Breguet presents a brand-new model in its Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7707 line. Currently available in a choice of white or rose gold with a silver-coloured dial, the Maison is now introducing new models with a “Breguet blue” dial. This signature color not only creates a whole new look for this much-loved timepiece but improves contrast and readability too.
The Tradition Collection
The Tradition Collection was created in 2005. It is inspired by the “Subscription” timekeepers designed by the Maison’s founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, in the late 1800s. At the time, owning a timepiece was a particularly expensive affair as they were bespoke pieces made for the elite. A-L. Breguet set out to change this by making small series of simple instruments at affordable prices, called the “Subscription” timepieces. They were typically large in diameter, featured a single hand, and could be ordered by only putting down a quarter of the price of the watch when ordering.
Today’s Tradition Collection shares several key design elements with A-L- Breguet’s initial designs, including open-worked dials that display the movement components on the dial side of the watch, a symmetrical layout, a large mainspring barrel (also on the dial side), an anchor-shaped component on the caseback, and hand finishing.
Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 “Breguet Blue”
All these design cues find themselves in the new Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 “Breguet Blue” model reinforcing the link with the brand’s heritage. Despite its seemingly complex appearance, the symmetrical dial of the new Reference 7077 is easy to read with the hours and minutes in a subdial at 12 o’clock. Two overlapping arcs provide additional information with a 20-minute counter – driven by the central chronograph hand – on the left and a power reserve indicator on the right. An additional arrow at the bottom of the dial displays whether the chronograph is on or off.
Caliber 580DR
The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 580DR and features two independent gear trains that ensure perfect chronometry for the time as well as the chronograph. The first gear train is responsible for the hours and minutes and beats at a frequency of 3Hz, whereas the second gear train operates at a higher frequency of 5Hz, enhancing stability and ensuring precise chronograph readings to one-tenth of a second.
Two Gear Trains and a Single Barrel
Two gear trains typically require two barrels, but this timepiece is equipped with a single barrel. The energy required for the chronograph is supplied when the reset function is activated. It is then stored in a flexed blade spring. This power reserve lasts for up to 20 minutes, which is ideal for short-time measurements. An additional advantage of this mechanism is that it ensures an instantaneous chronograph start as the energy is always at its peak. A non-concentric gear is also paired with the blade spring to smooth the torque, which in turn provides constant amplitude and chronograph operation, all of which is patented, of course!
The chronograph is equipped with two screw-down pushers in a rather unconventional configuration at 4 and 8 o’clock. The pusher at 4 o’clock starts the chronograph and the pusher at 8 o’clock stops and resets it.
The beauty of this timepiece is its highly technical allure and yet simplicity to use. Now fitted with this elegant “Breguet Blue” dial and available in a choice of white or rose gold, it offers a fresh new aesthetic to the line.
