Breitling has acquired Gallet, a historic Swiss watch brand founded in 1826, marking its relaunch.
This acquisition follows Breitling’s purchase of Universal Geneve in 2023 and aims to expand Breitling’s influence in the luxury watch sector. Gallet, known for its precision timekeeping for early long-distance travel and adventure, will be positioned as a luxury, entry-level sibling brand to Breitling. The acquisition is part of Breitling’s long-term strategy to revive Gallet while honoring its legacy of innovation in chronographs.
Gallet has a rich history, including contributions to aviation with a stopwatch used during the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903. The brand also produced notable timepieces like the 1939 Flying Officer and the MultiChron Clamshell, which were essential for travel, sport, and industry. Gallet’s return in 2026 under Breitling’s leadership aims to preserve its heritage and quality while embracing the spirit of adventure.
Breitling, founded in 1884, is a leading Swiss watchmaker known for inventing the modern chronograph and pioneering navigational tool watches. The company focuses on air, land, and sea pursuits, combining classic watchmaking with sustainable innovations. Breitling remains committed to creating high-quality, COSC-certified chronometers and continues to break new ground in the luxury watch industry.
The key features of the Flying Officer timepiece (above) include:
- Waterproof Chronograph: Designed to be resistant to water, making it suitable for various conditions.
- Multi-Timezone Tracking: Allows users to track multiple time zones, which was essential for pilots and passengers during early intercontinental flights.
- Historical Significance: Known for its association with President Harry S. Truman, who described it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw” and wore it regularly.
These features made the Flying Officer an essential companion for early long-distance travel and a sought-after vintage timepiece among collectors.
The Flying Officer timepiece holds historical significance for its association with Harry S. Truman (below). The watch was a Christmas gift to President Truman, inscribed with “Col. Truman From Vic Paul.” Truman wore it regularly and described it as “the most elaborate wristwatch I ever saw,” adding to its historical value.
It was one of the first waterproof chronographs designed for multi-timezone tracking, making it essential for pilots and passengers during the early days of intercontinental flight. Today, the Flying Officer is one of the most sought-after vintage Gallet timepieces among collectors, celebrated for its historical significance and innovative design.
These factors contribute to the Flying Officer’s legacy as a significant and influential timepiece in the history of watchmaking and aviation. Gallet contributed to early long-distance travel in several significant ways.
They produced robust timekeeping instruments for racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions, which were essential for accurate navigation and timing during long-distance travel. In 1903, Gallet created a stopwatch that timed the first powered flight by the Wright brothers’ Kitty Hawk Flyer, covering 852 feet in 59 seconds. This event marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
Introduced in 1939, the Flying Officer was a pioneering waterproof chronograph designed for multi-timezone tracking. It became an essential companion for pilots and passengers during the early days of intercontinental flight, when journeys required multiple overnight refueling stops.
These contributions highlight Gallet’s role in advancing the technology and reliability of timekeeping for early long-distance travel and exploration.
Breitling plans to revive Gallet’s legacy by positioning them as an entry-level luxury ‘sibling brand’ – much like Tudor is to Rolex. Under Breitling’s umbrella, Gallet will be positioned as a luxury brand that complements Breitling’s offerings. Breitling will leverage their expertise and craftsmanship in watchmaking to revive the Gallet brand.
Breitling’s vision includes reviving Gallet as a strong brand in watchmaking while honoring its historical legacy of adventure, exploration, and precision timekeeping. The acquisition and revival of Gallet are part of Breitling’s long-term strategy to expand its influence in the luxury watch sector and shape the future of Swiss watchmaking.
These steps are intended to preserve Gallet’s history and give it new life, ensuring its legacy continues under Breitling’s stewardship.
For more information please visit Breitling