Last year, Breguet celebrated its 250th anniversary by unveiling numerous new watches dedicated to the occasion.
This milestone also raised questions about how the brand's new leadership would develop Breguet's regular collection. Today, we see the first results - the new Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7037 model, previously discontinued.
History and Evolution of the Tradition Collection
The Breguet Tradition collection debuted in 2005 under the leadership of Nicolas G. Hayek with a manually wound mechanical movement in a 37 mm yellow gold case. In subsequent years, the collection expanded to include models made from other precious materials, larger cases, and additional complications.
Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 Model
Over the years, we have extensively reviewed many Breguet Tradition models on the Onewatch portal, and they have become some of my favorites in the brand's collection. The Tradition 7035 model, introduced last year, was already an interesting novelty and perhaps a precursor to future releases.
Return of the Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7037
Today, Breguet introduced six new models in the Tradition line, but special attention should be paid to the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde ref. 7037BB/YB/5V6. This model is not new - it was first released in 2006 as the first automatic watch in the Tradition collection. The new version retains a 38 mm case diameter and a 46.1 mm lug-to-lug length.
Comparison with Breguet Tradition 7027
As the owner of a Breguet Tradition 7027 model in a yellow gold case, I felt a sense of familiarity when trying on the new 7037. However, visually it is a completely different composition. My watch features a yellow gold case and movement with a silver dial at the 12 o'clock position. In the new 7037, everything is executed in white gold and blue, including the strap. The small dial at 12 o'clock is made of white Grand Feu enamel with blue Breguet Arabic numerals. The mechanism architecture has mostly remained unchanged. In the 7037 model, a retrograde seconds indicator made of 18K white gold is located at the 11 o'clock position, whereas my model features a power reserve indicator. Apparently, Breguet's experts decided that a power reserve indicator is unnecessary in automatic watches (at least when worn).
Color and Materials: Blue and White Gold
The blue color used in the mechanism is a perfect marine blue. The rhodium-plated movement parts, white gold case, and white enamel dial create a perfect contrast. Breguet pomme hands with open tips are made of blue steel and harmonize with the blue Arabic numerals on the dial. Although many reviews of previous Tradition models and Instagram photos focused on the small dial, as an owner, I have had no issues with legibility. Whether with glasses or without, the time is easily readable.
Caliber 505 SR Movement
The model is equipped with the caliber 505 SR - an automatic movement consisting of 245 components. It features a silicon balance spring by Breguet, blue ALD (atomic layer deposition) coating on the bridges and plate, and a platinum rotor weighing 2.3 g. On the visible side of the mechanism through the front glass, you can observe a "snail" pattern on the barrel cover, adding depth to the dial.
White Gold Second Hand and "Pare-chute" Shock Absorber
The combination of blue and rhodium highlights the "pare-chute" shock absorber - a Breguet invention from 1790. The case back reveals the rest of the blue mechanism and the engraved platinum rotor. The power reserve of the caliber 505 SR is 50 hours.
Blue Rubber Strap
The lugs are fitted with a blue rubber strap with a texture reminiscent of nylon and light gray stitching. The strap comes with an 18K white gold clasp. This strap reminds me of the one on the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary. Personally, I'm not a fan of rubber straps and would prefer a blue alligator strap. However, rubber offers advantages in terms of durability and a sporty style, giving the watch a less formal character.
What I like is the ability to quickly change the strap without using a screwdriver. In previous Tradition models, the strap was attached with screws, and there were small screws under the two lugs for fixation. The new 7037 model uses quick-release pins for both attaching the strap to the case and fastening the clasp.
Wrist Experience
On the wrist, the Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7037 looks very similar to my 7027 model. The case has become only 1 mm larger in diameter and slightly thicker - 12.7 mm instead of 12 mm. The combination of blue and white gold works excellently, making the watch noticeable and unique. They differ significantly from classic Breguet models but retain the signature style of the Tradition collection. The watch is incredibly comfortable to wear, and despite the modern design, it remains true to the spirit of the first 2005 Tradition model.
Price and Available Versions
The retail price of the Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde ref. 7037BB/YB/5V6 is 45,200 Swiss francs excluding VAT.
Platinum Model
A version in a platinum case (ref. 3037PT/N9/5V6) with a black mechanism and black Grand Feu enamel dial will also be available, priced at 49,700 CHF excluding VAT.
Other Tradition Collection Models
- Breguet Tradition GMT 7067 - platinum model with a 40 mm diameter (ref. 7067PT/NM/5W6) and a version with Eastern Arabic numerals (7067PT/NM/5W6 01). Price - 62,800 CHF excluding VAT.
- Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7038 - 37 mm with 58 diamonds, priced at 50,600 CHF excluding VAT.
- Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097 - 40 mm in a rose gold case, priced at 43,200 CHF excluding VAT.
Conclusion: Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7037 - A Blend of Classic and Modern
Of the new models in the Tradition collection, the 7037 with its blue mechanism and white Grand Feu enamel dial is the most appealing to me. The white gold appears more restrained compared to my yellow gold watches. Details like the "snail" pattern on the barrel cover, blue ALD-coated bridges, and enamel dial make this model truly stand out.
Leave your comments and opinions on the new Breguet Tradition models. More information can be found on the official Breguet website.
