In a significant step for the brand, Breitling has announced the acquisition of Gallet, setting the stage for the relaunch of the historic watch brand founded in 1826 – exactly two centuries later.
This marks Breitling’s second acquisition of a notable brand – with the 2023 purchase of Universal Genève – and represents a further expansion of its influence in the luxury watch sector.
With a legacy of precision timekeeping for early long-distance travel, exploration, and adventure, Gallet will now be positioned as a luxury, entry-level sibling brand to Breitling.
This acquisition is a natural next step in Breitling’s expansion” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.
”We are reviving Gallet under the umbrella of Breitling’s expertise and craftsmanship. Our vision is long-term – relaunching Gallet as a strong brand in watchmaking, while honoring its legacy of adventure and innovation in chronographs.”
“We continue to have strong confidence in Breitling, which is well-positioned to expand its market share in the luxury watch sector,” says Alfred Gantner, Co-Founder of Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling. “Acquiring Gallet is the second key move that underscores the longterm strategy we’ve been building.”
ADVENTURE, LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL, AND EXPLORATION
Gallet was founded by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1826. Historically, the brand has embodied the spirit of adventure and long-distance travel, producing robust timekeeping instruments for racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions – a heritage that aligns with Breitling’s own chronograph DNA.
In 1856, Gallet expanded into the U.S. market, with Jules Racine & Co. in 1890 becoming the sole distributor of Gallet watches in North America, the brand’s main market.
Gallet contributed to ushering in the dawn of the aviation age by creating a stopwatch that timed the first powered flight in 1903. Piloted by Wilbur and Orville Wright, the groundbreaking Kitty Hawk Flyer covered 852 feet in just 59 seconds. The timepiece marketed as “The Sun” forever cemented Gallet’s place in aviation history.
In 1907, Gallet acquired the watch manufacturer Société d’Horlogerie Electa, establishing the “Fabrique d’Horlogerie Electa, Gallet & Co.” From the time of the acquisition until 1926 marked a period of technical innovation, patents, and international recognition that laid the foundation for Gallet’s future as a leading brand in precision timekeeping.
Afterward, Gallet continued to focus on its well-established U.S. market, primarily functioning as an établisseur – designing watches while coordinating their manufacturing and assembly in Switzerland.
When the Swiss watch industry was hit by the quartz crisis and a soaring Swiss franc in the 1970s and ’80s, Gallet, like many great names, fell quiet. Now, under the Breitling banner, it is poised for a long-awaited revival.
PROFESSIONAL TIMEKEEPERS
Among Gallet’s many renowned timepieces, two standouts became essentials for travel, sport, and industry. First, the 1939 Flying Officer was a pioneering waterproof chronograph designed for multi-timezone tracking. This groundbreaking tool became an essential companion for pilots and passengers in the early days of intercontinental flight, when multiple overnight refuelingstops were required for journeys that lasted multiple days.
Even President Harry S. Truman, renowned for his steadfast leadership, embraced Gallet’s precision with the Flying Officer timepiece. The watch, bearing the inscription “Col. Truman From Vic Paul”, was a Christmas gift he was known to wear regularly and which he described as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw.” Today, it remains one of the most sought-after vintage Gallet timepieces among collectors, celebrated for its historical significance.
Equally significant was the MultiChron Clamshell, introduced in 1938 – one of the first waterproof chronographs, designed to withstand dust, humidity, and heavy rains. With various iterations tailored for motor racing, speed boating, aviation, and other sports, the MultiChron series became a cornerstone of Gallet’s legacy.
The line also included the MultiChron Regulator, which U.S. legend Rex Mays received in 1940 after clinching victory at the Springfield Mile, a famous flat track auto racing championship. The prize underlines Gallet’s relevance in motor sport and prowess under pressure. The MultiChron Regulator captured the precision and relentless drive that defined both Mays and the highoctane world of motorsport.
Now, with Breitling at the helm, Gallet’s history will not only be preserved, but given new life. This acquisition continues Breitling’s commitment to shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking while honoring its past. Gallet’s return in 2026 underscores a commitment to heritage, quality, and the spirit of adventure, taking horology off the beaten path and into new territory.
Comments