In a landmark move for the Swiss watch industry, Breitling has announced the acquisition of Gallet, setting the stage for the relaunch of the historic watch brand in 2026—exactly two centuries after its founding. This marks Breitling’s second major acquisition following its purchase of Universal Genève in 2023 and signals a deeper expansion into the luxury watch sector.
“This acquisition is a natural next step in Breitling’s expansion,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “We are reviving Gallet under the umbrella of Breitling’s expertise and craftsmanship. Our vision is long-term—bringing Gallet back as a strong brand in watchmaking while honoring its legacy of adventure and innovation in chronographs.”
Alfred Gantner, Co-Founder of Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling, echoes this sentiment: “Acquiring Gallet is the second key move that underscores the long-term strategy we’ve been building. We continue to have strong confidence in Breitling, which is well-positioned to expand its market share in the luxury watch sector.”
A Heritage of Adventure, Exploration, and Precision
Founded in 1826 by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand has long embodied the spirit of adventure and long-distance travel. With robust timekeeping instruments tailored for racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions, Gallet’s history aligns seamlessly with Breitling’s own chronograph DNA.
Gallet expanded into the U.S. market in 1856, and by 1890, Jules Racine & Co. had become its exclusive North American distributor. The brand played a pivotal role in aviation history—its stopwatch famously timed the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903, marking an indelible legacy in timekeeping innovation.
In 1907, Gallet acquired Société d’Horlogerie Electa, ushering in a period of technical innovation, patents, and international recognition. However, like many Swiss brands, Gallet faced challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, leading to its decline. Now, under Breitling’s stewardship, it is poised for a long-awaited revival.
Timepieces That Defined Eras
Among Gallet’s many renowned watches, two models stand out for their historical significance and technical ingenuity.
- The 1939 Flying Officer: A waterproof chronograph designed for multi-timezone tracking, making it an essential companion for pilots and travelers during the dawn of intercontinental flight. Even President Harry S. Truman was known to wear a Flying Officer timepiece, gifted to him in 1945 and inscribed with the words, Col. Truman From Vic Paul.
- The MultiChron Clamshell (1938): One of the first waterproof chronographs, engineered to withstand dust, humidity, and heavy rains. The MultiChron series became a favorite among racers, aviators, and speedboat enthusiasts.
The MultiChron Regulator, an extension of this line, was even awarded to Rex Mays, the legendary American race car driver, after his 1940 victory at the Springfield Mile.
The Future of Gallet Under Breitling
With Breitling at the helm, Gallet’s history will not only be preserved but given a new lease on life. Positioned as a luxury entry-level sibling to Breitling, Gallet will bring its pioneering spirit into modern watchmaking, embracing both heritage and innovation.
This acquisition reaffirms Breitling’s commitment to shaping the future of Swiss horology while honoring its storied past. The revival of Gallet in 2026 promises to reintroduce one of the world’s most iconic timekeeping brands—continuing its legacy of adventure, craftsmanship, and precision for a new generation of enthusiasts.
