Geneva Watch Days witnessed the highly anticipated revival of Gallet, orchestrated by the House of Brands, which previously reintroduced Universal Genève. The company has brought back one of its most celebrated designs, the Flying Officer, presenting it in two distinct forms: the Flying Officer Chronograph 40 and the Flying Officer Automatic 40.
These new additions to the Gallet line feature a consistent 40mm steel case, a 20mm lug width, a solid steel caseback, a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and water resistance up to 100 meters. Both models are equipped with a bezel displaying 24 global cities, merging major travel hubs with exotic destinations. The Chronograph 40 is notable for its 15.02mm thickness and 47.55mm lug-to-lug measurement, housing the automatic Gallet 23 movement, based on the Sellita SW510. This caliber operates at 28,800 vph, provides approximately 62 hours of power reserve, and includes a quarter-second chronograph with a 30-minute counter. It comes in appealing light blue or black dials with matching subdials. In contrast, the Automatic 40, a slimmer option at 10.67mm thick and 47.49mm lug-to-lug, uses the Gallet 17 movement, derived from the Sellita SW200. This movement, also beating at 28,800 vph, offers a 41-hour power reserve and features a date display. It is available in vibrant orange or deep blue, with the orange version reflecting the aged appearance of classic models.
The versatility of these watches extends to their strap options, which include leather, rubber, field, and fabric, all designed for quick, tool-free interchangeability. A stainless-steel bracelet with a micro-adjustment clasp is also available. The Flying Officer Automatic 40 is priced at $2,900 with a strap and $3,100 with a bracelet, while the Flying Officer Chronograph 40 is available for $4,400 with a strap and $4,600 with a bracelet, both launching immediately. This pricing strategy positions Gallet competitively within the sub-$5,000 market for travel watches and chronographs, indicating a thoughtful approach by the House of Brands to prevent direct competition with its other labels, such as Universal Genève.
The return of the Gallet Flying Officer line is a testament to the enduring legacy of classic watchmaking, adapted for contemporary enthusiasts. These timepieces embody a spirit of global adventure and precision, blending historical appeal with modern engineering. Their thoughtful design and competitive pricing promise to make them a significant presence in the watch market, appealing to collectors and new buyers alike with their quality and distinct character.
