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
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
