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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Gallet stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch

Partially verified

This is a vintage manual wind chronograph wristwatch by Gallet dating to the 1950s, catalogued as Lot 127 in Bonhams' Fine Watches and Wristwatches auction. According to the source, the timepiece features a stainless steel case housing a manual wind chronograph movement. Visually, the watch has a light cream dial signed Gallet below the 12 o'clock marker, featuring Arabic numeral hour markers, two chronograph subsidiary dials at 3 and 9 o'clock, blued steel hands, and outer track scales including a tachymeter. Two round pushers and a fluted winding crown occupy the right flank of the case, which is paired with a blue embossed leather strap.

Front view of the Gallet stainless steel chronograph wristwatch
Front view of the Gallet stainless steel chronograph wristwatch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Gallet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
127
Source-reported date
1950's
Country
Not established

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

Identity and Auction Cataloguing

In Bonhams' "Fine Watches and Wristwatches" auction held in New York on 23 May 2017, the piece was catalogued as Lot 127 under the heading "Gallet. A stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch". The auction catalogue dates the watch to "1950's" and carried a pre-sale estimate of US$1,500 - US$2,000.

Specific reference designations, case serials, or movement serial numbers are not recorded in the available auction listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 127”
  • “Gallet. A stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch”
  • “1950's”
  • “Fine Watches and Wristwatches”
  • “23 May 2017, 13:00 EDT New York”
  • “US$1,500 - US$2,000”

Case and Movement Configuration

The auction title specifies a "stainless steel" case containing a "manual wind chronograph" movement. On the right side of the case, direct observation shows two round chronograph pushers flanking a fluted crown.

Internal caliber markings, jewel counts, and movement references are not recorded in the source text. Visible inspection shows the watch mounted on a blue crocodile-embossed leather strap finished with blue stitching; whether the strap is original or a later replacement is not stated.

Evidence for this section
  • “A stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch”
  • “Two round chronograph pushers flanking a fluted crown on the right case side.”
  • “Mounted on a blue crocodile-embossed leather strap with matching blue stitching.”

Dial Display and Scale Architecture

Visual observation documents a light cream-toned dial featuring Arabic numerals and dual sub-dials situated at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. The dial is equipped with blued steel central hands and matching blued steel chronograph register hands.

Printed scales around the perimeter include an outer minute track and an outer base mile/tachymeter scale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light cream-toned dial with Arabic numerals and dual sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock.”
  • “Blued steel central hands and chronograph register hands.”
  • “Outer minute track and outer base mile/tachymeter scale on the dial perimeter.”

Open research questions

  • What specific movement caliber is fitted within the case (e.g., Excelsior Park, Venus, or Valjoux base)?
  • What case reference numbers or serial marks are stamped on the interior or exterior of the case back?
  • What are the precise case diameter and lug width dimensions for this reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gallet stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGallet“Gallet”
Case MaterialStainless steel“stainless steel”
Movement TypeManual wind“manual wind”
TypeChronograph wristwatch“chronograph wristwatch”
Date1950's“1950's”
Auction Sale NameFine Watches and Wristwatches“Fine Watches and Wristwatches”
Auction Date and Location23 May 2017, 13:00 EDT New York“23 May 2017, 13:00 EDT New York”
Auction EstimateUS$1,500 - US$2,000“US$1,500 - US$2,000”

Visible details

  • Light cream-toned dial with Arabic numerals and dual sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock.
  • Blued steel central hands and chronograph register hands.
  • Outer minute track and outer base mile/tachymeter scale on the dial perimeter.
  • Two round chronograph pushers flanking a fluted crown on the right case side.
  • Mounted on a blue crocodile-embossed leather strap with matching blue stitching.

Research qualifications

  • Caliber number, movement specifications, and interior case details are not provided in the source description.
  • Case back and movement are not visible in the provided auction photograph.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Gallet. A stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch1950's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b9e8ed7423

Terms in this record

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

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