Breitling News
Breitling Acquires Gallet: A New Era for the Iconic Watch Brand
Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Breitling has announced the acquisition of Gallet, a historic watch brand founded in 1826. This strategic move marks Breitling's second major acquisition, following its purchase of Universal Genève in 2023.
Gallet's Rich History
Gallet has a long tradition of producing high-quality timepieces for aviation, motorsports, and exploration. The brand is known for its pioneering chronographs and precision timekeeping. One of its notable achievements was timing the Wright brothers' first powered flight in 1903. Gallet's iconic models, such as the Flying Officer and MultiChron Clamshell, have become synonymous with adventure and innovation.
Breitling's Vision
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, emphasizes the long-term vision behind the acquisition: "We are reviving Gallet under Breitling's expertise and craftsmanship while honoring its legacy of adventure and innovation." The brand will serve as Breitling's luxury entry-level sibling brand, targeting a broader audience with prices between $3,000 and $5,000.
Key Highlights
- Gallet's Heritage: Founded in 1826 by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Innovative Timepieces: Known for pioneering chronographs and precision timekeeping
- Iconic Models: Flying Officer and MultiChron Clamshell
- Breitling's Strategy: Reviving Gallet as a luxury entry-level sibling brand
- Expected Relaunch: 2026
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Breitling's position in the luxury watch market. Alfred Gantner, Mitbegründer der Partners Group and Chairman of Breitling, expresses confidence in Breitling's growth potential: "We have full confidence in Breitling's ability to expand its market share in the luxury watch sector" ¹ ².
With the relaunch of Gallet, Breitling aims to preserve the brand's heritage while introducing new models that blend tradition with innovation. The exact details of the new collections are yet to be revealed, but watch enthusiasts can expect exciting new additions to the Gallet lineup in 2026
