Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097

Breguet continues the Tradition story

In 2026, Breguet is revitalising its Tradition collection, a cornerstone of the Manufacture’s history. It distinctively embodies the Breguet DNA by uniting the House’s key characteristics within its movement, visible on the dial side and showcasing the brand’s heritage, its founder’s legacy, as well as the path along which its future will be written.

The collection now welcomes several new models: Tradition 7037 and 7097, notably distinguished by a retrograde small seconds display; Tradition 7038, also featuring a retrograde small seconds hand as well as gemset bezel and buckle; along with Tradition 7067 comprising a dual-time display.

Clever changes give these models a more contemporary feel, notably through the use of Arabic (rather than Roman) numerals on certain models, traditional Grand Feu enamel dials, new movement finishes and new straps.

Looking back at an iconic line

The Tradition collection was launched in 2005. Over 20 years on, it has clearly established itself as a benchmark for collectors, embodying the dual objective pursued by Abraham-Louis Breguet: to design an exceptional movement whilst achieving perfect aesthetic harmony.

The Tradition model melds these two pursuits within a unique and coherent whole that can be admired in full from the dial side. Its exemplary symmetrical, perfectly balanced movement structure is a bedrock of its identity. Inverting the calibre means that watch components usually concealed at the back are now front-facing. All the elements are thus immediately visible, revealing Breguet’s genius at a glance: the clear layout, the simple and legible mechanical arrangement, the quality of the finishes, as well as the ingenuity of the display and the technical excellence.

The top of the timepiece features an offset dial directly inspired by the Tact watch. The same applies to the entire movement structure likewise inherited from this iconic timepiece. The Tact watch was conceptualised by the master watchmaker as early as 1795 and went on sale from 1799. It was itself heir to the design of the Souscription watch developed a few years earlier.

The Tradition 2026 new releases build upon this foundation to steer the collection in a more modern direction. Paradoxically, this is an eminently historical approach, as it remains faithful to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s horological vision: to constantly advance his art and design, to embrace the spirit of his era and to remain ahead of his time. By combining time-honoured expertise with contemporary techniques, these new models fully embrace modernity.

With these new offerings, Breguet reaffirms the purpose of its founding maestro and in so doing meets the expectations of 21st-century collectors seeking timepieces that reflect their generation and lifestyle.

Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097

The Tradition collection is constantly evolving. Its changes are gradual and subtle, aimed at preserving the perfect balance originally conceptualised by A.-L. Breguet and that the Manufacture has refined over the decades with a blend of restraint, mastery and boldness.
The Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097 epitomises this philosophy of essentials. The Manufacture has combined two variables to achieve a unique, distinctive result, starting with the hours dial in white Grand Feu enamel. Reflecting the history of the House, this choice significantly alters the aesthetic appeal of the watch. The enamel dial is slightly thicker than a guilloché gold dial, endowing the watch with greater presence and substance. All Grand Feu enamels are individually fired in a kiln.

The interplay of subtle organic nuances ensures each enamel dial is one of a kind. This highly exclusive character is emphasised by the Manufacture’s cherished secret signature. Applied almost imperceptibly to the enamel, it is visible only to the wearer of the timepiece, reinforcing their intimate bond with their watch.

Secondly, the new Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097 introduces new finishes on the movement side, starting with the introduction of a new charcoal grey barrel cover. This finish is no mere detail, as it is the first component to stand out against the new white Grand Feu enamel dial. The contrast between the two elements is thus taken to a whole new level: a dazzling, immaculate, brilliant white dial, immediately followed by a large charcoal grey barrel cover – and complemented by the rose-gilt gear train and balance rim.

Through this choice, the Manufacture further establishes a strong visual distinction between each element featuring its own hue, its own finish and ultimately its own personality. This powerfully reinforces the construction of the movement developed by A.-L. Breguet and within which each component asserts its place and identity, forming part of a kinematic harmony dear to Breguet and now more accentuated than ever.

Heirtoa long tradition

The Tradition 7097 reveals the bridges, wheels, escapement, barrel and other movement components that are usually hidden beneath the dial. The display of the hours and minutes by Breguet hollow-tipped hands is complemented at 10 o’clock by the retrograde seconds indication after which this model is named.

To ensure optimal legibility of all the information and to highlight this complication, Breguet’s watchmakers have superimposed it onto the dial using a semi-circular segment in circular satin-brushed, finely sandblasted gold. In keeping with the watch’s emphasis on symmetry, the pare-chute shock absorber – an iconic feature of the Tradition collection – has been placed at 4 o’clock. This instantly recognisable Breguet invention protects the balance-staff from impacts.

The movement is housed in an 18K rose gold case with an unchanged 40 mm diameter. The individually numbered Breguet Calibre 505 SR1 retains its 50-hour power reserve, driven by the iconic white gold Breguet-signed oscillating weight shaped just like the one designed by A.-L. Breguet 250 years ago when he developed his first perpétuelle watch (the term is also his).

This timepiece is fitted with a grey calfskin strap and Breguet also offers a likewise grey version in saddle-stitched leather looking rubber.