Classically inspired, contemporary in movement.
An appreciation of the Breguet Tradition line of watches would be incomplete without a mention of the remarkable business acumen that went into the mechanically amazing one-hand subscription watch created by Abraham Louis-Breguet in 1796. The calibre has since become iconic, and a source of endless inspiration for the House’s Tradition line.
Centuries later, we continue to be entranced by the distinctively detailed exposed movement showcased above the mainplate. This summer, two fresh reinterpretations of the Breguet Tradition have emerged; a classy act of balance – paying tribute to the heritage of subscription and tact watches in design, while housing impressive technical advancements to the movement.
The Breguet Tradition Automatique Seconde Retrograde 7097 is a handsome edition with its gold winding rotor inspired by the shape of historical movements, and its uniform, finely grained surface achievable only by exceptional skill and execution. The off-centre, classic clous de Paris guilloche pattern, executed by hand, enhances the blue dial in gold. Within its 40mm case is an advanced movement that guarantees exceptional precision by employing an inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon pallets and a silicon Breguet overcoil balance spring.
The watch made its debut in 2015, and gets its name from the retrograde seconds hand at 10 o’clock. 5 years later, it continues to charm in this refreshed rendition. A semicircle with a circular brushed finish superimposed on the dial optimises readability while highlighting the retrograde seconds’ complication; the pare-chute, located at 4 o’clock, maintains the symmetry. Invented by the Breguet watchmakers to protect the balance staff from shocks, it has become emblematic of the Tradition collection, forbearing shock-protection mechanisms used in watchmaking today.
Likewise, the Breguet Tradition 7038 pays tribute to the heritage of the House with its historical allusions. The ladies’ timepiece is an enchanting creation tinged with warm, summery hues presented by its 18k rose gold construction, complemented with a striking orange leather strap and iridescent Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial. Taking centrestage is an intricate rosette motif on the central barrel, contrasting with the deep brown, finely sandblasted bridges and mainplate.
The ultra-mechanical yet feminine conception sits in a 37mm case with skillfully fluted sides, and assumes the classic case layout of a Breguet Tradition. 68 diamonds are set in its dazzling bezel, while a cabochon-cut ruby embellishes the winding crown. The transparent caseback exposes the reverse side of the self-winding Breguet 505SR calibre.
Accompanying this mechanical wonder of a wristwatch specially made for the ladies, is a reimagined watchcase – a handcrafted Italian clutch bag in grained calfskin leather, secured by a golden clasp with a rosette design echoing the engine-turned barrel visible on the dial side of the 7038. The shade of orange on this tailor-made bag matches that of the 7038’s bracelet, and can be worn 3 ways – carried in the hand as a clutch, or worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag.
Observe and embrace new Traditions exclusively available at your nearest Breguet boutique.
Images courtesy of Breguet, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
Breguet Classiques: Romancing History
Slim Pickings: Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Squelette 5395
Breguet: Making Waves Against Plastic Pollution
