Breitling Acquires Gallet, Heralding the Return of a Historic Watch Brand
In a significant move, Breitling has announced the acquisition of the prestigious Gallet brand, laying the foundation for the revival of the long-established watchmaker, founded in 1826. The acquisition is Breitling’s second in recent years, following the purchase of Universal Genève in 2023, further consolidating its influence in the luxury watch sector. Gallet, known for its heritage in precision timepieces for aviation, motorsport, and exploration, is set to be positioned as a luxury sister brand to Breitling, with prices ranging from 3,000 Swiss francs to 5,000 Swiss francs.
"With this acquisition, Breitling takes the next step in its expansion," said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. "We are bringing Gallet back to life under the expertise and craftsmanship of Breitling, underscoring our long-term vision: to rejuvenate Gallet as a strong watch brand while honoring its legacy of adventure and innovation in chronograph development."
Founded in 1826 by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Gallet has long been associated with durable timepieces designed for extreme adventures. The brand’s contributions to aviation history, including the development of the stopwatch used to measure the first powered flight in 1903, have cemented its place in the annals of exploration and innovation.
By the 20th century, Gallet had become a major player in the United States, where its chronographs were integral to motorsport, aviation, and industrial endeavors. The brand was particularly influential in the early days of intercontinental flight, with models like the Flying Officer, a pioneering waterproof chronograph designed to track multiple time zones, was lauded for its precision and was even worn by President Harry S. Truman. The MultiChron series, including the 1938 MultiChron Regulator, became indispensable for racing, aviation, and other high-stakes activities.
However, the Swiss watch industry faced immense challenges during the 1970s and 1980s due to the quartz crisis, which led to Gallet’s gradual decline. Now, under Breitling’s stewardship, Gallet is poised for a highly anticipated revival in 2026–200 years after the brand was founded.
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