Gallet, a Return under Breitling’s Wing

Multichron Pilot, the choice of efficiency

Introduced in 1969, the Multichron Pilot was conceived as a functional chronograph, capable of accompanying pilots over long periods and tracking a second time zone.

The new version retains this instrumental vocation in a 42 mm case. A bidirectional bezel allows a second time zone to be tracked, while a telemetric scale reinforces the technical character of the piece. The date is positioned at 6 o’clock and the luminous hands and indexes prioritize legibility. Two dials are offered, black with white subdials or blue with black subdials.

Inside, Gallet makes a pragmatic choice with the Gallet 23 calibre, based on the Sellita SW510. For a brand returning to the market, the value of such a base goes beyond the mechanical question alone: proven reliability, availability of components and ease of servicing are particularly solid arguments in the long term.

The Classics move to the Breitling calibre

For the bicentenary pieces, Gallet moves up a gear. The three Gallet Classics adopt a 38 mm format, manual winding and, above all, the Breitling B09 calibre, a manufacture chronograph movement.

The Tribute to Multichron Yachting Big Eye brings back the large blue and red regatta counter that gave the 1960s model its personality.

The Tribute to Multichron 45 favors a black dial, with an aesthetic inherited from aviation and competition.

Finally, the Tribute to Silverlight draws inspiration from the Multichron Navigator with its silver dial and stylized numerals.

The use of the B09 creates a direct mechanical link with Breitling while allowing Gallet to retain its own aesthetic language. The positioning is clear: Sellita movements for the core collection, the Breitling manufacture calibre for the more ambitious anniversary pieces.

The strength of the Breitling network

This is probably where this relaunch becomes most interesting. Gallet returns as Breitling’s sister brand and immediately benefits from its production infrastructure, global distribution network and after sales service.

The latter point deserves emphasis. For a relaunched brand, having a structured after sales service from the outset represents a considerable advantage. Designing and selling a watch is one thing; being able to service it efficiently in five, ten or twenty years is another. Gallet avoids some of the difficulties encountered by many young companies here.

Distribution follows the same logic. Some Breitling boutiques now host dedicated Gallet corners, with their own universe inspired by exploration. The brand can thus quickly develop an international physical presence without having to build an entire network on its own.

A broad collection already

The Multichron Pilot and the three Classics represent only part of the new catalogue. Gallet is also relaunching the Flying Officer, offered as a chronograph with the Gallet 23 calibre and as an automatic with the Gallet 17, both developed on Sellita bases.

The Multichron Sport, a 41 mm chronograph inspired by the brand’s automotive history, completes this first wave.

The strategy ultimately appears fairly straightforward: proven calibres to build an accessible and easily maintainable range, the Breitling B09 to give greater substance to the historical pieces, and behind it all an industrial, commercial and after sales infrastructure that is already in place. For a house celebrating its two hundredth anniversary while opening a new chapter in its history, this environment represents particularly valuable support.