Breguet’s New Traditionalists

Breguet’s Tradition collection lives up to its name. Though the current incarnation dates from 2005, the aesthetic and technical inspiration goes back a little further — to 1797 and Abraham-Louis Breguet’s first souscription watch. The open mechanism, the traditional architecture, the refined finishings — all these things were present on the 18th century original, and are significant factors in making the Tradition one of Breguet’s most popular models today.

This year, we were treated to two new Traditions. First and foremost, Tradition 7047 — a blue-accented 41mm, platinum-cased watch running a complication closely associated with Breguet — the tourbillon. Not just any tourbillon either, but one equipped with the early constant force mechanism that is the fusée and chain. As the watch delivers power, the chain is slowly unwound around the conical fusée, which in turn ensures a consistent level of torque. Of course, not everything in this watch is centuries-old technology, the lever escapement, for example, is fitted with silicon horns, just like the balance spring, to ensure smooth and accurate running.