The storied Swiss watchmaking marque, Gallet, is set to make a triumphant return to the horological scene in 2026, precisely two centuries after its inception in the renowned watchmaking hub of La Chaux-de-Fonds. This historic brand is not merely re-emerging but is doing so as a distinct sibling brand under the umbrella of Breitling. This strategic alliance will see Breitling leverage its considerable manufacturing capabilities and established infrastructure to produce the new Gallet timepieces, ensuring a robust foundation for the brand’s revival. The relaunch is anchored by four meticulously curated collections: Flying Officer, Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport, and Gallet Classics. Each collection is designed to draw deeply from the rich tapestry of Gallet’s extensive history, spanning pioneering aviation and international travel, to the high-octane worlds of motorsport, the serene expanse of sailing, and the spirit of global exploration. The brand emphasizes that these new watches artfully blend historical design aesthetics with the precision of contemporary movements and modern construction techniques.
A Legacy Forged in Timekeeping Excellence
Gallet’s historical archives offer a fertile ground for such a significant relaunch. Founded in 1826, the company rapidly established itself as a premier producer of precision timing instruments, catering to a diverse clientele involved in aviation, competitive racing, maritime endeavors, and intrepid exploration. Gallet watches became synonymous with pivotal moments in history, notably being associated with the groundbreaking first powered flight by the Wright brothers and the early, daring expeditions of intercontinental aviation. The new collections are not conceived as entirely novel creations but rather as direct descendants, leveraging these profound historical connections as their conceptual bedrock. This approach ensures that each timepiece carries the authentic DNA of its predecessors while being meticulously crafted for the demands of the 21st century.
Four Pillars of Gallet’s Resurgence
The brand’s revived catalog is strategically organized around four distinct thematic collections, each representing a significant facet of Gallet’s storied past and its enduring appeal.
The Flying Officer: A Homage to Global Travel
The Flying Officer collection serves as a direct and potent link between the revitalized Gallet brand and its illustrious heritage. Introduced in 1939, during a nascent era of international air travel, the original Flying Officer featured a rotating city ring. This ingenious complication allowed pilots to easily track time zones at their upcoming destinations, a critical tool for navigating the expanding world of aviation. The new 40mm Flying Officer models update this concept with a sophisticated rotating bezel displaying 24 contemporary global destinations. This carefully curated list mixes major international hubs with more remote locales, a thoughtful reflection of the multifaceted nature of modern global mobility.
The Flying Officer is available in two distinct formats. The chronograph version stays true to the model’s original instrumental character, offering precise timekeeping capabilities. Complementing this is an automatic version that encapsulates the same world-traveling ethos without the added complexity of the chronograph display.
The chronograph variant is offered in either a striking light blue or a classic black, both featuring elegant tone-on-tone sub-dials. It is powered by the Gallet 23 chronograph caliber, a robust movement based on the reliable Sellita SW510, providing approximately 65 hours of power reserve. The automatic model, presented in vibrant orange or a sophisticated dark blue, utilizes the Gallet 17 movement, derived from the Sellita SW200, offering a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The orange automatic model is particularly noteworthy, its color inspired by the warm patina often found on aged Flying Officer timepieces. This historical reference also informs the distinctive orange-and-green palette that Gallet intends to integrate across its revived brand identity.
Pricing for the Flying Officer Chronograph 40 starts at €4,100 / US$4,400 / £3,400 on a strap and increases to €4,300 / US$4,600 / £3,600 on a bracelet. The Flying Officer Automatic 40 is priced at €2,400 / US$2,900 / £2,200 on a strap and €2,600 / US$3,100 / £2,400 on a bracelet.
