Gallet & Co
Gallet & Co was a maker of complicated watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland from 1825 through the present day. The company traces its roots to 1466 with the birth of Humbertus Gallet in Geneva. However, the formal establishment of Gallet & Co. occurred in 1825 by Julien Gallet (1806–1849).
Foundations and Family Legacy
Initially named Julien Gallet & Co or Julien Gallet & Cie, the company was renamed for Louise Gallet (1808–1865), joined by Léon L. Gallet (1832–1899), and Lucien F. Gallet (1834–1879). Léon's acquisition of the Grumbach & Co watch factory in 1855 expanded Gallet's manufacturing capabilities, consolidating watchmakers from the Jura region to meet the growing European demand for watches.
American Expansion and Partnerships
The collaboration of Gallet with Jules Racine played a crucial role in the company's entry into the American market. The brand introduced diverse watch lines tailored to American preferences, catering to a broad audience.
Another notable partnership was with Albert Jeanneret & Frères of Saint-Imier, later called Excelsior Park. This solidified Gallet's position as a premier watchmaker, as it gave the firm access to high-end chronograph movements. The collaboration led to the production of railroad pocket watches and chronograph movements. Gallet's involvement in providing timepieces for the military during World War I further showcased its adaptability and commitment to precision.
World Wars and Innovations
World War I prompted Gallet to shift its focus to the production of military watches, including hand and cockpit timers for the British Royal Air Force. The company continued to innovate, introducing the Flight Officer Chronograph in 1938, featuring a rotating 12-hour bezel for longitude calculations. The MultiChron Petite, designed exclusively for women engaged in technical and scientific roles during World War II, showcased Gallet's commitment to diversity and functionality.
World War II witnessed Gallet's contributions to military and industrial clients, surpassing 100,000 units in annual sales. The "MultiChron Navigator" GMT Chronograph, with its 45-minute recording capability and separate 24-hour GMT hand, exemplified Gallet's technological prowess.
Post-War Era and Resilience
In the post-war era, Gallet faced economic challenges as the watch industry experienced a downturn. The company decided to refocus on its core strength—manufacturing high-quality professional timepieces. The introduction of waterproof cases in the late 1940s and continued collaboration with Excelsior Park marked this period.
The 1960s saw the unveiling of innovative models like the "Excel-O-Graph," featuring a rotating bezel with an integrated slide rule for navigation. Gallet weathered the crisis of the 1970s by maintaining its commitment to mechanical watches for military and professional use.
Gallet Today
In the 1990s, Gallet underwent changes in leadership and relocation. Walter Hediger assumed control, and the company moved to Grandson, Vaud, Switzerland. Gallet continued its focus on mechanical watches for professional applications, and under Hediger's leadership, the company survived the challenges posed by the quartz revolution.
The brand's association with the National Watch and Clock Museum and its participation in exhibitions underscore Gallet's commitment to preserving horological heritage. The 2016 celebration of Gallet's 550th anniversary highlighted the brand's resilience and ongoing relevance in the watchmaking industry.