Breitling acquires historic watch brand Gallet

In a significant step for the brand, Breitling has announced the acquisition of Gallet, setting the stage for the relaunch of the historic watch brand founded in 1826 – exactly two centuries later. This marks Breitling’s second acquisition of a notable brand – the first being the 2023 purchase of Universal Genève – and represents a further expansion of its influence in the luxury watch sector. With a legacy of precision timekeeping for early long-distance travel, exploration, and adventure, Gallet will now be positioned as a luxury, entry-level sibling brand to Breitling. Founded in 1826 at La Chaux-de-Fonds by Julien Gallet, the brand is famous for its stopwatch that timed the first powered flight in 1903 by the Wright brothers. The timepiece was marketed as “The Sun” by the brand.