Breitling has taken another bold step in expanding its influence in the luxury watch industry with the acquisition of Gallet, a historic Swiss brand founded in 1826. The move sets the stage for Gallet’s long-awaited revival, exactly two centuries after its inception.
Following its 2023 acquisition of Universal Genève, Breitling is once again making waves in the watch world by bringing another legendary name under its wing. This strategic acquisition positions Gallet as an entry-level luxury sibling brand to Breitling, leveraging its heritage of precision timekeeping for aviation, exploration, and long-distance travel.
“This acquisition is a natural next step in Breitling’s expansion,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.
“We are reviving Gallet under the umbrella of Breitling’s expertise and craftsmanship. Our vision is long-term—reviving Gallet as a strong brand in watchmaking, while honoring its legacy of adventure and innovation in chronographs.”
Alfred Gantner, Co-Founder of Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling, echoed Kern’s sentiment, emphasizing that this acquisition reflects Breitling’s long-term growth strategy.
“Acquiring Gallet is the second key move that underscores the long-term strategy we’ve been building. We continue to have strong confidence in Breitling, which is well-positioned to expand its market share in the luxury watch sector.”
Gallet: A Watchmaking Pioneer for the World’s Adventurers
Gallet’s story began in 1826, when Julien Gallet founded the brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Over the decades, the company became synonymous with adventure and long-distance travel, crafting highly functional and robust timepieces for aviation, motorsport, and off-road expeditions.
In 1856, Gallet expanded into the U.S. market, with Jules Racine & Co. becoming its sole distributor in North America in 1890. By the early 20th century, the brand played a pivotal role in aviation history. In 1903, Gallet’s stopwatch famously timed the Wright brothers’ first powered flight at Kitty Hawk. The event marked the dawn of modern aviation, with Gallet’s name forever tied to innovation in timekeeping.
A defining moment in Gallet’s history came in 1907 when it acquired Société d’Horlogerie Electa, establishing Fabrique d’Horlogerie Electa, Gallet & Co. The move led to a wave of technical advancements and patents, cementing Gallet’s reputation as a leader in precision watchmaking.
For much of the 20th century, Gallet remained deeply embedded in the U.S. market, focusing on designing and coordinating the assembly of its watches in Switzerland. However, like many Swiss brands, Gallet struggled during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, leading to its decline. Now, with Breitling’s backing, Gallet is poised for a triumphant return.
A Legacy of Precision: Gallet’s Most Iconic Timepieces
Throughout its history, Gallet produced numerous groundbreaking timepieces, two of which stand out as symbols of its commitment to professional timekeeping:
The 1939 Flying Officer Chronograph
One of Gallet’s most influential creations, the Flying Officer was a pioneering waterproof chronograph designed for tracking multiple time zones. It quickly became an essential tool for pilots navigating long-haul flights at a time when international air travel required multiple refueling stops.
President Harry S. Truman famously owned a Flying Officer, a gift bearing the inscription “Col. Truman From Vic Paul.” Truman described it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw,” further elevating the watch’s status among collectors and historians.
The MultiChron Clamshell
Introduced in 1938, the MultiChron Clamshell was one of the world’s first waterproof chronographs. Engineered to withstand dust, humidity, and heavy rain, it became a go-to timepiece for motorsport, aviation, and speed boating.
A notable variant, the MultiChron Regulator, made history in 1940 when legendary American race car driver Rex Mays received one as a prize after winning the Springfield Mile championship. This milestone cemented Gallet’s place in motorsport history, showcasing its watches’ resilience and reliability in high-stakes environments.
The Future of Gallet Under Breitling
With Breitling leading the way, Gallet’s revival promises to be more than just a nostalgic tribute—it marks a new era of innovation and excellence. Breitling has demonstrated its ability to honor a brand’s legacy while propelling it into the future, as seen with Universal Genève. Gallet’s 2026 relaunch aligns perfectly with its 200th anniversary, symbolizing a full-circle moment for a brand that once defined adventure and precision in timekeeping.
Breitling’s commitment to honoring Swiss watchmaking tradition while integrating modern craftsmanship will ensure Gallet’s rightful place among the most respected names in horology.
As the Swiss watch industry continues to evolve, this acquisition solidifies Breitling’s role as a powerhouse of both heritage and innovation. The return of Gallet is not just a resurrection of a storied past—it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Swiss watchmaking.
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