The Breguet Tradition Quantième Rétrograde 7597 earns its visual drama through a precise piece of construction: a raised, curved date hand sweeps across the exposed movement, with its shaft passing through a hollowed central barrel arbor. The display pairs an off-centred time dial with a date scale running from 3 to 9 o’clock; at month’s end, the hand returns to 1. Breguet’s published specifications describe a 40 mm precious-metal watch powered by automatic calibre 505Q.
How the 7597’s retrograde date works
The 7597 separates its indications across the dial. Hours and minutes appear on an off-centred dial, while the date occupies an arc opposite it, running from 3 to 9 o’clock. The date hand advances along that scale through the month, then returns to 1 at month’s end. Breguet describes this as a retrograde indication; it is not a conventional date disc that simply turns beneath a window.
The hand has to reach across the movement without obscuring or colliding with its components. Breguet says it is curved vertically and built in multiple levels so it can pass above the bridges and balance wheel while following the date scale. That unusual profile is functional as well as visual.
Why the date hand passes through the barrel arbor
The construction challenge is the placement of the barrel: it sits centrally in the movement, near the axis required for the date hand. In its technical explanation, Breguet says it hollowed the barrel arbor so the date-hand shaft could pass through it. A ruby pivot in a bridge beneath the dial supports the axis, while the hand’s raised profile clears the surrounding components.
#1 Best Overall
- 3D Metallic Dial Chronograph, 100 M water resistant, Stopwatch
- Date Display, Module 5490, Approx. battery life: 3 years on SR920SW
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 48.50mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
This arrangement explains the 7597’s characteristic face more clearly than a description of it as an open-worked spectacle. The date display’s position, the hand’s layered shape and the hollowed arbor are linked parts of one mechanism. Breguet’s technical account is the source for this construction description; it is not an independent inspection of the movement.
Calibre 505Q and Breguet’s published specifications
Breguet lists an automatic calibre 505Q with 269 components, a frequency of 3 Hz and a 50-hour power reserve. It also specifies a silicon balance spring. These are the manufacturer’s published figures, not independently measured performance results.
Rank #2
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HUNTER RETROGRADE: The Retrograde Chronograph pays suitable tribute to the famed jet without being cluttered and fussy in its carefully considered design. The Retrograde edition seemingly brings the instrument panel and cockpit of the Hawker Hunter to the wrist of the wearer with a homage and representation that is still utterly practical and balanced as a timepiece.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: Built from the cockpit, styled for your wrist - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Chronograph movement, 10 Minutes Retrograde and Date
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hunter Retrograde features a 45mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
| Specification | Breguet’s published figure |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic calibre 505Q |
| Components | 269 |
| Frequency | 3 Hz |
| Power reserve | 50 hours |
| Balance spring | Silicon |
| Movement dimensions | 32.8 mm wide and 8.7 mm thick |
Breguet presents the Tradition architecture as drawing on Abraham-Louis Breguet’s historical souscription and tact-watch movements, including elements such as the bridge shape, pare-chute, balance and wheels. That is the manufacturer’s account of the design lineage.
Case size, materials and references
Breguet’s product page specifies a round case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12.1 mm thick, with a 21 mm lug width. It lists 3-bar water resistance, a sapphire case back, a non-screwed crown and an alligator strap. The figures describe the published model specifications; they do not establish how the watch will fit or feel on a particular wrist.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- 3D Metallic Dial Chronograph, 100 M water resistant, Stopwatch
- Date Display, Module 5490, Approx. battery life: 3 years on SR920SW
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 48.50mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
| Reference | Case metal | Dial and display treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 7597BB/GY/9WU | 18K white gold | Dial and display colors vary by reference; consult Breguet’s product page for its current presentation. |
| 7597BB/G1/9WU | 18K white gold | Dial and display colors vary by reference; consult Breguet’s product page for its current presentation. |
| 7597BR/G1/9WU | 18K rose gold | Dial and display colors vary by reference; consult Breguet’s product page for its current presentation. |
The product page identifies hand-guilloché dial finishing. In a 13 May 2022 announcement, Breguet also presented a visual variation with blue gold dial and date elements and an anthracite-clad movement. That announcement describes the appearance at that time; it does not confirm present-day stock or availability.
What to consider before choosing one
- Fit: Compare the stated 40 mm diameter and 12.1 mm thickness with your wrist and preferred case proportions. The specifications alone cannot predict how it will wear.
- Water exposure: Breguet specifies 3-bar water resistance. Consider that rating against your intended use and confirm suitable care with the manufacturer or an authorized retailer.
- Display preference: The exposed movement and sweeping date hand make the mechanism prominent. Consider whether that visual emphasis and the off-centred time display suit your priorities for legibility.
- Configuration: The listed references differ in case metal and visual treatment. Check the exact reference rather than assuming every 7597 has the same dial or movement appearance.
Price and availability
Breguet labels the price as a recommended retail price but directs visitors to a point of sale rather than publishing a numerical figure on the cited product page. No current price or regional stock status is established here. Contact Breguet or an authorized retailer for local pricing and availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HUNTER RETROGRADE: The Retrograde Chronograph pays suitable tribute to the famed jet without being cluttered and fussy in its carefully considered design. The Retrograde edition seemingly brings the instrument panel and cockpit of the Hawker Hunter to the wrist of the wearer with a homage and representation that is still utterly practical and balanced as a timepiece.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: Built from the cockpit, styled for your wrist - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Chronograph movement, 10 Minutes Retrograde and Date
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hunter Retrograde features a 45mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
Rank #4
- 3D Metallic Dial Chronograph, 100 M water resistant, Stopwatch
- Date Display, Module 5490, Approx. battery life: 3 years on SR920SW
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 48.50mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