The Multichron Pilot: Charting New Territories
Tracing its lineage back to 1969, the original Multichron Pilot was conceived for long-duration timing and second-time-zone tracking, with an unwavering emphasis on legibility in demanding conditions. Gallet has reimagined this concept for the modern era as a 42mm chronograph specifically engineered for the spirit of exploration. The watch is equipped with the same Gallet 23 chronograph caliber found in the Flying Officer, boasting the same frequency and a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. A bidirectional 12-hour bezel encircles the dial, offering an additional layer of functional versatility, while a discreet date display is positioned at the 6 o’clock mark.
The Multichron Pilot is available in two distinct dial configurations: a classic black with white sub-dials, and a deep blue paired with black sub-dials. Adding to its instrumental character is a telemeter scale, a feature that allows the wearer to estimate the distance to an event by measuring the time elapsed between the visual and auditory perception of phenomena like a lightning strike or a distant explosion. Luminescent hands and indices ensure exceptional readability, even in rapidly changing or low-light environments. The textured dial and dual-time capability lend the model a distinctly instrumental feel, positioning it as a bridge between the travel-focused Flying Officer and the motorsport-centric Multichron Sport.
The Multichron Pilot Chronograph 42 is priced at €4,100 / US$4,400 / £3,400 on a strap and €4,300 / US$4,600 / £3,600 on a bracelet.
The Multichron Sport: The Spirit of Speed and Adventure
Gallet’s rich history in motorsport provides the robust foundation for the Multichron Sport collection. Models such as the Multichron 12 Scientific were instrumental in solidifying the company’s technical prowess in timing during the 1960s, with the collection later becoming intrinsically linked with the thrill of motorsport and high-speed competition. The new Multichron Sport features a 41mm case and houses the same Gallet 23 movement that powers the Flying Officer and Multichron Pilot chronographs. A key differentiator for this model is its tachymeter scale, a feature designed for calculating average speed over a known distance, directly appealing to automotive enthusiasts and those with a penchant for performance measurement.
Two dial configurations are offered for the Multichron Sport. One features a dark blue dial complemented by black sub-dials, while the other presents a black dial with contrasting white sub-dials. Both variants incorporate a practical date window at the 6 o’clock position. Vivid orange chronograph hands are a striking design element, ensuring that the timing indications are instantly distinguishable from the rest of the display, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
The Multichron Sport also incorporates the convenient quick-release pins on both straps and bracelets, empowering owners to effortlessly swap between different strap configurations without the need for tools, adding a layer of user-friendly versatility.
The Gallet Multichron Sport Chronograph 41 is priced at €4,100 / US$4,400 / £3,400 on a strap and €4,300 / US$4,600 / £3,600 on a bracelet.
Gallet Classics: Echoes of Historical Significance
In commemoration of its bicentennial, Gallet is also presenting three timepieces under the Gallet Classics banner. Rather than offering new interpretations, this collection directly draws inspiration from specific watches that are held in high regard by collectors and horological historians. All three watches feature a refined 38mm case and are powered by Breitling’s manually wound B09 chronograph caliber. This COSC-certified chronometer movement offers a substantial power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Distinctly from the core collections, the Classics models are exclusively offered on 20mm straps, utilizing the same quick-release system that facilitates easy interchanging of materials.
The first model in this esteemed collection is the Tribute to Yachting Big Eye. Its design is rooted in a 1960s regatta chronograph distinguished by a large countdown register, meticulously engineered to assist sailors in the critical final minutes leading up to a race. The contemporary rendition features a crisp white dial with a tone-on-tone sub-dial, and a prominent regatta register rendered in striking dark blue and red.
The Tribute to Multichron 45 draws its inspiration from a chronograph originally developed for precise interval timing in both aviation and racing. Its modern iteration showcases a black dial with tone-on-tone sub-dials within a compact 38mm case. The design thoughtfully balances an anti-glare finish for optimal daytime visibility with luminous elements for enhanced nighttime legibility.
The third timepiece, the Tribute to Silverlight, takes its design cues from the historic Multichron Navigator. This iconic watch featured a display intended to aid the wearer in orienting themselves towards true north. The new version features a refined silver-toned dial, stylized numerals, and a layout that evokes a sense of vintage charm.
