The Breguet Tradition Automatique Seconde Rétrograde 7097 is named after the retrograde seconds hand positioned at 10 o'clock, complementing the hours and minutes shown by the Breguet-style open-tipped hands. This model showcases the complication with the help of a circular-brushed semi-circle, enhancing the other indications’ legibility.

Its winding rotor is inspired from the movements of the period, while a conventional engine-turned hobnail pattern, done by hand, highlights a dial offset at 12 o'clock. This design can be found on many of the tact watches that A.-L. Breguet made from 1799 onwards.

Trim embellishments enhance the visual balance displayed by the symmetrical bridges on the Tradition 7097. The bridges and baseplate are peened with a decorative technique that requires exceptional skills and flawless execution to achieve a regular and uniform finish.