Why This Watch Matters A rare instance of a Gallet wristwatch without a chronograph function, this alarm represents the brand reacting to its core market and offers neat usability, even today. The Full Story Gallet is known for its chronograph production, and oftentimes, its watches were built and designed with specialized purposes in mind. Gallet built a number of different chronographs, all for different functions, including those with decimal scales for industrial purposes, pulsation scales for doctors, yachting registers for boat racing, tachymeter scales for tracking speed, and telemeter scales for tracking distance via sound. Alongside those renowned chronographs, Gallet dipped its toes into a few less complicated wristwatches. One of the very few non-chronograph models collectors find in the vintage market from the brand are alarm watches. Fitted with movements from ébauche maker A. Schild, these Gallet alarms were produced in the 1950s following the introduction of Vulcain's Cricket. For the American market, where Gallet was very successful at the time, Vulcain's Cricket alarm really resonated and boomed in popularity. For Gallet to step outside of its chronograph comfort zone, it makes sense that it'd be in the form of a slightly complicated alarm wristwatch that the brand's core customer was very clearly demanding. The Gallet Alarm we have for sale here is a truly exceptional example with a clean white dial and stainless steel case. The dial design features Arabic numerals at 12, three, six, and nine and more simple stick hour markers in between; all are applied and metal. The red tipped fourth hand for indicating the alarm time pops against the stark white dial. Two crowns are fitted to the right side of the case with the crown near two o'clock for winding and setting the alarm and the crown near four o'clock for winding and setting the watch's main timekeeping function. We paired this Gallet Alarm with our Reid strap in light brown, a classic pick that ensures the well-preserved white dial and red alarm hand draw all the attention. The Fine Print Maker: GalletModel: AlarmReference: N/AYear: Circa 1950sCase No: N/AMaterial: Stainless steelDimensions: 33mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: A. Schild, manually-wound, caliber 1475Bracelet/Strap: Hodinkee The Reid Goatskin Watch Strap In Light BrownLug Width: 16.5mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Strong case condition- Bright red-tipped alarm hand- White eggshell dial Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Caseback engraving- Radium lume This Gallet is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches. The case is possibly unpolished, showing crisp edges on the lugs. The bottom of the lugs show scratches from strap removal and placement. There are light scratches on the caseback as well as a previous owner's initials reading "JRG." The dial is in excellent condition with a faint patina and an overall eggshell finish. The hour markers and hands have developed some light patina. The lume on the dial at each hour marker and on the hands has developed patina and darkened. The lume plots on the dial are all present. The dial, caseback, and movement are all signed by Gallet. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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