Gallet is making a comeback two centuries after its founding, with a new collection of watches manufactured by Breitling. The historic Swiss brand returns with four collections inspired by aviation, exploration, motorsport and travel.
Founded in 1826 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Gallet built its reputation with precision timing instruments for pilots, racers, sailors and explorers. Among its historic achievements, Gallet watches were used to time the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight and accompanied early intercontinental aviation.
Now, exactly 200 years after its foundation, the brand is being relaunched as a sibling brand of Breitling.
“Gallet has a remarkable history and a distinct identity,” says Erwan Rossignol, Managing Director of Gallet. “By manufacturing every watch within Breitling’s infrastructure, we’re able to honor that heritage while ensuring the quality, reliability, and service expected from a modern Swiss watch brand.”
Four collections
The revived Gallet collection is built around four lines: the Flying Officer, aimed at long-distance travel; the Multichron Pilot, designed for exploration; the Multichron Sport, inspired by motorsport and off-road pursuits; and the Gallet Classics, which pays tribute to historic models.
The Flying Officer is perhaps the most closely associated with Gallet’s aviation heritage. Originally introduced in 1939, the watch was designed for pilots flying the early intercontinental routes. Its rotating city ring enabled them to keep track of the time at destinations and refuelling stops.
The new Flying Officer measures 40mm and features a redesigned rotating bezel with 24 destinations, combining major international cities with more remote locations. It is available as both a chronograph and an automatic watch. The chronograph uses the Gallet 23 movement, based on the Sellita SW510, while the automatic version is powered by the Gallet 17, based on the Sellita SW200.
Built for exploration
The Multichron Pilot, originally launched in 1969, takes Gallet’s tool-watch heritage in a more rugged direction. The 42mm chronograph features a bidirectional bezel, telemeter scale, date display and the ability to track a second time zone. It is powered by the Gallet 23 calibre and offers an approximately 62-hour power reserve.
For those looking for a sportier option, the Multichron Sport draws on Gallet’s history in motorsport timing. The 41mm chronograph features a tachymeter scale for calculating average speed and is available with either a dark blue or black dial.
Across the core collection, Gallet is also introducing a quick-release strap system. Leather, rubber, field and fabric straps can be exchanged without tools, while stainless-steel bracelets feature the same system and an integrated micro-adjustment mechanism.
Three watches celebrate 200 years
To mark the anniversary, Gallet is also introducing three Gallet Classics tribute watches. The 38mm hand-wound chronographs draw inspiration from important models in the company’s history and are all powered by Breitling’s Caliber B09 manufacture movement, with an approximately 70-hour power reserve.
The trio includes the Tribute to Multichron Yachting Big Eye, inspired by a regatta chronograph from the 1960s; the Tribute to Multichron 45, based on a historic aviation and racing timer; and the Tribute to Silverlight, which takes its design cues from the Multichron Navigator.
Breitling infrastructure
Although Gallet retains its own identity, the relaunch is closely connected to Breitling. The watches are manufactured within Breitling’s infrastructure and benefit from its technical expertise, after-sales service and international distribution network. Selected Breitling boutiques will also feature dedicated Gallet displays.
Gallet is positioning the relaunch around a new generation of adventurers, including conservationists, photographers and filmmakers. Its Field Notes video series follows contributors working in locations ranging from the Himalayas and Arctic waters to Kenya and Northern California.
“Gallet was born in an age of exploration and has followed that path ever since,” says Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands, which includes Breitling, Gallet and Universal Genève. “We’re proud to bring Gallet back for a new generation.”
After 200 years, the Swiss watchmaker is therefore returning with a clear link to its past — but with its sights firmly set on a new generation of travellers, explorers and adventurers.
