Gallet & Cie has been around for so long that archeologists have probably dug up a fossilized Gallet clock right next to trilobites.
Ok, that’s slightly exaggerated, but when a watchmaker has been around since 1466, it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about horology.
Gallet is well known to hard-core vintage collectors, but they’ve flown under the radar among enthusiasts in general. Interestingly, the manufacture has long been on the forefront of horological innovation, and they’ve racked up a number of impressive wristwatch “firsts”: the first waterproof chronograph wristwatch, the first wristwatch with a 28,800 BPH escapement, first wristwatch with rotating bezel and the first chronograph wristwatch with a 24-hour GMT complication. Considering how often we see these features in watches from nearly every significant brand today, one cannot overstate Gallet’s contributions to the watch industry.
Of the many watches produced by Gallet in the 20th century, the MultiChron chronographs are some of the most significant and collectible today. Although they are refined and stylish, many were indented as tool watches for military and industrial professionals, featuring decimal, pulsometer and tachymeter tracks on the dials.
The MultiChron Decimal would likely have found use in a medical or laboratory setting, and the easily readable dial, featuring black Arabic numerals and red decimal track, allows for quick and precise reading. These features give the watch a more casual look than plain stick indices, making the watch work for as well for casual wear as dress.
This example of the MultiChron Decimal is not only in excellent overall condition, but also comes with its original coffin style wood box, making it an excellent piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This is simply a stylish high-quality watch, from one of the most important brands in the Swiss watch industry. This one’s a winner.