Gallet has maintained a consistent pricing strategy across the Classics collection, with each watch retailing at €6,100 / US$6,700 / £5,300.
Breitling’s Manufacturing Backbone
The strategic return of Gallet is seamlessly integrated within Breitling’s established manufacturing and global distribution network. Breitling will undertake the production of every Gallet watch, and its extensive network will also provide comprehensive after-sales service and worldwide distribution. Select Breitling boutiques will feature dedicated displays for the Gallet brand, offering a curated experience for enthusiasts.
This symbiotic relationship provides the revived Gallet brand with access to a sophisticated Swiss manufacturing operation, while crucially preserving Gallet’s distinct historical identity. The choice of movements further underscores this collaboration. The core chronograph collections utilize calibers based on Sellita’s SW510, while the automatic models are powered by movements derived from the SW200. In a significant nod to the partnership, the three anniversary Classics models are equipped with Breitling’s in-house B09 manufacture chronograph caliber.
Consequently, Gallet’s new collections occupy a unique niche within the Breitling family. While the watches bear Gallet’s specific historical references and distinct visual language, their production is firmly embedded within the advanced manufacturing infrastructure of their larger, contemporary watchmaking sibling.
Introducing the Next Generation of Gallet Adventurers
The relaunch extends beyond the timepieces themselves, encompassing a vision for contemporary exploration. Gallet is introducing a cohort of modern adventurers who will be featured in the brand’s "Field Notes" video series. This distinguished group comprises conservationists, photographers, filmmakers, and other professionals actively engaged in diverse and challenging environments. The initial contributors include Donal Boyd, Benjamin Kellett, Dhir Jakharia, Benjamin Hardman, and L. Renee, whose endeavors span critical areas such as elephant conservation, Himalayan paragliding, Arctic sailing, wildlife documentation in Kenya, and the exploration of the Northern California coastline.
This initiative effectively bridges Gallet’s historical legacy of use by pilots, racers, and explorers with contemporary manifestations of adventure. By featuring individuals actively pushing boundaries today, the brand is positioning its new watches not just as historical artifacts but as relevant tools for modern-day explorers.
Initial Impressions and Strategic Vision
Gallet’s return is characterized by a profound and deliberate focus on its rich archives. Each of the four distinct collections thoughtfully reimagines a recognizable historical model or application for a contemporary audience. The Flying Officer collection prominently highlights the enduring theme of international travel, while the two Multichron collections steadfastly uphold the brand’s historical association with precision timing instruments.
The Gallet Classics collection further deepens this heritage-driven approach by faithfully recreating the character of three specific historical chronographs. Their more compact 38mm cases and the inclusion of manually wound movements differentiate them from the core collections, offering a more purist horological experience.
The strategic utilization of Breitling’s manufacturing infrastructure provides the relaunch with a solid technical and logistical foundation. Simultaneously, Gallet has meticulously maintained separate collections, unique movements, and distinct design elements to ensure its watches retain a clear identity and stand apart from those of its sibling brand.
A key element woven throughout the new lineup is the emphasis on strap interchangeability as a central aspect of the ownership experience. Across the core collections, a standardized 20mm lug spacing and a user-friendly quick-release system allow owners to seamlessly transition between various strap materials, including leather, rubber, fabric, and field styles. This practical feature enhances the versatility of a collection inherently designed for travel and adaptability to diverse environments.
Two centuries after its founding, Gallet is making a significant comeback, presenting a collection that deeply draws inspiration from its past while being manufactured with cutting-edge production methods. The four distinct collections offer unique interpretations of the brand’s rich history, from the pioneering world-traveling Flying Officer to the meticulously recreated anniversary chronographs within the Gallet Classics line.
For a comprehensive overview of all available configurations and detailed specifications of these new timepieces, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the official Gallet website.
