Breitling Acquires Gallet: The Dust Settles on a Legendary Watchmaker Acquisition
Breitling is a household name in the world of watches, but Gallet might not ring a bell for some enthusiasts. This lesser-known brand was established in 1826 by Julien Gallet in the picturesque town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Gallet’s aesthetic shares a striking resemblance to Breitling’s, with both brands crafting iconic chronographs designed for racing, aviation, and thrilling off-road escapades.
Gallet boasts an impressive legacy filled with groundbreaking creations. Take, for instance, the Flying Officer—a revolutionary waterproof chronograph introduced in 1939 that caught the eye of none other than former U.S. President Harry Truman. Another gem from the brand’s archives is the MultiChron Clamshell, unveiled in 1938 as one of the earliest waterproof chronographs, which found its way into diverse settings, from military operations to everyday use.
And let’s not forget the Multichron Regulator, a regulator-style timepiece so esteemed that it was presented as a gift to legendary American race car driver Rex Mays.
Like many Swiss watchmakers, Gallet’s journey has been marked by highs and lows. The quartz crisis dealt a severe blow, forcing the brand into relative obscurity for a period. However, under the stewardship of Breitling, Gallet has experienced a triumphant rebirth. It’s also worth noting that Breitling made headlines in 2023 with the acquisition of Universal Genève.
Next year, Gallet will commemorate its bicentennial, marking two centuries of horological excellence. As the brand prepares to re-enter the market, anticipation is building for what promises to be a new chapter of innovative and captivating timepieces. We eagerly await the unveiling of Gallet’s next masterpiece.
Declan Simmons 
Felix Palmer 
Natalie Martin
It’s fascinating to see these two iconic watchmakers come together. I’ve always admired Gallet’s innovative designs like the Flying Officer, so this acquisition feels like a perfect match for Breitling’s legacy. It’ll be exciting to see what they create by combining their expertise.
It’s fascinating how Breitling has acquired a brand with such a rich history like Gallet. I never realized how similar their designs are, especially considering Gallet’s focus on chronographs for adventure sports. It’ll be interesting to see how Breitling builds on Gallet’s legacy while staying true to its own identity. The Flying Officer sounds like a game-changer!
I had no idea Gallet had such a rich history! It’s fascinating to see how their designs align with Breitling’s, especially those iconic chronographs. The Flying Officer sounds like it really pushed boundaries back in the day. Exciting to see what this acquisition will bring for both brands moving forward.
Wow, I had no idea Gallet had such a rich history! Their Flying Officer sounds like it was way ahead of its time. Excited to see what Breitling does with this acquisition – hopefully they preserve Gallet’s unique heritage while bringing it to a wider audience.
Interesting to see Breitling bringing Gallet under its wing – their design philosophies seem like a perfect match. The Flying Officer sounds like a real game-changer for its time, makes me want to dig deeper into Gallet’s history. Hope Breitling preserves that heritage while giving the brand new life.
Wow, I had no idea Gallet had such a rich history! Their Flying Officer sounds like a game-changer for its time. Excited to see how Breitling preserves their legacy while bringing fresh energy to the brand.
Thanks for your enthusiasm about Gallet’s incredible heritage! The Flying Officer truly was revolutionary, and Breitling’s track record with historic brands gives me confidence they’ll honor Gallet’s legacy while infusing modern innovation. I’m equally excited to see what’s next!