In a bold move to strengthen its position in the luxury watch market, Breitling has acquired Gallet, the storied Swiss watchmaker founded in 1826. This marks Breitling’s second major acquisition in recent years, following its purchase of Universal Genève in 2023.
Gallet, renowned for its precision timepieces in aviation, motorsport, and exploration, will be repositioned as a luxury sister brand under Breitling’s ownership. The brand’s offerings are expected to retail between 3,000 and 5,000 Swiss francs, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of heritage chronographs.
A Vision for Revival
Breitling CEO Georges Kern emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition: “With this step, we are bringing Gallet back to life under Breitling’s expertise. Our goal is to honor Gallet’s legacy while revitalizing it as a leading name in adventure-driven watchmaking.”
Gallet’s revival is slated for 2026, coinciding with the brand’s 200th anniversary. The move underscores Breitling’s commitment to preserving and modernizing iconic watch brands with deep historical roots.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand became synonymous with rugged, high-performance timepieces. Among its most notable achievements was supplying the stopwatch used to measure the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903.
By the mid-20th century, Gallet had gained prominence in the U.S., where its chronographs were essential in motorsport, aviation, and industrial applications. The Flying Officer, a groundbreaking waterproof chronograph capable of tracking multiple time zones, was famously worn by President Harry S. Truman.
The MultiChron series, particularly the 1938 MultiChron Regulator, became indispensable for pilots, racers, and professionals requiring split-second precision.
Challenges and Comeback
Like many Swiss watchmakers, Gallet struggled during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, leading to its decline. Now, under Breitling’s leadership, the brand is set for a major resurgence, blending its historic craftsmanship with modern watchmaking advancements.
Industry analysts view the acquisition as a strategic play to expand Breitling’s portfolio while reviving a name with deep ties to adventure and innovation. With Breitling’s resources and Gallet’s heritage, the relaunch is expected to make waves in the luxury watch market.
