WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800s
Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
The Gallet “Flying Officer” watch, a waterproof chronograph launched in 1939 that could keep track of the time in multiple time zones. President Harry Truman received a “Flying Officer” as a Christmas gift and was known to wear it regularly. (Photo courtesy of Breitling)
Geneva—On Tuesday, Breitling announced the acquisition of Gallet, a watch brand founded 200 years ago and popular in the early days of long-distance travel.
The purchase price was not disclosed, though Breitling CEO Georges Kern told Hodinkee that it was much less than the $69 million the company paid for Universal Genève in 2023.
Julien Gallet founded Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1826.
According to a history of the brand provided by Breitling, Gallet was known for making timekeeping instruments used in racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions, a heritage that “aligns with Breitling’s own chronograph DNA.”
It expanded into the U.S. market in 1856, and in 1890, Jules Racine & Co. became the sole distributor of Gallet watches in North America, the brand’s main market.
Among the brand’s standout models were the “Flying Officer” (1939), a waterproof chronograph designed to track the time in multiple time zones, and the “MultiChron Regulator,” which racing driver Rex Mays Jr. received after winning the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fair in 1940.
It also made two stopwatches for the Wright Brothers’ famous flight in 1903.
Though it continued making watches through the 1970s, Gallet, like so many other mechanical watch brands, did not survive the “quartz crisis” of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Related stories will be right here …
The purchase price was not disclosed, though Breitling CEO Georges Kern told Hodinkee that it was much less than the $69 million the company paid for Universal Genève in 2023.
Julien Gallet founded Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1826.
According to a history of the brand provided by Breitling, Gallet was known for making timekeeping instruments used in racing, aviation, and off-road expeditions, a heritage that “aligns with Breitling’s own chronograph DNA.”
It expanded into the U.S. market in 1856, and in 1890, Jules Racine & Co. became the sole distributor of Gallet watches in North America, the brand’s main market.
Among the brand’s standout models were the “Flying Officer” (1939), a waterproof chronograph designed to track the time in multiple time zones, and the “MultiChron Regulator,” which racing driver Rex Mays Jr. received after winning the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fair in 1940.
It also made two stopwatches for the Wright Brothers’ famous flight in 1903.
Though it continued making watches through the 1970s, Gallet, like so many other mechanical watch brands, did not survive the “quartz crisis” of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Gallet is the second historical Swiss watch brand Breitling has purchased in the last two years.
In December 2023, the company announced its acquisition of Universal Genève, a Swiss watch brand founded in 1894 that is a favorite among collectors.
The purchase of Gallet, “continues Breitling’s commitment to shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking while honoring its past,” the company said.
“Gallet’s return in 2026 underscores a commitment to heritage, quality, and the spirit of adventure, taking horology off the beaten path and into new territory.”
Breitling said it plans to position Gallet as a “luxury, entry-level sibling brand to Breitling,” but declined to provide any more details on the brand’s retail rollout, other than to confirm that its relaunch will happen in 2026.
More on Watches
The Latest
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
