Historic Watch Brand Gallet Relaunches Under Breitling’s Leadership
Breitling has made headlines with its latest acquisition of Gallet, a revered Swiss watch brand established in 1826. This move sets the stage for an exciting revival, perfectly timed to mark Gallet’s 200th anniversary in 2026.
This strategic purchase follows Breitling’s acquisition of Universal Genève in 2023 and further strengthens its presence in the luxury timepiece sector. With a heritage of crafting precision instruments for aviation, exploration, and endurance sports, Gallet will now be reintroduced as an accessible yet high-end counterpart to Breitling’s collection.
A Vision for the Future
Georges Kern, Breitling’s CEO, sees this acquisition as a natural evolution for the brand. “Bringing Gallet under Breitling’s craftsmanship allows us to revitalise a watchmaking legend. Our approach is long-term; we aim to re-establish Gallet as a powerhouse in the industry while staying true to its adventurous spirit and chronograph expertise.”
Alfred Gantner, Co-Founder of Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling, echoes this sentiment. “Breitling is in a prime position to expand its influence in luxury watchmaking. Acquiring Gallet is another key step in executing our long-term vision.”
A Legacy of Precision and Adventure
Gallet was founded by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds and quickly became synonymous with precision and resilience. The brand played a pivotal role in aviation, motorsports, and military operations, crafting timepieces that met the rigorous demands of professionals in high-stakes environments.
By 1856, Gallet had already ventured into the U.S. market, with Jules Racine & Co. becoming its exclusive distributor in North America by 1890. This expansion solidified its reputation as a leading name in Swiss horology.
Gallet’s contributions to aviation history are remarkable. In 1903, the brand created the stopwatch that timed the Wright brothers’ historic first powered flight. This milestone cemented Gallet’s status as a pioneer in aviation timekeeping.
In 1907, the company acquired Société d'Horlogerie Electa, enhancing its technical capabilities. Over the next two decades, Gallet secured patents and gained international recognition, reinforcing its position as a leader in precision watchmaking.
Resilience Through Challenges
During the early 20th century, Gallet focused heavily on the U.S. market, excelling as an établisseur—designing watches while overseeing production in Switzerland. However, the quartz crisis of the 1970s and the economic turbulence of the 1980s led to a decline in operations, as was the case for many esteemed Swiss watch brands. Now, under Breitling’s guidance, Gallet is poised for a well-deserved revival.
Timeless Innovations
Among Gallet’s most renowned creations, two models stand out for their impact on professional timekeeping. The Flying Officer, introduced in 1939, was a groundbreaking waterproof chronograph designed for tracking multiple time zones. This innovation proved invaluable to pilots navigating early intercontinental routes, where extended layovers and refuelling stops were the norm.
Even U.S. President Harry S. Truman was captivated by Gallet’s craftsmanship. A Flying Officer watch inscribed “Col. Truman From Vic Paul” was gifted to him, and he famously described it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw.” Today, this timepiece remains a prized collectible, treasured for its historical significance.
Another standout model is the MultiChron Clamshell, launched in 1938. As one of the first waterproof chronographs, it was built to endure harsh conditions, including extreme humidity and heavy rain. This model became a favourite in motor racing, aviation, and speed boating, with various adaptations tailored for different high-performance activities.
A particularly notable version, the MultiChron Regulator, was awarded to American racing legend Rex Mays in 1940 following his victory at the prestigious Springfield Mile. This achievement highlighted Gallet’s close ties with the world of motorsports and reinforced its reputation for precision and durability.
A New Era Under Breitling
Image by Maurício Souza Mau from Pixabay
With Breitling at the helm, Gallet is set to make a grand comeback. The acquisition aligns with Breitling’s commitment to honouring watchmaking heritage while innovating for the future. As Gallet prepares for its relaunch in 2026, this historic brand will once again take its place among the great names in horology; preserving its adventurous legacy while embracing new frontiers in precision timekeeping.
