Why This Watch Matters This isn't your father's Gallet. It features a black-PVD case and comes with rumors of a military connection. The Full Story Gallet is known as a chronograph company. The brand is renowned for its chronograph production; 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. Some of the best known Gallet models include the Clamshell chronographs, which were considered the first waterproof chronograph wristwatches, and the Flying Officer chronographs. This Gallet chronograph is an uncommon model from the 1980s that bears a striking resemblance to Porsche Design by Orfina watches. The story of this particular Gallet chronograph is a bit unknown, however similar examples are believed to have been offered to multiple countries for military use and to have been used by Swiss Armed Forces as well as U.S. Air Force pilots. The inner tachymeter scale and highly legible design would have been useful in the cockpit. Regardless of its potential military background, this Gallet combines one of the greatest chronograph makers of all time with a look that we are just loving lately. These slightly worn-in black-PVD cases are just an entirely different look than most other vintage watches – it works so well and is a perfect fit for summer. The PVD coating of this Gallet actually covers a brass case, which means as it gradually takes on wear, the brass tone will shine through and look spectacular. A couple of small dial details stuck out to us. First, the sub-registers have a reflective ring that presents in a grey tone and shimmers in the light; it's really the only part of the watch that shines. Second, within the "G" of "Gallet," above the day and date windows, is a handset in the shape of everyone's favorite time – 10:10. This Gallet came to us on an unsigned PVD coated stainless steel bracelet that has been seen on other examples of this watch. The bracelet shows a few more scratches and areas of wear than the case. We also paired this watch on our Sedona Strap in Ash Grey; the combination works well with the PVD case and accentuates the grey rings around the sub-dials. The Fine Print Maker: GalletModel: Multichron 12Reference: N/AYear: 1980sCase No: 1045Material: PVD coated brass with a stainless steel backDimensions: 42mm width x 44.5mm height; 15mm thicknessCrystal: Mineral glassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, self-winding, caliber 7754Bracelet/Strap: PVD coated stainless steel bracelet (maximum bracelet length approx. 200mm/8in) and the Sedona Watch Strap In Ash GreyLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: N/A What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - PVD-coated case- Creamy lume patina- PVD bracelet and additional HODINKEE strap- Grey accents on dial Things To Know: - Light wear to PVD case edges - Wear to coating on bracelet This Gallet is in overall great, honest condition. The case shows some light signs of wear on the black-PVD coating around the edges and behind the lugs, but the finish is in overall great condition. The most noticeable wear is to the rear of the lugs and around the caseback. The caseback also has engravings that are visible with light scratches. The dial is in good condition with a light patina. The lume on the hands and dial has developed patina and are close to matching in color. The lume on the hands is slightly lighter, having aged to a light cream that is generally a more green-ish color, where the dial lume has more of a custard tone. The hands are in great condition, having developed a light patina throughout. The red central seconds hand has faded a bit with time. The bracelet is in good condition with some light stretch and some signs of wear on the edges between some links but mostly on the clasp. The crystal has some scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
