Search
Gallet’s return to the world of Swiss watchmaking arrives as a fully fledged relaunch shaped by two centuries of heritage and a newly secured future under Breitling’s manufacturing umbrella.

Marking its 200th anniversary, the historic maison re‑enters the market with a clear purpose: to reclaim its role as the watchmaker for explorers, innovators, and those who seek the unfamiliar. The relaunch positions Gallet as a sibling brand within Breitling’s House of Brands, benefiting from the technical expertise, global distribution and after‑sales infrastructure of one of Switzerland’s most established independent manufacturers.

The brand’s rebirth is anchored in the concept of wanderlust — not merely the desire to travel, but the instinct to break away from routine and pursue what lies beyond. It is a fitting theme for a maison whose instruments once accompanied aviation pioneers, early intercontinental pilots and motorsport champions. As the press release notes, “Wherever boundaries were being pushed, Gallet was there,” a sentiment that now guides the brand’s modern identity.

Founded in 1826 in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds, Gallet built its reputation on chronographs designed for demanding environments. Its watches timed the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight and helped pilots track multiple time zones during the earliest long‑haul journeys. They were worn by figures such as former U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who famously described his Flying Officer as “the most elaborate watch [he] ever saw.” Today, that legacy is being channelled into a contemporary portfolio shaped for modern explorers.

The relaunch introduces four core collections — Flying Officer, Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport and Gallet Classics — each reflecting a distinct facet of the brand’s heritage. The Flying Officer, first introduced in 1939, returns as the blueprint for the new Gallet. Its rotating bezel has been reimagined around 24 global destinations, pairing major international gateways with remote points of exploration to reflect how travel has evolved. Offered as both a chronograph and a three‑hand model, it remains a world‑traveller’s instrument at heart.

The Multichron Pilot embodies the maison’s tool‑watch DNA. Originally launched in 1969 for long‑duration timing and dual‑timezone tracking, it now appears in a 42 mm format with a bi‑directional bezel, telemeter scale and exceptional legibility. Designed for unpredictable conditions, it is a watch built to keep pace as environments shift.

The Multichron Sport continues Gallet’s long association with motorsport timing. With vivid orange chronograph hands and a tachymeter scale, it is engineered for speed and clarity, whether on asphalt or off‑road terrain. Sized at 41 mm and powered by the Gallet 23 calibre, it offers the robustness expected from a chronograph designed for performance.

To honour its bicentennial, Gallet also unveils the Classics — three hand‑wound chronographs powered by Breitling’s Calibre B09. These tribute pieces reinterpret historic references: the Multichron Yachting Big Eye with its distinctive regatta countdown display; the Multichron 45 with its balanced, anti‑glare dial; and the Silverlight, inspired by the Multichron Navigator and its orientation‑driven design. Each model is compact at 38 mm, offering a refined expression of Gallet’s heritage.

A defining feature of the relaunch is adaptability. All collections share a unified lug width and quick‑release system, allowing straps to be swapped in seconds. Leather, rubber, field and fabric options — alongside stainless‑steel bracelets with micro‑adjustment — enable instant personalisation, reinforcing the brand’s focus on versatility and adventure.

Gallet’s modern identity is also shaped by its community of adventurers. The brand has partnered with photographers, conservationists and explorers whose weekly Field Notes video dispatches document journeys across continents: tracking injured elephants, crossing the Himalayas by paraglider, sailing Arctic waters and exploring the rugged Californian coastline. Their stories bring Gallet’s spirit of exploration into the present day.

Breitling boutiques now will feature dedicated Gallet corners, designed with safari‑inspired aesthetics that immerse visitors in the brand’s world of escape and discovery. This integration ensures that Gallet’s relaunch is not merely symbolic, but supported by a robust retail and service ecosystem. As Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands, states, “We’re proud to bring Gallet back for a new generation.”

The relaunch of Gallet is, ultimately, a statement of intent, celebrating two centuries of precision and adventure while positioning the brand for a future defined by adaptability, craftsmanship and exploration. This way, in 2026, Gallet reclaims its place as the watchmaker for those who choose the unknown, honouring its past while charting a new course into its third century.

No Comments

LEAVE A COMMENT