places much responsibility on the shoulders of the brand’s present-day management team. I’m pleased to say they have created a timepiece worthy of Abraham-Louis Breguet. Inspired by the elegance of Breguet’s simple, yet beautiful No. 5, the eponymous brand has created a work of art. By employing the company’s historical expertise, while at the same time embracing cutting-edge know-how, the Classique 7235 proves a sublime timepiece that’s ideally suited to modern-day living.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Breguet Classique 7235
- Reference: 7235BH/0H/9V6
- Case: 18K Breguet Gold, diameter 39 mm, height 9.9 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 m); sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, power-reserve indicator
- Movement: Calibre 502.3.DRL, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), 37 jewels, power reserve 45 hours.
- Strap: navy blue large-scaled alligator leather, navy blue small-scaled alligator leather lining. Fitted with 18K Breguet Gold pin buckle
- Price: £65,900 (RRP as of 22.1.2026)
- Limited Edition: 250 pieces