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It’s fascinating to observe Breitling’s approach to business. Less than a year after acquiring the iconic brand Universal Genève in 2024, the company takes another decisive step: it brings Gallet under its wing — a name synonymous with robust chronographs and timekeeping instruments built for motorsport, aviation, and outdoor exploration. Its legacy runs parallel to Breitling’s own, and so does the spirit of its creations.
Gallet has carved a lasting mark in the world of watchmaking with precision tools that combined durability and innovation. Two models stand out as milestones: the 1939 Flying Officer and the 1938 MultiChron Clamshell.
The Flying Officer was one of the first waterproof chronographs designed to track multiple time zones — an indispensable tool for pilots and early transatlantic travelers. It was a favorite of U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who described it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw.” Today, it’s among the most coveted vintage Gallet pieces.
Equally notable was the MultiChron Clamshell, one of the earliest waterproof chronographs, built to resist dust, moisture, and rain. The MultiChron series catered to racing, boating, aviation, and more. Among them, the MultiChron Regulator, became a legend in American motorsport, famously worn by Rex Mays when he won the Springfield Mile in 1940.
Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1826 by Julien Gallet, the brand embodied the spirit of adventure and long-distance travel. It entered the U.S. market in 1856 and in 1890, Jules Racine & Co. became its exclusive distributor in North America.
Gallet played a key role at the dawn of aviation by producing the stopwatch that timed the first manned flight in history — the Wright brothers’ Kitty Hawk Flyer in 1903. That timepiece, known as “The Sun,” secured Gallet’s place in aviation history.
In 1907, Gallet acquired Société d’Horlogerie Electa, establishing Fabrique d’Horlogerie Electa, Gallet & Co. From then until 1926, the brand entered a golden era of innovation, patents, and international recognition, becoming a leader in precision timekeeping.
Later, Gallet focused on the American market, operating primarily as an établisseur — designing watches while coordinating production and assembly in Switzerland.
But like many storied maisons, Gallet fell silent during the quartz crisis and currency upheaval of the 1970s and ’80s. Now, rediscovered by Breitling, Gallet is ready for a new chapter — a renaissance timed perfectly with the 200th anniversary of its founding. The future looks promising, and we’ll be watching closely.
