Breitling Japan Co., Ltd. Breitling acquires Gallet and announces the relaunch of the classic Swiss watch brand for long-distance travelers

[Breitling Japan Co., Ltd.] Breitling acquires Gallet and announces relaunch of classic Swiss watch brand for long-distance travelers ​
Breitling Japan Co., Ltd. Press release: March 18, 2025 Breitling acquires Gallet and announces relaunch of classic Swiss watch brand for long-distance travelers Breitling announces the acquisition of Gallet, an important step for the brand. As a result, the historic watch brand founded in 1826 will be relaunched just at the turning point of its second century. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/32319/196/32319-196-c4590fe50b6977510cc8fd8bc6d380ab-2500×1250.jpg This is Breitling’s second major brand acquisition, following the acquisition of Universal Geneve in 2023, further expanding the company’s influence in the luxury watch industry. With an early tradition of precision watchmaking for long-distance travel, exploration and adventure, Gallet will now be developed into Breitling’s entry-level luxury brand. “This acquisition is a natural next step in Breitling’s expansion,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “We are bringing back Gallet with Breitling’s expertise and craftsmanship. Our vision is long-term, and we will restore Gallet as a strong brand in the watch industry while continuing to celebrate its heritage of adventure and chronograph innovation.” Alfred Gantner, co-founder of Partners Group and chairman of Breitling, said: “We continue to have strong confidence in Breitling. Breitling is well positioned to expand its share of the luxury watch market. The acquisition of Gallet is the second important move that underlines our long-term strategy.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/32319/196/32319-196-790b116146b504ed2a7dad5bbb6b493c-745×441.png Adventure, long distance travel, exploration Originally a watch merchant, Gallet was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1826 by Julian Gallet. Historically, the brand has embodied the spirit of adventure and long-distance travel, producing rugged timekeeping equipment for racing, aviation, and off-road exploration. This tradition also shares the DNA of Breitling’s chronographs. In 1871, Gallet expanded into the American market, with Jules Racine & Co. becoming the exclusive distributor of Gallet watches in North America. This makes North America a major market for the brand. Gallet helped usher in the age of aviation in 1903 by developing the stopwatch that timed the first powered flight. The groundbreaking Wright Flyer, piloted by Wilbur and Orville Wright, flew 852 feet in 59 seconds. This watch was introduced to the market asThe Sun, and Gallet forever etched its name in aviation history. In 1907, Gallet acquired the watch manufacturer Société d’Horlogerie Electa and established Fabrics d’Horlogerie Electa, Gallet & Company. From this acquisition to 1926, it was a critical period of innovation, patent acquisition and international recognition, and was the foundation for building Gallet’s future in the field of precision watches. Thereafter, Gallet continued to focus on the established US market, primarily in its role as Etablisseur, designing watches while coordinating manufacturing and assembly in Switzerland. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Swiss watch industry was hit hard by the quartz shock and the rising Swiss franc, and like many prestigious brands, Gallet was forced into silence. But now, under Breitling, it is about to make a long-awaited comeback. Professional watchmaker Among Gallet’s many classic watches, two models in particular stand out and have become indispensable in travel, sports, and industry. First, the Flying Officer, introduced in 1939, was a revolutionary waterproof chronograph that could track multiple time zones. This innovative tool became an essential companion for pilots and passengers in the early days of intercontinental flight. At the time, long-distance flights required multiple night refueling during multi-day itineraries.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/32319/196/32319-196-acacaf7cd0ea4f26c0e5526f34b5c37f-3900×2600.jpg President Harry S. Truman, known for his unwavering leadership, also favored the Flying Officer, which symbolized Gallet’s precision. This timepiece is engraved with the words “Col. Truman From Vic Paul” and was given as a Christmas gift, and is said to have been worn by President Truman on a daily basis. He himself said, “I have never seen such a sophisticated watch.” Today, this timepiece is one of the most sought-after vintage Gallets among collectors due to its historical value. Equally important was the Multichron Clamshell, introduced in 1938. It was one of the first waterproof chronographs, designed to withstand dust, moisture, and heavy rain. With various versions for motor racing, speedboating, aviation and other sports, the Multichron series has become a signature timepiece symbolizing Gallet’s heritage.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/32319/196/32319-196-87d325ffa6e8cb9fe4f88336cfbfecf2-3900×1947.jpg The series also includes the Multichron Regulator, which was presented to legendary American racer Rex Mays in 1940 when he won the Springfield Mile, a prestigious flat track auto racing championship. This award symbolizes Gallet’s presence in the motorsport world and its outstanding performance under extreme conditions. The Multichron Regulator was a timepiece that embodied Maze’s outstanding precision, single-minded fighting spirit, and the world of high-octane
motorsports. Now, under Breitling, Gallet’s history is not only inherited, but also given new life. This acquisition demonstrates Breitling’s commitment to building the future of the Swiss watch industry while respecting its heritage. The return of Gallet in 2026 demonstrates the brand’s unwavering belief in tradition, quality and a spirit of adventure, while pushing watchmaking into new and
unconventional realms.