Breguet refreshes its Tradition collection for 2026 with new colourways and expanded grand feu enamel dial options across five references, building on the momentum of the brand’s 250th anniversary year. The line-up spans four automatic variants of the Seconde Rétrograde and one manually wound GMT, all underpinned by the architecturally distinctive cal. 505 that has defined the collection since its 2005 introduction.

Initial thoughts

Inspired by an original Abraham-Louis Breguet’s montres à tact pocket watch from the late 18th century, the Tradition collection, released in 2005, was Breguet’s first major new model family under Swatch Group management.

The central barrel placement and unusual gear train arrangement perfectly captures the essence of the original pocket watches, and this aspect of the design remains as recognisable and distinctive as ever, despite the a growing number of independent watchmakers that have introduced watches with a similar layout.

In fact, the cal. 505 is so successful as a contemporary interpretation of Breguet’s work that a variation of it was adapted for use in the award-winning Classique Souscription 2025 introduced last year. For 2026, the Tradition collection has been slightly refreshed with modern colourways and more grand feu enamel dial options.

The five new models include four automatic variants of the Seconde Rétrograde, one of which features a diamond-set bezel, and one manually wound reference with a dual-time complication. Breguet carries a lot of momentum into 2026, coming off the brand’s 250th anniversary last year.

Perhaps for that reason, all five references are ambitiously priced for their level of complication. The platinum Tradition GMT 7067, for example, is priced 44% higher than the 18k white gold ref. 7067BB/G1/9W6, which is functionally identical.

Grand feu galore

The core configuration of the current crop of Tradition models is the Seconde Rétrograde, which features its namesake complication near the traditional 10 o’clock position. The smaller references, the 38 mm 7037 and 37 mm 7038, feature the running seconds scale engraved directly on the mainplate of the movement. The larger 40 mm 7097 makes room for a standalone scale made from grand feu enamel, just like its dial.

Enamel is a historically accurate dial material for the Tradition, having been used in this configuration by A-L Breguet himself. But the founder would likely not have foreseen a green enamel dial, like that found on the dual-time 7067. He would, however, recognise his movement design and the hands and numerals that now bear his name.

Materials fit for a queen

Another detail that replicates Breguet’s early work with historical fidelity is the anchor-shaped winding mass used by all but one of the automatic models. While the full rotation might surprise him, the choice of high-density platinum would not — he famously used the same material for his own high-grade perpétuelles, including No. 160, long-known as the Marie Antoinette.

The odd one out is the diamond-set 7038, which features a fan-shaped rotor decorated with guilloche. This model also features a synthetic ruby watch jewel as a twist on the typical cabochon.

Finishing

Regardless of complication and colourway, each Tradition model exhibits the same degree of high-end craftsmanship. The plates and most bridges are finely frosted, though the tops of the dial-side finger bridges now feature straight-graining, as first seen on the anniversary Tradition 7035 released last year.

Stylistically, the contemporary colour palette is somewhat at odds with the antiquated movement construction and traditional theme of the collection, but there’s no question that the quality of the finishing is competitive at the upper reaches of the industrial-haute horlogerie segment.

A warm weather-friendly GMT

Breguet may have been thinking about increasing its appeal in key Middle Eastern markets with the optional Eastern Arabic version of the Tradition GMT 7067. That might also explain the rationale for offering what’s ostensibly a dress watch on a warm weather-friendly rubber strap — a first for the model.

Breguet actually has a long history of using Eastern Arabic numerals, having built numerous watches with this style of typeface for the Ottoman market in the early 19th century.

Regardless, Eastern Arabic numerals are a calling card of the enthusiast community and, aesthetically, their use creates an appealing tension with the traditional (no pun intended) Breguet numerals used on the primary dial, which has been rendered in green grand feu enamel.

The 7067 is the only new manually wound variant of the tradition, which explains its relative slimness, being about 0.5 mm thinner than the time-only automatic 7037, despite its second time zone display at eight o’clock and day/night indicator above it. The black-coated bridges contrast sharply with the silver-coloured wheels, and the case back benefits from a discreet power reserve indicator.

Key facts and price

Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7037
Ref. 7037BB/YB/5V6 (white gold/blue)
Ref. 7037PT/N9/5V6 (platinum/black)

Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 12.7 mm
Material: 18k white gold or platinum
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 505 SR
Functions: Hours, minutes, retrograde seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Embossed rubber with matching pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Breguet boutiques and retailers
Price: US$59,700 (white gold), $65,700 (platinum) excluding taxes

Breguet Tradition GMT 7067
Ref. 7067PT/NM/5W6

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 12.1 mm
Material: Platinum
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 507 DRF
Functions: Hours, minutes, second time zone, day/night indicator, power reserve
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Embossed rubber with matching pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Breguet boutiques and retailers
Price: US$82,900 excluding taxes

Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7038
Ref. 7038BB/N9/7V6 D0

Diameter: 37 mm
Height: 11.6 mm
Material: 18k white gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 505 SR
Functions: Hours, minutes, retrograde seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Satin-finish textile strap with matching pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Breguet boutiques and retailers
Price: US$66,800 excluding taxes

Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7097
Ref. 7097BR/GB/3WU

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.8 mm
Material: 18k white gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 505 SR1
Functions: Hours, minutes, retrograde seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Calfskin strap with matching pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Breguet boutiques and retailers
Price: US$57,100 excluding taxes

For more information, visit Breguet.com.