Gallet MultiChron Chronograph, 'Brushed' Silver Non-Luminous Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Few names in watchmaking can claim roots as deep as Gallet. The family's watchmaking history is often traced to 1466, when Humbertus Gallet was recorded in Geneva, though the company as we know it today was formally established in 1826 by Julien Gallet in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Long before it became associated with pilots and racers, Gallet built its reputation through precision timekeeping, pocket watches, and specialized instruments intended for professional use. As the twentieth century unfolded, Gallet increasingly focused on chronographs, producing robust timing instruments for aviation, motorsport, exploration, and military applications. This is without a doubt what the brand was best known for then and is best known for, with the MultiChron and Flying Officer ranges in particular dominating conversations about the brand today. The MultiChron family established Gallet as one of the great names in professional chronographs, with models like the MultiChron Regulator, MultiChron 12, and MultiChron 45 becoming favorites among pilots, engineers, and serious sportsmen alike. Not dissimilar to other premiere chronograph manufactures in this era, they also produced 'elevated' pieces in precious metals like the MultiChron that we have here. Dating to circa the 1940s, this piece features a 35mm case crafted out of 14k yellow gold with 'square' pushers, a matching crown, and a snapback caseback. In very strong condition overall, the case shows signs light previous polishing while respecting the factory proportions, and normal signs of wear otherwise. Inside, the silver dial is beautifully-preserved, with a largely clean 'brushed' surface devoid of any major wear or damage — no doubt due to its lack of lume to degrade over its eighty-years of life. The printed scales and text are clear as ever, along with some of the best font to ever grace a dial. Just look at that seven! You don't just land on Gallet. This, along with brands like Movado, Universal Genève, etc. are found years into collection and exploration of this hobby. And while these are not incredibly elusive, strong examples are, as collectors tend to hang onto good ones. This is a good one.