Breguet introduces the Classique 7225: celebrating 250 years of precision with magnetic pivot technology and high-frequency. Price €89,200
As part of its 250th anniversary, Breguet presents the Classique 7225, a wristwatch combining a magnetic-pivot balance with a high-frequency escapement (10 Hz), a new step in the brand’s ongoing quest for chronometric excellence.
In 1802, Abraham-Louis Breguet began work on a series of five experimental watches combining a tourbillon with a natural escapement, setting new standards for precision.
More than two centuries later, Breguet continues to build on that legacy with the Classique 7225, a timepiece born from years of research into regulating systems and materials.
While A.-L. Breguet’s era focused on improving escapements and balance systems, high-frequency regulation only became possible in modern times. The brand introduced its first high-frequency wristwatch in 2008, followed by the award-winning Classique Chronométrie 7727 in 2014, featuring the magnetic pivot — a patented system that uses two micro-magnets to stabilise the balance staff and reduce friction in all positions (read our "History of Breguet" to learn more).
The magnetic pivot turns a traditional enemy of mechanical watchmaking into a valuable ally. Instead of letting magnetic fields disrupt the regulating organ, Breguet harnesses them to maintain a perfectly centred balance staff. Two opposing micro-magnets, positioned at either end of the staff, create a controlled magnetic field that holds it in place while allowing smooth oscillation. In the event of a shock, the magnetic forces automatically re-centre the axis, ensuring stability and durability.
This configuration drastically reduces contact friction, as only the very tip of the staff pivots against a jewel, resulting in near-identical amplitude in all six positions. The outcome is a regulating system of exceptional precision and resilience, fully aligned with the spirit of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s original innovations.
For its 250th anniversary, Breguet introduces the Classique 7225, a new interpretation of its magnetic pivot combined with a high-frequency escapement (10 Hz). The design takes inspiration from the historic Breguet No. 1176, created between 1802 and 1809.
The original No. 1176 was among the first watches fitted with a four-minute tourbillon and only the fifth tourbillon timepiece ever sold by Abraham-Louis Breguet. It also incorporated a constant-force escapement driven by a fusee-and-chain mechanism, a rare innovation for its time.
Breguet No. 1176, a 64 mm tourbillon pocket watch with observation seconds, ordinary seconds and power reserve - 1809
Part of a series of five tourbillon watches built for prestigious clients of the Quai de l’Horloge, two of these masterpieces are preserved at the Museum of Islamic Art in Jerusalem, while others belong to the Breguet Museum in Paris and private collections. No. 1176 was originally delivered to Count Potocki of Poland and remains one of the highlights of the Breguet Museum.
The new Classique 7225 pays tribute to this exceptional watch, reinterpreting its pursuit of precision through the use of the magnetic pivot, visible through the sapphire caseback of its 41 mm x 10.7 mm case, crafted from 18K Breguet gold and strongly characterised by the “Quai de l’Horloge” guilloché pattern adorning not only the dial but also the caseband and the inter-horn space.
The precious dial is completed by Roman numerals on the chapter ring and blue gold Breguet hollow-tipped hours and minutes hands.
Aesthetically, the Classique 7225 echoes its predecessor’s characteristics and complications: central hours and minutes, a fan-shaped power reserve at 6 o’clock (35 hours in the original, now 60 hours), and two small seconds subdials at 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock.
The presence of two small seconds displays is striking, and they both serve the same chronometric purpose.
This feature was first introduced by A.-L. Breguet on Reference 1176 from 1809. What distinguishes the new model is its counting system: unlike its predecessor, the Classique 7225 features a “return-to-zero” function that allows the counter to be reset while instantly continuing its timing sequence.
While the “traditional” small seconds hand at 2 o’clock rotates continuously throughout the watch’s power reserve, the 10 o’clock subdial features an “observation” small seconds hand whose flyback function is activated by pressing the pusher at 8 o’clock.
This additional function makes it possible to measure intermediate times or the duration of two simultaneous events.
Beating at 72,000 vibrations per hour (10 Hz), the hand-wound Calibre 74SC offers a 60-hour power reserve. Breguet demonstrates its chronometric superiority by certifying a maximum deviation in rate of +/- 1 second per day.
In another first for the brand, Breguet has designed a phenakistoscope-type kinematic animation for its escape wheel and pinion. The rotation of this organ serves to display 20 images per second, enabling two inscriptions – in this instance “1775” and “2025” – to appear in turn, switching from one to the other in a smooth and fluid “morphing” effect.
The overall excellence of Breguet timepieces is now symbolised by a new hallmark that will be stamped on the finished watch head and on each buckle.
It covers not only the finishing of each component but also the methods used and the harmony of the overall design. Every detail is executed by hand according to strict internal standards, overseen by a dedicated hallmark committee. This committee also ensures that each watch bearing the hallmark meets Breguet’s highest standards of watchmaking artistry.
The hallmark also guarantees technical performance. Each individually numbered watch is assembled, tested, and certified through every stage of production. Its precision is evaluated in three categories: “Scientific” (+/- 1 s per day), “Civilian” (+/- 2 s), and “Evening” (-2/+6 s).
Every model is tested for magnetic resistance and water resistance, with standards exceeding the industry benchmark (NIHS 90-10). Acoustic models, such as minute repeaters, alarms, or grande sonneries, undergo additional testing to ensure optimal sound quality.
The Breguet hallmark also represents a pledge to ethical and sustainable watchmaking. All components are crafted in Switzerland to the highest standards of fine horology. The brand guarantees the lifetime repairability of its timepieces, supported by expert watchmakers trained to service both modern and historical models.
Breguet also upholds strict environmental, social, and economic principles across its supply chain, ensuring that every partner shares its commitment to excellence and responsibility.
Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 metres / 100 feet), the watch is paired with a navy blue, large-scaled alligator leather strap with an 18K Breguet gold pin buckle.
The price of the new Breguet Classique 7225, ref. 7225BH0H9V6, is €89,200 / US$99,000. breguet.com
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