Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077

Quick specs Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077
Price: approx. $ 100,000 | € 102.200 | approx. £ 80,000 | CHF 86’500
Size: 44 mm
Reference: 7077BB/GY/9XV

The Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 showcases technical innovation with a striking blue aesthetic known as “Breguet Blue.” It is not a new model, already in 2015 the brand launched a white gold silver dialed version (ref. 7077BB/G1/9XV), and in 2018 a rose gold silver dialed one (ref. 7077BR/G1/9XV). However, this new blue adds a more lively version to the collection. Its purpose is to offer a refined, functional chronograph with a focus on short-time measurements. And the big “needle”, which you might recognize from earlier Breguet pocket watches, reveals this purpose.

Breguet’s Tradition collection takes inspiration from the brand’s history, including its famed subscription or souscription pocket watches from the late 18^th century. These watches emphasized simplicity and reliability, with very plain dials. And it is called a “subscription watch” because you had to pay a quarter of the price when you placed an order. From then Breguet started to build your watch.

Design of the 7077

This 7707 has a 44-millimeter diameter case crafted from 18-karat white gold. The case features a fluted band and measures 14.1 millimeters in thickness. The symmetrical dial layout provides readability and functionality, although you have to get used to the reading of the chronograph. Hours and minutes are displayed at 12 o’clock, using rhodium-plated open-tipped hands, a hallmark of Breguet design.

The Breguet Blue off-centered main dial showing the time is made of 18-karat gold with a blue galvanic treatment. Easy to read with white Roman numerals and hand-engraved with a Clous de Paris guilloché pattern. The traditional serial number and brand name are at the 12 o’clock position. So far so good, but now the interpretation of all the open-worked tech bits starts.

Chronograph functions

The chronograph functions start with the large central hand, also Breguet style with an open counterweight. The tip perfectly reaches the second scale at the blue inner bezel for easy reading of measured times. Then, at the 10 o’clock position is a 20-minute counter with a retrograde hand connected with the chronograph 1/10^th of a second hand. After 20 minutes of measuring, which is why this chrono is for short-time measurements, it “resets” instantly to its starting position.

The retrograde hand at 2 o’clock indicates the power reserve of the watch, which is about 55 hours. And lastly, there is a small arrow at the 6 o’clock position to indicate whether the chronograph is running or not. On the side of this are two entirely separate gear trains. One for the running time, one for the chronograph. So the chronograph functions cannot disrupt the main gear trains.

Functions and Usability

The balance wheel of the time indications oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz and is visible on the right. The balance wheel of the chronograph does a high 5 Hz, which means it “moves” 10 times per second resulting in a 1/10^th of a second precision.

To operate this Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 it has two screw-down pushers for its chronograph. The pusher at 4 o’clock starts the chronograph, while the one at 8 o’clock stops and resets it.

Movement of the 7707

This “independent chronograph” is powered by the manually wound Breguet caliber 580DR. This movement incorporates 417 components and the aforementioned dual gear trains, which operate independently to avoid interference between timekeeping and chronograph functions. One gear train, running at 3 Hz, handles the hours and minutes and offers a 55-hour power reserve. The second train, dedicated to the chronograph, operates at 5 Hz for enhanced precision.

Energy for the chronograph is stored in a patented blade spring, recharged during each reset. It offers a total power reserve of 20 minutes for the chronograph. So, the 20-minute chronograph counter can also serve as an indication of its power reserve. The blade spring system, combined with non-concentric gears, ensures constant amplitude and smooth operation.

Finish of the Breguet caliber 580DR

The movement’s bridges and main plate feature an anthracite coating, complementing its technical design. One independent Breguet balance wheel is executed in Grade 5 titanium, the other in cupro-beryllium. Which is a blend of copper and beryllium (Be), a rare lightweight, hard, and brittle metal.

This watch comes with a “Breguet Blue” alligator leather strap that enhances its bold aesthetic. The strap is paired with an 18-karat white gold triple-blade folding clasp, ensuring both security and ease of use. The 20-millimeter clasp width contributes to its overall comfortable fit.

Pricing of the Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077

The white gold Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 with blue dial is priced at 86’500 Swiss francs. The price in euros is 102.200 which is about 100,000 US dollars and 80,000 British pounds. It is in line with the hand-work, technical complexity, and used materials of course, for which you get one of the most advanced mechanical chronographs.

This places the 7707 in competition with models like the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon. These alternatives offer similar chronograph functionality and luxury materials, roughly in the same price range.