From aviation and automobile racing to sailing and travel, Gallet built a reputation of precision across two centuries. Marking its 200th anniversary, the maison is returning to the contemporary horology scene under Breitling’s House of Brands, with a collection that breathes new life into some of its most revered designs. Unveiled at this year’s Geneva Watch Days, the Flying Officer, alongside the Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport and Classic collections are reimagined with a redefined purpose.
Eyes Arabia speaks to Erwan Rossignol, Managing Director of Gallet about heritage, modern luxury, and why, in an age obsessed with vintage, looking backwards is only half the story.
Why was now the right moment to bring Gallet back?
Erwan Rossignol: Gallet’s legacy spans aviation, racing, sailing, and sports timing, fields where precision is crucial, which is exactly what their chronographs and tool-watches were made for. Back in its day, the brand had a well-established reputation, particularly in the U.S. market, and held significant credibility in the industry. As Gallet celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, the relaunch marks a significant milestone. By combining its distinctive design language with revised elements of historical models to better suit the needs of modern adventurers, the brand can establish itself in the accessible luxury watch segment.
What does the concept of luxury mean in watchmaking today – how has it changed over the years?
Erwan Rossignol: Luxury, as we know it, has evolved significantly over the years. Traditional status symbols have shifted from exclusivity and price to craftsmanship and authenticity. Now, more than ever, customers seek to develop an emotional connection with the product, its history, and heritage.
While a luxury watch has always been a tool to tell time, it has persisted for centuries to become a powerful symbol of self-expression, making it stand out in an otherwise populated industry. What’s more, it is a piece that represents some of the most important moments in one’s life. Heritage and craftsmanship remain fundamental, but they have to be combined with strong aesthetics and performance. Ultimately, luxury today is about authenticity. The product, its craftsmanship, design, history, values and the experience around the brand all have to come together. What defines luxury today is being desirable, credible and meaningful.
Breitling acquired Gallet as part of its House of Brands. What role do you want Gallet to play within that family?
Erwan Rossignol: The ambition of House of Brands is to build a portfolio of distinct brands unlike any other. Gallet is the perfect fit. By adding it to the family, we broaden our offering across price points and lifestyles, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those just getting introduced to watchmaking. Universal Genève is positioned at a price point above Breitling, targeting the ultra-luxury segment, while Breitling is at the core of House of Brands. Gallet joins the portfolio with its distinct offering of accessible luxury, a segment that many Swiss watch brands have vacated in recent years.
The new collection spans the Flying Officer, Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport, and Classics. What do these three families tell us about where you want Gallet to go?
Erwan Rossignol: These pieces establish a foundation for Gallet’s future. Rooted in the spirit of exploration, the brand is driven by curiosity and desire to go beyond the ordinary. The Flying Officer embodies the spirit of travel that has been a part of Gallet’s core identity from the start. The Multichron Pilot and Multichron Sport showcase our tool-watch heritage, with timepieces designed for a life on the move. The Classics allow us to reinterpret some of the most important designs by Gallet through a contemporary lens.
Why was it important to introduce a three-hand Flying Officer alongside the chronograph? Does that signal an ambition for Gallet to become more than a chronograph specialist?
Erwan Rossignol: Originally, the Flying Officer was conceived as a chronograph, so it was a natural place to start. However, as the project developed, we wanted to broaden the offering and make the Flying Officer accessible to a wider audience. The three-hand version retains the chronograph’s strong presence and 40mm proportions, while its slimmer profile ensures comfort across a wide range of wrist sizes.
It also reflects our broader ambition for Gallet. Chronographs will always be at the center of the brand’s heritage and expertise, but Gallet is not defined by them alone. Our goal is to build a brand that provides an array of functions and timepieces that are rooted in performance.
There is a huge appetite for heritage watch brands right now. How do you make sure Gallet isn’t simply another name from the archives brought back to capitalise on the vintage-watch boom?
Erwan Rossignol: We’re relaunching Gallet because of its rich 200-year heritage and rightful place in watchmaking history. Our responsibility is to honor that legacy while making it relevant for today’s customer. By drawing on the archives, we identify what makes Gallet unique and reinterpret those elements for a contemporary audience. We are staying true to Gallet’s DNA, while offering the quality, design, and performance that’s expected from a modern watch.
