Breguet Tradition 7027 vs. Arnold & Son Nebula: A Collector's Dilemma

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Breguet Tradition 7027, while displaying its movement on the dial, is not a skeleton watch in the traditional sense, as it lacks the empty spaces that allow full transparency. Its design is a modern interpretation of a historical pocket watch movement, whereas the Arnold & Son Nebula is a truly modern skeletonized timepiece.
• The Arnold & Son Nebula offers superior movement and case finishing compared to the Breguet Tradition. The brand's ownership by Citizen Group provides assurance regarding long-term viability and service, making it a compelling choice despite potential resale value concerns.
• Both Arnold & Son and Breguet are modern companies leveraging historical brand names. Arnold & Son, owned by Manufacture La Joux-Perret, offers reliable service. While the Nebula boasts a greater power reserve, the Breguet's design can resonate more deeply with some collectors.
• The Breguet Tradition 7027 embodies a 'romance with the past,' while the Arnold & Son Nebula represents a 'fantasy about the future.' For those considering modern skeleton watches, the Girard-Perregaux Neobridges is also suggested as a strong contender in a similar price bracket.
• While the Arnold & Son Nebula's movement finishing is excellent, it could benefit from more sharp interior angles, a detail often found in higher-priced haute horlogerie, though even some Patek Philippe models at elevated price points may not feature them.
• The Breguet Tradition 7027 is considered a unique piece of horology, closely replicating Abraham-Louis Breguet's original work and featuring a 'one watch only' movement. Its design is seen as a direct link to Breguet's legacy, unlike the Arnold & Son Nebula, which is viewed more as a contemporary design exercise.
• Objectively, the Breguet Tradition is a superior piece of horology due to its free-sprung balance and overcoil hairspring, which also adds visual interest to the dial.