Try our newest merchandise
I noticed some potential in its engaging dial. However because it was so easy and powered by a reasonably commonplace Valjoux motion, I actually didn’t anticipate this blue-dial Gallet to grow to be my beater. It’s humorous how, on occasion, a watch I’d least anticipate finds a method to wriggle itself into my coronary heart.
Regardless of what some might imagine, I do certainly move on some Gallet chronographs. That applies principally to later ones from the Nineteen Seventies, when cushion circumstances and Valjoux-powered fashions made up a big portion of the choices.
A mysterious blue dial
For the file, we haven’t seen a blue-dial Gallet chronograph formally printed in any of the model’s catalogs. In the previous few years, I keep in mind uncovering two free blue dials with huge lume dots across the edges. What we all know for positive is that within the 1971 and 1972 catalogs, there was a black reverse-panda twin-register chronograph introduced in a cushion-shaped case. That is likely one of the Gallet watches I’ve handed on…twice. I used to be contemplating shopping for it, however I hesitated for therefore lengthy that each bought earlier than I made up my thoughts.
Watch out, boy!
When this uncommon model of blue-dial Gallet popped up on eBay, it immediately grabbed my consideration. However because it belonged to a extremely suspicious group of Gallet chronos, I used to be very cautious in assessing the itemizing. If you wish to perceive the place all of the suspicion comes from, take a look at the image under from my archive, displaying a blue-dial Gallet diver’s chronograph. I’ve no proof, and the ’70s have been a loopy time, however I had a tough time believing it got here from Gallet like that. It was one other arduous move.
Pulling the set off on a blue one
I’m nonetheless not 100% positive if the watch I purchased is legit. Nevertheless, I’ll stroll you thru my evaluation and why I made a decision to make the acquisition. Consistency is the core motive right here. The minute and hour arms are slim, they usually match the dial and the period. What involved me was that they didn’t fairly match the arms fitted within the cushion-shaped Gallet from the catalog above. That’s why I paid particular consideration to the lume, which appeared constant in colour and patina. Fortunately, this was confirmed upon the watch’s arrival. The UV check means that the arms haven’t been modified. They glow and fade precisely just like the lume dots do, and I’ve zero doubt that these are unique.
Chronograph handset
My focus then shifted towards the chronograph arms. The small arrow within the minute counter is uncommon however very typical of outdated Venus-powered Gallet watches. Most significantly, it’s slim and suits the opposite arms in fashion. Moreover, these three arms are all black, and the 2 small pointers don’t stick out past the sub-dials’ outer rings.
Zooming out, the crown suits the case as properly. The pushers are unique, not some late Chinese language replacements, and the caps and tunnels match the case. Talking of which, the case again is signed “Gallet & Co” on the underside, as is the Valjoux 7733 motion. Nevertheless, since there is no such thing as a conclusive proof (ideally, a catalog itemizing displaying this particular mannequin), I’ll have my doubts.
Spa time
Because the service historical past of my blue-dial Gallet was unknown, it went straight to my watchmaker. It was bought as purposeful, however the chrono didn’t reset. “The zeroing lever was damaged. It couldn’t be screwed on correctly as a result of the threaded tube was broken. So I discovered a brand new tube that the lever suits on and screws on. It’s on a screw with a cease. These screws are on chronographs the place rotating components are screwed on however, on the similar time, allowed to maneuver,” mentioned my pricey watchmaker. In any other case, the watch was in good situation.
Wrist time
I made a decision to suit the watch with a contemporary Cordura strap, which is a water resistant textile. I’m fairly proud of its easy fashion and the way completely it matches color-wise. Proper now, it’s a bit tough to strap it to my wrist, however I assume it’s going to break in and get simpler over time.
I have to admit that I purchased this watch as a result of the obsessive Gallet completionist in me has grow to be stronger. There are fashions I nonetheless move on, however with every Gallet watch I add, fewer and fewer items are lacking. I favored the blue dial, however the completionist a part of me performed a much bigger position, which means that I didn’t anticipate to put on this watch a lot. Nicely, what? I put on it quite a bit.
Causes I “shouldn’t” prefer it
The Valjoux 7733 motion is dependable, however it’s no horological marvel. Delicate and easy Excelsior Park calibers spoiled me. I’m used to a delicate press and refined click on of pushers. My blue-dial Gallet simply got here again from a service with a quick to pay particular consideration to pushers, however they rattle loudly anyway. And I really feel like I ought to do 10 push-ups earlier than activating the chronograph for the reason that pusher is fairly resistant. I’m not positive you’ll like my comparability, however going from an EP4 or EP40 to a Valjoux 7733 appears like getting out of a BMW 5 and leaping right into a Dacia Duster (no offense).
Final ideas on my blue-dial Gallet
Regardless of the above assertion, this yr, I’ve pushed a Dacia Duster quite a bit. That wasn’t anticipated. I’m nonetheless stunned how addicted I’m to this Gallet with its late emblem design, which Georges Kern and his gang took as a blueprint for the brand new Gallet model revival. Actually, I believed it could find yourself in watch roll, nevertheless it nonetheless occupies its spot on my shelf and will get into common rotation with different “big-shot” Gallet chronographs.
I assumed that the Valjoux motion would downgrade it into prompt oblivion, however right here we’re. It’s simply Thursday, however I’ve already worn this watch for 2 days this week. It makes me glad for one more motive: it’s good to know that I don’t want a €10,000 Flying Officer to really feel good. If I’m not mistaken, in addition to the Gallet Excel-O-Graph, that is the one mild blue Gallet chronograph. It’s additionally the one shiny, sunburst blue Gallet ever. It was a reasonably good catch for one-tenth of the finances you’d want for Flying Officer. Blissful searching!
