SOLD - Gallet Commander Chronograph Special Extremely Rare Edition Vintage 1940s

SKU: gallet-019
$2,500.00
$1,995.00
$1,995.00
Unavailable
per item
A true mid-sized wrist timer, the Commander was powered by the world's first and only oval chronograph mechanism. This uniquely shaped in-house manufactured Excelsior Park 42 chronograph high-end column wheel movement allowed for a time recording wristwatch of smaller proportions for professional women and the man desiring a timepiece that fit easily under the cuff. The Commander was also the first wrist chronograph capable of recording events lasting up to a full 45 minutes in duration.  A popular WW2 pilots chronograph with production runs from 1938-1948, this particular piece was likely used in the war and is an extremely rare factory modified edition.  First this watch has a serial number suggesting production during the war, so the engraving would have likely happened afterward at some other time.  The factory modification for pilots and military officers is a quick release screw and lever system on the bezel between 1 and 2 o'clock.  This allows for quick replacement of the crystal in the field with no watch making skills. Notice the markings on the back of the lugs.  I cannot be certain, but is appears someone was keeping score - maybe kills or bomb runs?  The dial is original along with the case finish, case back, crown and pushers.  Dial configurations came in three different known types, with telemeter and tachometer, with telemeter , tachometer and pulsation; or without telemeter or tachometer (such as this piece).  This dial variation is the most rare of the three.  The watch is in excellent vintage condition and was recently overhauled and working well - stops, starter and resets to zero as it should.   This watch measures 30mm in diameter has a squarish oval shape and about 36mm from lug end to lug end.  The case is exceptionally thick with many interesting edge design elements and is made of stainless steel.
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The Gallet Commander is Among a Small List of Famous Chronographs.

​This Gallet Commander was worn by 2nd LT. James Richard Hoel, one of the escape tunnel diggers at Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner of war camp during WWII. The heroic efforts of these Allied soldiers were later portrayed in the 1963 movie, “The Great Escape”, starring Steve McQueen.