A Tale of Time: Gallet’s Journey and a Future to Watch
Picture this: It’s 1826 in the precision-loving cradle of Switzerland—La Chaux‑de‑Fonds—and Julien Gallet just launched Gallet & Co. A few years later, in 1907, a partnership with Société d’Horlogerie Electa turbo‑charged the brand into a chronograph powerhouse for aviation, motorsport, exploration—the whole shebang of high‑performance timepieces.
Skip ahead to 1939 and enter the dashing Gallet Flying Officer—a waterproof chronograph that tracked multiple time zones, perfectly suited for globetrotting aviators. It was so iconic that President Harry S. Truman wore one himself. The watch even earned the ear‑worm nickname from collectors: “the most famous timepiece in Gallet's history.”
Yet, like many a craftsman beset by the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, Gallet's star dimmed. But every sunset hides an epic dawn...
Credit - Gallet
Credit - Gallet
Credit - Gallet
Breitling Taps In—And It's Game On
Fast forward to March 2025, when Breitling—already powering its revival with Universal Genève in 2023—pulled the trigger on acquiring Gallet. Yep, they’ve secured the name and all the cherished intellectual property.
Breitling officially announced this coup, signalling its ambition to become a multi‑brand watch powerhouse. Gallet is slated for a revival with a full-on relaunch slated for 2026.
Credit - Gallet
Credit - Gallet
What’s Next? The Relaunch Buzz Builds
So, what can watch aficionados expect when Gallet returns?
Rich heritage meets modern flair – Think meticulously redesigned chronographs that nod to the Flying Officer, Clamshell, and MultiChron classics—but with contemporary tech and polish.
A smoother landing – Backed by Breitling’s manufacturing prowess, we’re anticipating top-tier engineering without the vintage fragility.
A revamped image – Expect storytelling heavy on exploration, aviation, and history with a hipster twist. Gallet's already got that aura of vintage cool—it just needs the right modern facelift.
Collectors’ playground – Heritage editions for the obsessives, maybe boutique drops mirroring original styles, and fresh designs to woo new fans.
Why We’re Totally Buzzing
Depth, not just bells and whistles—Gallet’s rooted in centuries of craftsmanship and significant tech innovations
Broad reach—Breitling’s backing means Gallet won’t be a whisper—it’ll be a timed revolution.
The irony of revival—a brand almost felled by tech (quartz) is revived by tech (modern manufacturing and digital storytelling). Chef’s kiss.
In Summary
Gallet’s journey: Founded 1826 → Thrived on aviation and precision chronographs → Hit the snooze of quartz crisis → Acquired by Breitling in 2025 → Relaunch incoming for 2026.
We’re eagerly awaiting the moment Gallet struts back onto the scene—classic lines, modern mechanics, and a narrative that says, “Yes, we respect the past... but we’ve come to play.” Discover more at www.gallet.com.
