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Breguet Lets Time Take Flight with Its First-Ever Flying Tourbillon in the Sidéral 7255

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  • Breguet continues its 250th-anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255, a highlight in the maison’s commemorative collection.
  • This model marks a historic milestone as the first Breguet creation to feature a flying tourbillon, an evolution of the complication that enhances its weightless, celestial aesthetic.
  • Launched on 26 June 2025, the timepiece intentionally mirrors the date Abraham-Louis Breguet secured the tourbillon patent in 1801, creating a symbolic bridge across centuries.
  • Limited to just 50 pieces, this the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 stands as one of the first creations in Breguet featuring a “flying tourbillon”.

Marking a moment that feels both cosmic and deeply historical, the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 arrives as Breguet approaches its 250th anniversary — a milestone tied back to the maison’s founding in 1775. Rather than simply revisiting its heritage, Breguet uses this occasion to unveil a timepiece that pushes its legacy: the brand’s first-ever flying tourbillon, a mechanism long associated with its identity yet never before realized in this form. Years of quiet development have shaped this new construction, giving the tourbillon an almost weightless presence, as if it were suspended in orbit.

The release date adds another layer of significance. Presented on 26 June 2025, the Sidéral 7255 arrives exactly 224 years after Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the original tourbillon, a moment that reshaped the future of mechanical watchmaking. By choosing this date, the maison doesn’t just honour its founder — it extends his work into a new chapter, blending innovation with reverence in a way only Breguet can achieve.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 Ref. 7255BH/2Y/9VU | Image: Breguet

This isn’t your ordinary dial; Breguet introduces something entirely new to the brand’s collection. For the first time, Breguet uses aventurine enamel, a material chosen for its celestial sparkle and its connection to the astronomical studies that once fascinated Abraham-Louis Breguet. Its deep blue surface glows with a star-like brilliance, creating a cosmic backdrop for the newly liberated tourbillon. Together, the airborne mechanism and the night-sky enamel transform this timepiece into more than just a commemorative piece — it becomes a poetic bridge between centuries of horological mastery and the future Breguet continues to shape.

The name “Sidéral” is no poetic coincidence. In astronomical terms, it refers to measurements guided not by the sun but by the fixed constellations — a nod to timekeeping rooted in the stars rather than the day’s light. Breguet intentionally embraces that celestial meaning, weaving the idea of cosmic precision throughout the Sidéral 7255. It’s a reminder that long before Abraham-Louis Breguet reshaped horology, humanity looked to the heavens to define the passing of time, trusting the constancy of the night sky.

That astronomical thread persists through the tourbillon itself. While the complication is now celebrated for its mechanical elegance, its roots intersect with scientific thought from centuries earlier. In the 17th century, Blaise Pascal expanded on the word “tourbillon,” describing it as a rotating material system — a concept he connected to the motion of planets. That philosophical link has never truly faded. Even today, the tourbillon maintains a subtle connection to celestial mechanics, evolving in shape but still echoing the rotational harmony observed above us.

Which brings us to the highlight of this anniversary timepiece: the flying tourbillon. Unlike the traditional design supported by an upper bridge, this version is mounted without visible anchoring from above, creating the illusion that the mechanism is floating freely within its cage. On the Sidéral 7255, it hovers over the dial with a purposeful lightness — a mechanical constellation of its own, rotating in space as if unaffected by gravity. It’s a stunning visual, and a fitting tribute to both the astronomical origins of the tourbillon and Breguet’s unwavering pursuit of refinement.

Breguet CEO Gregory Kissling | Image: Breguet

The flying tourbillon inside the Sidéral 7255 isn’t just visually striking — its construction represents a meaningful shift for the maison. Breguet chose to eliminate the traditional upper pivot entirely, building the mechanism so that all its stability comes from the base. This foundation is formed from sapphire glass treated with an anti-reflective coating, allowing the point of interaction between the gears and the carriage to nearly disappear. That architectural decision creates the uncanny illusion that the tourbillon is drifting freely above the dial, untouched by physical support — a sensation that instantly sets this timepiece apart. For Breguet, this is more than a refinement; it’s a moment of evolution, something CEO Gregory Kissling acknowledges as a first in the brand’s long lineage.

“It is, quite simply, the very first time in Breguet’s history that a flying tourbillon is being introduced. A beautiful way to celebrate its 224th anniversary,” Kissling said. “And the tourbillon model we chose to reinterpret is no ordinary one: among the tourbillon movements in Breguet’s archives, it is the one used in the very first Breguet tourbillon wristwatch, unveiled in 1990 under reference 3350.

“Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the tourbillon remains one of the most complex complications in watchmaking. Its mastery embodies the technical excellence to which the House of Breguet has remained faithful for more than two centuries,” the Breguet CEO continued. “The Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 thus pays homage to that iconic timepiece and to the master’s invention. I would even go so far as to say that this creation is an ode to the tourbillon itself, where time indication is almost secondary…”

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 Ref. 7255BH/2Y/9VU | Image: Breguet
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 Ref. 7255BH/2Y/9VU | Image: Breguet
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 Ref. 7255BH/2Y/9VU | Image: Breguet

The spirit of Abraham-Louis Breguet continues to resonate through every modern creation bearing his name, and the Sidéral 7255 might be the clearest example yet. More than 200 years after the original tourbillon patent, the maison is still refining his quest for accuracy and resilience. The “mysterious” flying tourbillon shown here wasn’t something Breguet hurried into—it’s the result of meticulous development over many years, pushed until the floating effect reached the level of perfection the brand demands.

