Gallet MultiChron 45M Navigator 'GMT' Chronograph

For those unfamiliar with Gallet & co., they have a history dating back to the 1400's and are a very important figure in the wrist-worn chronograph. They were the first company to produce a true wrist-worn chronograph, and in 1936 created the worlds first chronograph wrist-watch with water resistant cases, something the company became world renowned for across the following half-century.

Following this pattern of technological advancement, in the 1940's they released the Navigator, which was the world’s first wrist chronograph that simultaneously displayed both the 12 and 24 hour time courtesy of the red hand on the dial. With this additional 24-hour, or “North”, hand it was also possible to calculate compass directions...pretty amazing for 1943. That's not all. Notice the crown on the left flank of the case? Depressing that allows you to stop the seconds hand for accurate hacking seconds. Not only does it allow you to stop the seconds, but rotating the same crown allows you to move the seconds hand back and forth for totally accurate time setting. Pretty rad, and don't forget this is 1943 we're talking about here. 

It also has a tachymetre (blue scale) for tracking the average speed of an object, and telemeter (red scale) for timing the distance an object travels over time (for things such as artillery), which was probably pretty handy in 1943. It's able to do all of this as it utilises a modified Excelsior Park cal. 4 manual-winding movement with column wheel chronograph, that is clearly very effective and stunning to look at. That pusher action is as crisp as you'd like, too.

This particular piece presents in excellent vintage condition. The dial is original, and shows wear consistent with its age, most notable around the lower edges. The rest of the dial has spotting and some small scratches as you'd expect from a non-refinished dial. Printing is crisp, and presents beautifully on the wrist.

The handset is in lovely condition, with beautiful blued hour and minute hands, and an excellent red finish to the 24 hour indicator.

Case is excellent, showing wear consistent with its age. Would have been polished in the past, but remains thick and symmetrical. Brushing still present on the case back. 

Crystal was replaced in a service by the previous retailer, and the movement was given an overhaul with the mainspring being replaced at the same time. Keeping excellent time at around +15 seconds a day. Chrono stops, starts and resets as it should. Hacking seconds function working perfectly.

Currently mounted on a stunning HANDDN Blue Saffiano strap which picks up the hands beautifully. No box or papers, and comes with Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault travel pod.

This is an extremely rare watch, and an important one, too. Was voted in the top 5 vintage GMT's by Fratello, and it's cost made it very rare back in its day and therefore super rare now. If you'd like to find out more there's some excellent articles on Fratello, including one that shows this exact watch.

Don't miss your chance to pick up this wonderful example.

Brand: Gallet

Model #: MultiChron 45M Navigator

Year: Circa 1940's

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case details: 35.5mm

Movement: Modified Excelsior Park cal. 4 manual-winding movement with column wheel chronograph

Dial: Silver

Strap: HANDDN Saffiano

Paraphernalia: Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault travel pod

Grading: Excellent vintage condition

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.