Breitling Acquires Gallet, Paving the Way for a Historic Relaunch

In a significant development for the brand, Breitling has announced its acquisition of Gallet. This marks the revival of the esteemed watchmaker, originally founded in 1826, two centuries after its inception.

This latest move represents Breitling’s second acquisition of a distinguished brand, following its 2023 purchase of Universal Genève, further strengthening its position within the luxury watch industry.

With a rich history in precision timekeeping for long-distance travel, exploration, and adventure, Gallet will now serve as a premium entry-level counterpart to Breitling.

"This acquisition is a natural next step in Breitling’s expansion," - Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling

"We continue to have strong confidence in Breitling, which is well-positioned to expand its market share in the luxury watch sector. Acquiring Gallet is the second key move that underscores the long-term strategy we’ve been building." - Alfred Gantner, Co-Founder of Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling

Gallet’s origins trace back to 1826 when Julien Gallet founded the company in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Over the years, the brand became synonymous with adventure and precision timekeeping, producing robust instruments for racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions, paralleling Breitling’s own heritage in chronograph innovation.

By 1856, Gallet had established a presence in the United States, with Jules Racine & Co. becoming its exclusive North American distributor in 1890, cementing the brand’s position in its largest market.

Gallet played a pivotal role in aviation history, having crafted the stopwatch that timed the Wright brothers' first powered flight in 1903. The groundbreaking Kitty Hawk Flyer covered 852 feet in 59 seconds, an achievement recorded by Gallet’s timepiece known as “The Sun.” This historic contribution secured Gallet’s status in aviation.

In 1907, Gallet acquired the watch manufacturer Société d'Horlogerie Electa, leading to the formation of "Fabrique d’Horlogerie Electa, Gallet & Co." This period saw significant technical advancements, patents, and international acclaim that established Gallet as a key player in precision timekeeping.

Following this, Gallet concentrated on its U.S. market, operating primarily as an établisseur, designing watches while overseeing their manufacturing and assembly in Switzerland.

However, like many prestigious Swiss watch brands, Gallet faced challenges during the quartz crisis and economic fluctuations of the 1970s and 1980s, leading to a period of dormancy. Now, under Breitling’s ownership, the brand is poised for a long-awaited revival.

Gallet has produced many renowned timepieces, two of which stand out as essential instruments for travel, sport, and industry.

The 1939 Flying Officer was a pioneering waterproof chronograph designed to track multiple time zones, making it an indispensable tool for pilots and long-haul travellers when intercontinental journeys required numerous overnight refuelling stops.

Among its famous owners was President Harry S. Truman, who cherished his Flying Officer watch, inscribed with “Col. Truman From Vic Paul.” He regarded it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw,” and it remains one of the most sought-after vintage Gallet pieces among collectors today.

Another milestone in Gallet’s history was the 1938 MultiChron Clamshell, one of the earliest waterproof chronographs, designed to endure harsh conditions such as dust, humidity, and heavy rainfall.

Over the years, various models were created for motor racing, speed boating, aviation, and other demanding sports, making the MultiChron series a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy.

A notable variation was the MultiChron Regulator, famously awarded to U.S. motorsport legend Rex Mays in 1940 following his victory at the Springfield Mile, a celebrated flat-track racing event.

This prize underscored Gallet’s relevance in the high-stakes world of motorsport, where precision is paramount.

Now, with Breitling at the helm, Gallet’s remarkable history will not only be preserved but revitalised. This acquisition reinforces Breitling’s dedication to shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking while respecting its past.

The much-anticipated return of Gallet in 2026 highlights a commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and adventure, ushering in a new era for this storied brand.