What surrounds that airborne mechanism is equally extraordinary. The Sidéral 7255 is crafted from a selection of materials chosen not only for beauty but also for significance: 18K Breguet gold components, a hand-guilloché caseback, and that captivating aventurine enamel dial whose celestial shimmer links the entire design to astronomy. Every element works in harmony, giving the timepiece both visual poetry and technical credibility.

Exclusivity defines the story. With only 50 examples to be produced and a price around USD $226,000, this isn’t just a watch — it’s a statement piece for those who appreciate its craftsmanship. Some creations are hard to put into words, much like the night sky the dial hints at. The Sidéral 7255 fits that description. If you come across one… don’t forget your favourite magazine editor.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 Ref. 7255BH/2Y/9VU | Image: Breguet
  • Brand: Breguet
  • Model: Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255
  • Reference: 7255BH/2Y/9VU
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Thickness: 10.2 mm
  • Material: 18K Breguet gold
  • Dial Colour: Blue – Grand Feu Enamel Aventurine
  • Calibre: 187M1
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet )
  • Price: USD $226,000 (Limited Edition – 50 Pieces)

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1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Sells for $52 Million Becoming the Second Most Expensive Car Ever

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Collectors have long been attracted to rarity, but the discovery of a vintage automotive piece after decades of concealment elevates the thrill. This was evident at RM Sotheby’s recent auction, where a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen sold for an incredible $52 million USD, ranking as the second most expensive car ever auctioned.

This wasn’t just any old Mercedes. It was chassis number 00009/54, a machine that epitomizes the golden age of Formula 1 engineering. Developed under the meticulous supervision of Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the W196 R was a technological marvel that combined performance with futuristic design. With its Stromlinienwagen (“streamliner”) bodywork, it looked like it had been from the future—a car designed to cut through the air at top speed.

Only four of these streamliner-bodied W196 R models are known to exist, and they were specifically designed for high-speed circuits. The body, constructed from Elektron magnesium alloy, weighed just 88 pounds (40 kilograms), making it lighter than aluminium while still strong enough to meet the demands of Formula 1 racing. The result was an aerodynamic masterpiece that could easily reach speeds over 186 mph (300 km/h)—staggering for the 1950s.

Key Highlights:

  • Sold at RM Sotheby’s, becoming the second most expensive car ever sold at auction.
  • 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen (Chassis 00009/54)
  • Only four streamliner-bodied W196 R cars are known to still exist.
  • Released after 59 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, with appearances at Pebble Beach and Petersen Automotive Museum.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s

Beneath the sleek skin sat an inline eight-cylinder engine, essentially two four-cylinder units bolted together, producing between 257 and 290 horsepower depending on its race setup. Pair that with innovations like front double wishbone suspension, torsion-bar springs, Alfin drum brakes, and Uhlenhaut’s patented low-pivot swing axle rear suspension, and you had one of the most advanced racing cars of its era. This wasn’t just a car—it was a rocket ship in disguise.

The W196 R made an immediate impact on the track. When it debuted in 1954, Mercedes entered three cars into the French Grand Prix at Reims. The result? A dominant 1st, 2nd, and 7th place finish, with factory driver Juan Manuel Fangio leading the way. Fangio went on to win the 1954 Formula 1 World Championship in the W196 R, ending Ferrari’s winning streak and showing that Mercedes-Benz had built the ultimate racing machine.

The car’s legend only grew in 1955 when the streamlined W196 returned for the newly redesigned Monza circuit, which featured a dramatic high-banked section. Fangio and teammate Piero Taruffi surged to a 1-2 finish, while Stirling Moss—driving this very chassis, 00009/54—set the fastest lap with an average speed of 215.7 km/h on lap 21. These victories cemented the Stromlinienwagen’s place in motorsport history.

Italian Grand Prix in Monza, 11 September 1955 | Image: Sotheby’s

However, Mercedes’ Formula 1 dominance was brief. After the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, which fundamentally changed motorsport safety, Mercedes-Benz withdrew from racing completely. In October that year, the brand held a formal ceremony to retire the W196 R, relocating most examples to the Daimler-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Four were eventually donated to other institutions worldwide—including this one.

Chassis 00009/54 was transferred to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965 and stayed there for almost 59 years. Throughout this period, it became a key exhibit, appreciated by fans but not altered by collectors. Its time in the museum provided it with a pristine provenance, free from restorations or ownership changes that can lessen the value of classic race cars.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s

For collectors, the W196 R is the ultimate combination: rarity, an impeccable history, technological innovation, and a direct link to motorsport legends like Fangio and Moss. It’s the kind of car that even billionaires couldn’t previously afford, kept away in museums for decades. Now, one fortunate collector has managed to acquire it, adding a priceless piece of Formula 1 history to their collection.

The sale also sends a clear message: the desire for historically significant race cars is stronger than ever. In a world where Ferrari 250 GTOs and Aston Martins often dominate headlines, this Mercedes-Benz proves that Formula 1 machines—with their stories of speed, innovation, and championship glory—hold just as much, if not more, value in the eyes of collectors.

With only four of these streamliner-bodied W196 Rs known to exist, opportunities like this come around only once in a lifetime. And with its combination of race-winning pedigree, unbroken provenance, and stunning beauty, it’s no wonder this car commands a price tag that firmly cements its place in history.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen chassis number 00009/54 | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen chassis number 00009/54 | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | Image: Sotheby’s

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