Breitling’s House of Brands brings back Gallet 200 years on from its founding
Gallet has officially returned to market, with Breitling’s House of Brands completing the relaunch of the historic Swiss brand two centuries after its founding.
Breitling acquired Gallet in 2025 and first revealed plans for today’s relaunch earlier this year, positioning it as the luxury entry-level sibling within its House of Brands alongside Breitling and Universal Genève.
Speaking today, the brand’s managing director, Erwan Rossignol, said: “Gallet has a remarkable history and a distinct identity. By manufacturing every watch within Breitling’s infrastructure, we’re able to honor that heritage while ensuring the quality, reliability, and service expected from a modern Swiss watch brand.”
In making its market return, Gallet has relaunched with four collections: the Flying Officer, Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport and Gallet Classics, with the new watches drawing heavily on a history of aviation, motorsport, sailing and exploration.
The most recognisable name is the Flying Officer, which can trace its origins to 1939, when Gallet developed the multi-timezone chronograph for pilots undertaking long-distance flights with multiple refuelling stops.
The Multichron name also has deep roots within the company. Gallet introduced the waterproof Multichron Clamshell in 1938, while the Multichron Pilot followed in the late 1960s with a rotating 12-hour bezel and tachymeter and telemeter scales.
The new collections are manufactured by Breitling, giving Gallet access to its sister brand’s watchmaking expertise, industrial infrastructure, global distribution network and after-sales service.
As part of the June announcement ahead of today, Breitling CEO Georges Kern: “Some watches are made to stay in one spot. Gallet was never one of them. In the past it followed pilots, racers, travelers, and explorers. Now, it returns, backed by Breitling’s expertise and infrastructure.”
The Swiss brand was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1826 by Julien Gallet and built much of its reputation producing specialist watches and chronographs for demanding environments.
The brand’s return forms part of Breitling’s wider House of Brands strategy, with Gallet positioned at the more accessible end of the portfolio, Breitling at its centre and the revived Universal Genève completing the group.
The news was announced during Geneva Watch Days, which arrived in sun-drenched weather. Read the report from on the ground HERE:
