Breguet 7027: A Collector's Deep Dive into its Unique Appeal
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Breguet 7027: A Collector's Deep Dive into its Unique Appeal

By p-m-k · Jun 5, 2020 · 22 replies
p-m-k
WPS member · Breguet forum
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In this insightful article, p-m-k shares his detailed rationale behind acquiring the Breguet 7027, a timepiece he had long admired. His contribution goes beyond a simple review, offering a deep dive into the specific attributes that resonate with his collecting philosophy. This piece serves as an excellent guide for those considering the Breguet 7027, highlighting its unique design, horological significance, and value proposition from a collector's perspective.

Hi all! 

I was considering a Breguet 7027 for a long time and the discussions on this forum helped me 'take the step' with great wrist shots and perspectives from owners. On top, after purchasing, I posted on this forum to get advise on an oil stain on the movement plate. I received immediate answers confirming this is not an issue. So a BIG thank you to this community! 

I thought I could give "a little back" by at least sharing the thoughts that drove my decision to acquire this piece. After 1 week + on the wrist, I am still in the honeymoon phase and very very happy! 

The things I appreciate in watches:
  • Time only watches (manually wound): to me those are the purest form of a 'watch' as a single purpose 'device'. In general, I appreciate in particular the fact that time-only watches can also be very complex (think Richard Lange PLM, Grönefeld Remontoire, Romain Gauthier Logical). Last, the added benefit is that when picking up a time only watch, the setting is quick!
  • Movement: I prefer watches where the movement was created and designed for that particular watch, ie with the 'model in mind'. This usually brings in a coherence and ensures good proportions front/back. E.g. avoiding a too small movement 'lost' in a caseback or a small second display too close to the dial center.
  • Watches on the smaller side: I like compact watches which are under 40mm.
How the 7027 fits in (or what I like about the 7027):
  • The movement design is interesting: this isn't your classic Peseux architecture with the 7027 having a central barrel and bringing a nice symmetric design. The cherry is the cool story about the movement basing itself on that old Breguet pocket watch movement.
  • Maybe the 7027 was a trend setter? I am not sure if the 7027 was THE first watch to show the balance wheel on the front but it was among the first in 2005. Now it's an established trend with Kari (28 Inverse), Romain Gaultier, etc. Also within Breguet the 7027 was the first of the Tradition line which can be qualified as 'successful' given the number of declinations.
  • The watches brings a lot of QUALITY (with free sprung balance wheel, hand guilloché solid gold dial, great finish to my taste, etc) and DETAILS. Whenever you take a loupe you discover new things. Here is a selection: the pallet fork inspection holes in the mainplate, the fact that the edges/teeths of the gears on the front side are gold-coloured, the way the planetary gears rotate on the backside power reserve when winding, the fact you can see the gears of the setting geartrain turn when adjusting the time, the way light catches the edges of the bridges and makes them shine, the barely visible notches on the side of the case (opposite of the crown) used to open the compression case back/front. I could go on and on.
  • I love the winding, to me it is perfect. It’s crisp and precise and that matters on a manual wound watch. There is no back turning when you release the crown.
  • The proportions are perfect for me: there are some forum discussions about the size being too small. I love the 'traditional' proportions and as stated in other threads the watch appears larger than a sheer 37mm.
  • Value for money: I am a young collector and funds are not unlimited... In that context, this watch offers a TREMENDOUS value for money on the pre-owned market.
In terms of variants, the choice was easy for me. I only wear silver and therefore I went for the white gold case. The black dial version then brings a nice 'stealth' touch (let's say 'ton sur ton') which I love. 

Happy to have your thoughts and thanks again for guiding this purchase! 

 Patrick








About the Breguet Breguet La Tradition Breguet 18kt White Gold 7027 Ref. 7027

The Breguet La Tradition 7027 represents a masterful homage to Abraham-Louis Breguet s revolutionary horological innovations, specifically drawing inspiration from his souscription watches of the late 18th century. This reference exemplifies Breguet s philosophy of making the mechanical movement the star of the show, with the brand s signature open-dial architecture revealing the intricate workings within. The La Tradition collection, introduced in the early 2000s, pays tribute to Breguet s historical commitment to technical transparency and educational watchmaking, where the movement components themselves become the primary aesthetic element. This particular reference showcases the manufacture s ability to seamlessly blend centuries-old design principles with contemporary horological sophistication.

At the heart of the 7027 beats the manufacture Caliber 505SR, an automatic movement that demonstrates Breguet s technical mastery through its skeletonized construction and classical finishing. The movement features the brand s distinctive pare-chute shock protection system, a direct descendant of Breguet s original invention from 1790, alongside a silicon escapement wheel and pallet fork that enhance both precision and magnetic resistance. The off-center dial arrangement at 12 o clock displays hours and minutes via traditional Breguet open-tipped hands, while the remaining dial space reveals the movement s barrel, gear train, and oscillating weight. The slate gray dial provides an elegant contrast to the exposed mechanical elements, creating depth and visual hierarchy within the 40mm white gold case.

The 7027 s design language epitomizes Breguet s neoclassical aesthetic through its coin-edge bezel, engine-turned surfaces, and the signature Breguet numerals adorning the subsidiary dial. The sapphire crystal case construction offers complete transparency, allowing appreciation of the movement s architecture from multiple angles. From a collectibility standpoint, this reference occupies a significant position within the La Tradition lineup, representing the perfect entry point into Breguet s philosophy of mechanical transparency while maintaining the brand s historical design codes. The combination of manufacture movement, precious metal construction, and the prestigious Breguet heritage ensures strong positioning within the contemporary haute horlogerie market, appealing to collectors who value both technical innovation and classical watchmaking traditions.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. 505SR
Case
white gold
Diameter
40mm
Dial
slate gray
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TY
Tyo
Jun 5, 2020

Being myself a proud owner of one, I endorse 100% of you statements

TY
Tyo
Jun 5, 2020

It took me a while to find the right

MR
mrds
Jun 5, 2020

and even more beautiful to read about your motivation and journey to get this distinctive piece. Wear it with pride and joy on many magic moments! Cheers, Daniel

JL
jleno
Jun 5, 2020

The 7027 is of my favorites as well, and this color especially!

GE
George Gently
Jun 6, 2020

on this very nice watch. Thanks for taking the effort and sharing why you bought specifically this watch; enjoyed reading it. Regards, George

JL
jlux
Jun 6, 2020

The 37mm size is just perfect for that piece.

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