The esteemed Swiss horology house, Gallet, dormant since the early 1990s, has announced its triumphant return to the market, marking a significant moment in its near two-century legacy. This revival is made possible through a strategic collaboration with Breitling, a move set to re-establish Gallet's presence among discerning watch enthusiasts. Known historically for its durable tool watches favored by aviators, racers, and mariners, the brand is re-entering the scene with four distinct collections. These new timepieces, powered by Gallet's in-house movements or Breitling's calibers, promise to uphold the brand's commitment to quality and utility, while being manufactured within Breitling's advanced infrastructure.
Gallet, originally established in 1826 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, earned its formidable reputation by producing instruments essential for exploration and precision timing. A notable historical anecdote highlights a Gallet stopwatch being utilized by the Wright brothers during their pioneering manned flights in 1903. This dedication to functional design and robust construction continues to define the brand's renewed vision. Erwan Rossignol, Gallet’s managing director, articulated the brand's commitment, stating that manufacturing within Breitling’s framework ensures adherence to their rich heritage while meeting contemporary demands for quality, reliability, and exemplary service.
Among the newly unveiled lines, the 'Flying Officer' collection stands out, catering to globetrotters. This series draws inspiration from Gallet's original 1939 'Flying Officer' model, famously admired by former U.S. President Harry S. Truman. The modern iterations, available as a chronograph and an automatic, each feature a 40 mm case, a rotating bezel, and an outer ring displaying 24 global destinations, presented in two distinct color options.
The 'Multichron' family expands with two chronographs, reflecting design elements from the 1969 'Multichron Pilot'. The larger model boasts a 42 mm case, a bi-directional bezel, a telemeter scale, and a date display, while the 'Multichron Sport' offers a similar aesthetic in a more compact 41 mm case. Both 'Multichron' variations are also available in two colorways, emphasizing versatility and classic appeal.
All timepieces within the main collections are meticulously crafted from steel and feature interchangeable quick-release straps. This allows for effortless customization, with choices ranging from elegant leather and robust rubber to practical field and fabric straps in a spectrum of colors, alongside traditional stainless-steel bracelets. Furthermore, in homage to its bicentennial milestone, Gallet has introduced three special-edition chronographs. These commemorative pieces, featuring a more understated 38 mm case, are equipped with Breitling’s hand-wound Caliber B09 movement, providing an impressive 70-hour power reserve, symbolizing the fusion of historical reverence and modern horological excellence.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing Gallet's enduring spirit of exploration and the opportunity to introduce the brand to a new generation. This partnership aligns with Breitling's broader strategy, initiated by Kern in 2017, to expand its portfolio and market reach. Following the acquisition of Universal Genève in 2023, Breitling secured Gallet in late 2024, reinforcing its position in the luxury watch segment. The new Gallet collections will be available online and through dedicated "safari-inspired" corners in select Breitling boutiques, with prices for the core range spanning from $2,900 to $4,600, and the Tribute editions priced at $6,700.
The reintroduction of Gallet by Breitling signifies a remarkable revival for a brand deeply rooted in watchmaking history. This strategic alliance not only preserves Gallet's rich legacy but also propels it into the modern era, leveraging Breitling's manufacturing prowess to deliver timepieces that honor the past while meeting contemporary standards of precision and design. The new collections, from the travel-ready Flying Officer to the sport-inspired Multichron and the commemorative Tribute editions, offer a diverse range of options for collectors and enthusiasts, reaffirming Gallet's commitment to innovation and its enduring spirit of adventure.
