Gallet & Co
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1826
Founded by Julien Gallet
Gallet & Co was one of the oldest Swiss watch companies, founded in 1826 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Famous for chronographs worn by US Presidents and for their Flight Officer military watches, Gallet was a pioneer in chronograph complications.
- Founded
- 1826
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 2005
After nearly two centuries and multiple ownership changes, Gallet ceased meaningful production in the early 2000s, unable to sustain itself in the modern luxury watch market.
Presidents wore Gallet chronographs — Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson — but even the Oval Office couldn't save a dying brand.
Key Collections
- MultiChron — Gallet's flagship chronograph series introduced in the 1930s, featuring various configurations including the MultiChron 12 and MultiChron 30, which became standard issue for numerous military forces worldwide.
- Flight Officer — A robust military aviation chronograph developed for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, distinguished by its black dial, luminous markers, and exceptional legibility.
- ExcelSior Park — Named after the movement manufacturer acquired by Gallet, these chronographs utilised the renowned Excelsior Park calibres and were produced from the 1940s through the 1960s.
- Racine — Dress watches and chronographs sold through the American market bearing the Racine name, reflecting Gallet's strong commercial ties to the United States during the twentieth century.
Timeline
- 1826 — Julien Gallet established the company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, initially producing pocket watches.
- 1903 — Gallet introduced its first wrist chronograph, positioning itself at the forefront of chronograph development.
- 1937 — Launch of the MultiChron series, which would become the company's most celebrated line of professional chronographs.
- 1942 — Gallet began supplying Flight Officer chronographs to the United States Army Air Forces for military aviation use.
- 1966 — The company was acquired by the Racine family, who had distributed Gallet watches in America since the nineteenth century.
- 2005 — After decades of declining production and multiple ownership transitions, Gallet effectively ceased operations as a functioning manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gallet & Co
- When did Gallet stop making watches?
- Gallet's meaningful production wound down in the early 2000s, with the company effectively ceasing operations around 2005 after struggling to compete in the modern luxury watch market following multiple ownership changes.
- Are Gallet watches still valuable?
- Vintage Gallet chronographs, particularly military-issue Flight Officer models and early MultiChron variants, command strong prices among collectors due to their historical significance, association with US Presidents, and pioneering role in chronograph development.
- Can I still buy a Gallet watch today?
- New Gallet watches are not currently in production. However, vintage examples regularly appear at auction houses and specialist dealers, with military chronographs and presidential association pieces attracting particular collector interest.
- Which US Presidents wore Gallet watches?
- Gallet chronographs were reportedly worn by Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower, among others, contributing significantly to the brand's prestigious reputation in American markets.
- What made Gallet chronographs historically important?
- Gallet was among the earliest manufacturers to produce wrist chronographs, with their 1903 model predating most competitors, and their subsequent military contracts established standards for aviation timing instruments during World War II.