Why This Watch Matters

Here we have a Gallet with a gorgeous deep black dial and some real racing history behind the model.

The Full Story

Gallet is known for its historic chronograph production. Among the most famous models to appear in the brand's catalog were the Flying Officer and the Clamshell chronograph, which is considered to be the first water-resistant chronograph wristwatch. The former was and is extremely rare. Gallet's chronographs were often designed with specialized functionality in mind, including decimal scales for industrial purposes, pulsation scales for doctors, yachting registers for boat racing, tachymeter scales for tracking speed during automotive racing, and telemeter scales for tracking distance via sound. The Gallet we have here has been nicknamed the "Jim Clark" by collectors as a similar Gallet, black-dialed, Multichron 12 was famously worn by the F1 and Indy 500 champion. Mr. Clark actually won the Indy 500 while wearing his Gallet.

These watches are powered by either the Valjoux 72, like our example, or an Excelsior Park 40, both of which are manually wound movements just from separate ébauches as Gallet made a switch in movement preference during the run of the Jim Clark. Beyond the nickname, the Multichron 12 moniker of this watch comes from the 12 hour recording sub-register at six o'clock. What always stands out when looking at the Gallet Jim Clark is the dial. Gallet aimed to make the best chronograph in the world during this period and that intention shines through in the clean design and excellent finishing of this deep glossy black dial. The printing varies from silver to white in the light and contrasts so well against the black for pure legibility.

The example we have here today boasts an extremely strong case, clean dial, and excellent lume patina on the hands and dial. As Gallets were tool watches, evident by Jim Clark's wearing behind the wheel, they can be difficult to find in excellent condition like this one here. The movement is stamped with "JXR," Gallet's US import code during this era, indicating that this Jim Clark chronograph was originally sold right here in the United States. It is always a nice little plus to see an import code on a vintage movement, giving us a glimpse into the life a watch has lived before coming to us.

We paired this great Gallet Multichron with our Sedona Strap in Green to lean into the slight green patina that the luminous material in the hands here. Also, the green Sedona is just one of our favorite straps, it goes with anything and looks so great on this Gallet.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

Things To Know:

This Gallet chronograph is in overall excellent condition. The case appears to be unpolished with some scratches. The side of the case at nine o'clock has some scratches and a light nick. The caseback shows scratches from prior opening attempts.

The dial is in very good condition and has developed a light patina overall. The engine-turned registers have developed a light patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a creamy yellow tone. The lume in the hands has aged to more of a green hue which is normal for Gallets in this era. The hands themselves have developed a light patina.

The crown is unsigned, which is correct for this watch. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Gallet. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.