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
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
