The 200-year-old Swiss watch brand was relaunched today under the auspices of Breitling.
Gallet today introduced four new collections to mark its rebirth. The brand, which has created watches and timing instruments for explorers including the Wright brothers over its rich history, is honoring that tradition with robust timepieces crafted for adventurers. It’s “a new era of wanderlust,” according to the brand, that’s beyond the desire to travel. “It’s the instinct to break free from the ordinary, leave the noise behind and chase what lies beyond.”
Gallet was purchased by Breitling last year, and its manufacture is run by the internationally renowned brand. The four collections being introduced today are the Flying Officer, Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport and Gallet Classics. “Gallet has a remarkable history and a distinct identity,” said Erwan Rossignol, managing director of Gallet. “By manufacturing every watch within Breitling’s infrastructure, we’re able to honor that heritage while ensuring the quality, reliability and service expected from a modern Swiss watch brand.”
Taking Flight
The Flying Officer was introduced in 1939, in an era of increasing global air travel. Unlike a more traditional 24-hour world time watch, which includes city names in each of the world’s 24 time zones, the city ring on the Flying Officer’s bezel indicates the time at certain refueling stops, an important and very useful tool for pilots at that time.
Modern Exploration
The Gallet Multichron Pilot, first introduced in 1969, includes a long-duration chronograph and a second time zone. The new 42-millimeter watch “is reimagined for modern exploration,” according to the brand. With its telemeter scale and luminescent hands and indices, it’s ready for takeoff.
Perfect Timing
Multichron Sport’s history is closely tied to motorsports timing both on and off the road, and the modern version reflects the strong DNA of its predecessors. With precision at the forefront, the watch stays true to its original purpose, according to the brand. The watch’s orange chronograph hands reflect the brand’s signature green and orange colors.
A Classic Trio
The three Gallet Classics are contemporary “chronographs shaped by the expertise of Gallet historians, collectors and longtime enthusiasts,” according to the brand. The watches’ smaller 38-millimeter case size and hand-wound mechanical movements evoke a look back at earlier timepieces. Each of the three Classic timepieces pays homage to earlier Gallet watches: the Tribute to Multichron Yachting Big Eye, Tribute to Multichron 45 and the Tribute to Silverlight.
With the exception of the Gallet Classics, all of the new Gallet watches have interchangeable quick-release straps. Options include fabric, rubber, field and leather straps, as well as stainless-steel bracelets. The variety of strap choices allow the watches to “adapt to different environments and pursuits,” according to the brand.
Gallet’s rebirth, guided by the expertise of the House of Brands (the parent company of Breitling, Universal Genève and Gallet) is sure to delight the brand’s collectors and aficionados. “Gallet was born in an age of exploration and has followed that path ever since,” said Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands. “We’re proud to bring Gallet back for a new generation.”