Gallet Revives Flying Officer Heritage with New 40mm Chronograph and Automatic Models

Key points

• The Flying Officer Chronograph 40 and Automatic 40 were unveiled today in Geneva, featuring 40mm steel cases with 100 meters of water resistance.
• The chronograph uses the Gallet 23 caliber (based on Sellita SW510) with a 62-hour power reserve, while the automatic uses the Gallet 17 (based on Sellita SW200) with a 41-hour reserve.
• Both models feature a bezel with a 24-city ring, mixing major airports with remote locations, a nod to the original 1938 design.
• Pricing starts at $2,900 for the automatic on a strap and $4,600 for the chronograph on a bracelet, positioning the brand below Breitling.
• The relaunch includes interchangeable quick-release straps and bracelets, with the automatic available in orange and dark blue, and the chronograph in light blue and black.

Background

Gallet, founded in 1826, ceased operations in 1993. It was acquired by Breitling and relaunched in 2026 as part of the House of Brands group, which also includes Universal Genève. The brand is known historically for timing the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903. The Flying Officer model dates back to 1938 and was worn by figures like Harry S. Truman. The relaunch aims to fill a price gap left by premiumization in the luxury watch market.

How outlets are covering it

Hodinkee emphasizes the pricing as a pleasant surprise compared to the higher-than-expected launch of Universal Genève, noting the strong design potential of the light blue chronograph. British GQ frames the relaunch as a move toward 'accessible luxury' and an 'IYKYK' (if you know you know) status for collectors, highlighting the brand's 200th anniversary and its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Oracle Time provides a broader view of the Gallet portfolio, including the Multichron and Classics lines, and notes that the Flying Officer is the most affordable entry point in the new collection. While Hodinkee cites power reserves of 62 and 41 hours, Oracle Time lists 65 and 41 hours for the same movements, indicating a discrepancy in reported specifications.

Why it matters

The relaunch signals a strategic expansion for Breitling's parent company, House of Brands, into the sub-$5,000 segment. By reviving a historic brand with a clear price positioning below Breitling, the group aims to capture customers seeking heritage and tool-watch aesthetics without the premium price tag. The success of this launch will determine the viability of the 'sibling brand' strategy in a crowded market of accessible luxury watches.

What to watch

The watches are available immediately. The full Gallet collection, including the Multichron Pilot, Multichron Sport, and Classics lines, is expected to follow. Market reception will depend on hands-on impressions of the 40mm case size and the perceived value of the Sellita-based movements at the stated price points.