Unveiling the Mystery of Time: Breguet Launches the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255

Breguet’s 250th anniversary celebrations continue with the just-released Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 wristwatch. Released on 26 June 2025, the timepiece commemorates 26 June 1801, the day Abraham-Louis Breguet secured a patent for his iconic invention, the tourbillon. This exclusive watch will have a limited production run of only 50 timepieces. 

GMT India takes a closer look at the launch. 

Breguet’s Expertise in Tourbillons

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Breguet’s unmatched expertise in tourbillons can be traced back to 7 Messidor Year IX of the French Republican calendar — 26 June 1801 — when A.-L. Breguet secured the original patent for his revolutionary invention. The brand has explored infinite variations of this complication but this is the first time it is presenting a flying tourbillon version. This interpretation also features a ‘mysterious’ design, a construction that Breguet has mastered over many decades. This innovation also celebrates the very etymology of ‘tourbillon'. The choice of the term ‘sidéral’ is intentional, evoking the world of stars, the precision of celestial movements, and the measurement of time governed by the heavens. It refers to astronomical time based not on the Sun, but on the fixed positions of stars. In other words, it suggests a more rigorous, universe-oriented notion of time.

A Mysterious Design

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With its first flying tourbillon, Breguet has emphasised the suspended effect by adding a ‘mysterious’ complication, which sets an organ in motion without any visible mechanical connection to the rest of the movement. It is often used for watch and clock hands, but any rotating organ can be involved, including the tourbillon, as seen on the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255. 

The ‘mysterious’ tourbillon is indeed a striking complication that has been mastered by Breguet watchmakers. The lower bridge and the lower support of the tourbillon carriage are, for this model, made of sapphire glass, armed with an anti-reflective coating, rendering them invisible. The point of contact between the gears and the carriage is not visible; it is offset from the tourbillon cutout and therefore, hidden from view by the dial.

As a result, the Classique 7255 incorporates both a ‘mysterious' and a flying tourbillon. This is achieved by combining a regulator with a drive that extends above the movement. Altogether, it creates a levitation effect and enhances the visibility of the mechanism.

Astronomical Aesthetics

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The new Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 features a dial with aventurine enamel for the first time in the brand’s history. As a tribute to astronomy, its deep blue is punctuated with sparkling inclusions, imitating a starry sky. The aventurine is delicately applied to the dial, echoing the artistry of grand feu enamel. The glass is reduced to a powder and the final compound is finely calibrated — aventurine powder, with slightly larger grains than traditional enamel powder. At least five layers of aventurine are required to craft this dial. Each layer must be fired in a kiln at over 800 degrees Celsius, with great precision. Firing for too long, or at too high a temperature, can result in the dial being permanently compromised. 

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All in all, the watch face of the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 is an amalgamation of the deep, solid blue of the enamelled glass and the sparkling randomness of the copper particles that represent the stars. Given that each aventurine enamel dial is hand-crafted, no two will ever be the same. As such, all 50 examples of the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 are unique pieces. 

Breguet Gold

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The Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 is crafted in Breguet gold. This proprietary alloy was unveiled during the first chapter of the 250th anniversary celebrations. Its warm, subtly pink hue is inspired by the gold used by 18th century watchmakers, including Breguet. 

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