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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Dual stopwatch timer

Gallet Indy 500 Race Official's Dual Timer

Partially verified

This sports timing device features two mechanical Gallet stopwatches mounted side by side in a plastic holder marked Champion. The source catalogues the apparatus as a circa 1950s Indy 500 race official's dual timer. Each white dial features a central 3-second scale and an upper subsidiary register reading up to 2 minutes. The lower dial of each stopwatch bears the Gallet signature, the USAC shield emblem, and a Swiss origin indication. The assembly is fitted with top winding crowns and loops, a central red Champion-branded button, and an attached red braided cord lanyard.

Front view of the Gallet dual race timer showing two stopwatches with USAC dials in a Champion plastic case
Front view of the Gallet dual race timer showing two stopwatches with USAC dials in a Champion plastic case — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
cars.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Dual stopwatch timer
Maker / attribution
Gallet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
65
Source-reported date
c. 1950s
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Configuration

The lot is catalogued by the source as "A Gallet c. 1950s Indy 500 Race Official's Dual Timer,". The apparatus assembles two separate stopwatches into a single unit.

Visual observation shows a "Black molded holder houses two stopwatches with top crowns and suspension loops." A "central round red element marked CHAMPION sits between the two dials."

Evidence for this section
  • “A Gallet c. 1950s Indy 500 Race Official's Dual Timer,”
  • “Black molded holder houses two stopwatches with top crowns and suspension loops.”
  • “A central round red element marked CHAMPION sits between the two dials.”

Mounting and Visible Construction

The source describes the two stopwatches as "paired in a plastic case marked Champion." The visible holder retains both stopwatches side by side with their crowns and bow loops protruding above the housing.

Between the two timers, "A central round red element marked CHAMPION sits between the two dials." A "Red braided cord lanyard attached behind the central mounting bracket" is also visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “paired in a plastic case marked Champion”
  • “A central round red element marked CHAMPION sits between the two dials.”
  • “Red braided cord lanyard attached behind the central mounting bracket.”

Dial Layout and Insignia

According to the source, the "timer includes two Gallet 3-second stop watches with 2-minute smaller dials". Visual observation confirms that the "Outer track is numbered 1 through 3 with subdivisions, while the subdial is marked for up to 2 minutes."

The auction text notes that "the face has the USAC shield". Visually, "Each dial features the red, white, and blue USAC shield emblem above the 'SWISS' mark."

Evidence for this section
  • “timer includes two Gallet 3-second stop watches with 2-minute smaller dials”
  • “Outer track is numbered 1 through 3 with subdivisions, while the subdial is marked for up to 2 minutes.”
  • “the face has the USAC shield”
  • “Each dial features the red, white, and blue USAC shield emblem above the 'SWISS' mark.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Gallet movement calibres are fitted inside the dual stopwatches?
  • Does the central red Champion-branded element function as a mechanical actuation button or solely as a decorative/mounting badge?
  • Are there movement or case back serial numbers present to more specifically date the manufacture of the stopwatches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gallet Indy 500 Race Official's Dual Timer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Stopwatch configurationTwo Gallet 3-second stop watches with 2-minute smaller dials“timer includes two Gallet 3-second stop watches with 2-minute smaller dials”
Dial insigniaUSAC shield“the face has the USAC shield”
CasePlastic case marked Champion“paired in a plastic case marked Champion”
Auction estimateUS$3,000 - US$4,000“Estimate: US$3,000 - US$4,000”
Auction sale contextPreserving the Automobile: An Auction at the Simeone Foundation (7 October 2013), Lot 65“Preserving the Automobile: An Auction at the Simeone Foundation | 7 October 2013, 09:30 EDT | Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum”

Visible details

  • Black molded holder houses two stopwatches with top crowns and suspension loops.
  • A central round red element marked CHAMPION sits between the two dials.
  • Red braided cord lanyard attached behind the central mounting bracket.
  • Each dial features the red, white, and blue USAC shield emblem above the 'SWISS' mark.
  • Outer track is numbered 1 through 3 with subdivisions, while the subdial is marked for up to 2 minutes.

Research qualifications

  • Movement details and interior casework are not visible.
  • Reverse side of the holder is not depicted.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams Cars : A Gallet c. 1950s Indy 500 Race Official's Dual Timer,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ccfb453bd3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.