{
  "id": 12310016,
  "title": "Gallet takes flight: The inside story of Breitling’s sibling",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/gallet-takes-flight-the-inside-story-of-breitlings-sibling",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T05:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/gallet-takes-flight-the-inside-story-of-breitlings-sibling/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, one of the most significant moments in human history occurred: the Wright Flyer's first powered flight, as measured by a Gallet 'Sun' stopwatch. Despite having notable fans such as Harry S Truman and Jim Clark, Gallet is not a widely recognized brand. The Swiss watch industry faced challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, leading to the closure of Gallet in 1994. However, with the re-launch of the heritage watchmaker Universal Genève by Breitling, Breitling recruited a 'Board of Collectors' to identify interesting watch brands.\n\nRossignol, a Breitling representative, noted that Gallet appealed to the board due to its rich heritage dating back to 1826 and its pioneer status in chronographs, aviation instruments, and racing chronographs. Gallet's unique differentiation lies in its adventurous spirit, differentiating itself from Breitling's focus on precision. While Gallet does not have its own retail space, it collaborates with Breitling, offering products in Breitling stores featuring a wilderness chic aesthetic and ambassadors like nature photographer Donal Boyd and paragliding influencer Benjamin Kellett.\n\nGallet's current range includes four new collections, consisting of 11 watches, marking a significant arrival in the market. The Flying Officer, Gallet's most famous watch and the one worn by Truman, has been redesigned into a 40mm worldtimer with a military heritage style. The MultiChron comes in two variants: the Classic Aviation-inspired Pilot and the Sleek and Sportier Racing. Both models are equipped with the Sellita SW510 (renamed Gallet 23) and priced at £3,400 with a bracelet and £2,200 for time-only models. Gallet's pricing strategy focuses on style rather than price variance within the collection, with interchangeable straps and additional extras priced at £70.",
  "summary": "O n 17 December 1903, one of the most significant stretches of time in human history was measured near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. That time was 12 seconds – the length for the first flight of a powered aircraft, the Wright Flyer. Most of us know at least some of that story, but what fewer know [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Gallet, Swiss watch brand, founded in 1826, known for chronographs and aviation instruments.",
    "Breitling recruited Board of Collectors to identify Gallet for its heritage and pioneer status."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}