Breguet Showcases Subtle Innovations in the Tradition Series

After the momentous 250th anniversary celebrations, Breguet kickstarts 2026 by revitalising its Tradition collection, a cornerstone of the Manufacture’s history. The Tradition line bears all the distinctive Breguet hallmarks, with the movement taking centre stage. 

The collection has been reinvigorated with a series of thoughtful updates in 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 a gem-set bezel and buckle; and Tradition 7067, comprising a dual-time display.

The updates are subtle but significant: Arabic numerals replace Roman ones on select models, Grand Feu enamel dials impart a purer, more artisanal finish, and updated movement decorations introduce a contemporary sharpness, without disturbing the architectural symmetry that defines the collection.

An Ode to the Past

The Tradition collection made its debut in 2005. Over the past two decades, it has clearly established itself as a benchmark for collectors. At its core, the Tradition remains what Abraham-Louis Breguet envisioned centuries ago: a balance between technical ingenuity and visual harmony. 

The Tradition model melds these two pursuits into a unique and coherent whole, fully appreciable from the dial side. Its perfect symmetry lies at the core of its identity. The calibre is inverted to the dial side, meaning components usually concealed at the back are now front-facing. All 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, and the ingenuity of the display alongside technical excellence.

Tradition Seconde Retrograde 7037

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Tradition 7037 epitomises deliberate, unpretentious simplicity: a 38 mm white gold case, two hands for the hours and minutes, along with a small retrograde seconds hand confirming its smooth operation throughout its 50-hour power reserve.

This iteration strips timekeeping back to essentials ― hours, minutes, and a retrograde seconds display ― allowing the openworked movement to take centre stage. For the first time, the calibre is rendered entirely in blue, with a shot-blasted mainplate, satin-brushed bridges, and a hand-guilloché barrel cover. At 12 o’clock, a white Grand Feu enamel dial introduces Arabic numerals ― an aesthetic decision that feels contemporary but is, in fact, rooted in history, echoing Breguet’s own use of them as early as 1799.

Tradition GMT 7067

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The new Tradition GMT 7067 draws on the design cues of the eponymous model already in the collection, with one major difference. Its standout feature is a green gradient Grand Feu enamel dial — a first for the collection — shifting from deep pine at the centre to near-black at the edges. Achieving this effect is no small feat; it demands precise control over enamel powders and firing temperatures, underscoring the Maison’s mastery of métiers d’art. Paired with a dual-time display, it offers a more functional take on the Tradition’s otherwise purist aesthetic.

Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7038

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Embodying a blend of haute horlogerie and jewellery, this model is designed for collectors who appreciate both mechanical virtuosity and decorative finesse. It pairs the self-winding calibre 505SR with a distinctly opulent visual language. Set within an 18ct rhodium-plated white gold case, the watch is framed by a diamond-set bezel, while a jewel-set crown adds a final note of refinement. 

The real departure, however, lies in the dial: for the first time in the collection, Breguet introduces black aventurine glass. Its softly shimmering surface, accented with delicate silver-toned transfers, creates a sense of depth that contrasts beautifully with the darkened, shot-blasted movement beneath. 

The bezel, set with 58 brilliant-cut diamonds subtly captures the light, while the crown adorned with a watch jewel adds a luminous touch. A retrograde seconds display at 10 o’clock, rendered in white gold, punctuates the composition, while the fluted case and welded lugs retain the collection’s historical codes. Finished with a satin-textured black strap and a diamond-set buckle, the 7038 feels as much a piece of jewellery as it does a study in horology.

Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097

On the other hand, the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097 embodies a restrained aesthetic, with nuances that underscore the collection’s evolving design language. Here, the focus shifts to material and finish. A white Grand Feu enamel dial anchors the watch, lending both visual purity and physical presence, its slightly thicker profile subtly altering the proportions on the wrist. 

Each dial, fired individually, carries the quiet irregularities that make enamel so prized ― no two are exactly alike. Hidden within is one of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s most poetic signatures: the secret signature, visible only to the wearer, reinforcing the intimacy between object and owner.

The contrast continues on the movement side, where a newly introduced charcoal grey barrel cover immediately draws the eye against the brightness of the enamel dial. This interplay between light and dark, matte and sheen is further enriched by the warmth of the rose-gilt gear train and balance wheel. The composition feels deliberate and architectural, yet never overstated. Visual harmony emerges from the dazzling white dial, followed by the large charcoal grey barrel cover, and complemented by the rose-gilt gear train and balance rim.

The new iterations demonstrate how the Tradition collection evolves ― not through dramatic shifts, but through material innovation and subtle aesthetic recalibration that deepen its identity with each variation.

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