It could have been on an attractive dial. But it was so simple and had a rather standard Valjoux movement, so I really didn’t think this blue dial galal would be my beater. It’s funny how often I can find a way to lean into my mind when a watch I don’t expect.
I certainly pass some Garrett chronographs, despite some of the people might think. This is primarily true of those after the 1970s, when cushion cases and Valjoux-powered models made up a large part of the offering.
Mystical blue dial
Due to the record, no officially printed Blue Dial Gallar chronograph was found in any of the brand’s catalogs. Over the past few years I remember discovering two loose blue dials with large room dots around the edges. What we certainly know is that in the 1971 and 1972 catalogs there was a black reverse panda twin registered chronograph presented in a cushioned case. That’s one of the Garratt watches I handed over… twice. I was considering buying it but I hesitated for a long time.
Be careful, boys!
When this unusual version of the blue dial galette appeared on eBay, it immediately caught my attention. However, I was very careful with the ratings of the list as it belonged to the very suspicious Garrett Cronos group. If you want to understand where all the doubts come from, look at the photo below my archive and show me the Blue Dial Garret Diver chronograph. I had no evidence and although the 70s was a crazy time, I struggled to believe I came from such a galette. It was another hard pass.
Pull the trigger to something blue
I’m not yet 100% sure if the watch I bought is legal. But I will explain to you my rating and why I decided to buy it. Consistency is the core reason here. The hands of minutes and time are slim, and fit the dial and era. What concerns me is that the hands attached to the cushion-shaped galette in the catalog above didn’t match perfectly. So I paid special attention to Rumet, which seemed to be consistent in colour and patina. Luckily, this was confirmed upon arrival of the watch. UV tests suggest that the hands have not been changed. They shine and fade exactly like the dots in the room, and I have no doubt that they are original.
Chronograph Mobile Phone
My focus then shifted to the chronograph’s hands. The small arrows on the Minute Counter are unusual, but they are very typical of an old Venus-powered Gallatt watch. Most importantly, it is slim and fits stylishly in the other hand. Furthermore, all three of these hands are black, with two small pointers not protruding beyond the outer ring of the subdial.
Zoom out and the crown will also fit into the case. The pusher is original, not a late Chinese replacement, but the cap and tunnel match the case. Speaking of which, the caseback is signed “Gallet & Co” on the bottom, just like the Valjoux 7733 movement. However, there is no conclusive evidence (ideally a catalog list showing this particular model), so there is a question.
Spa Time
My Blue Dial Garette service history was unknown, so it went straight to my watchmaker. It was sold as a feature, but the chrono was not reset. “The zero lever was broken. The threaded tube was damaged so we couldn’t screw it in properly. So we found a new tube that the lever fits and screws in. It’s on the screws that stopped. These screws have rotating parts screwed in, but can move at the same time. Otherwise, the watch would be in good condition.
Wrist time
I decided to match the watch with a modern cordura strap, a water-resistant textile. I’m pretty pleased with its simple style and how perfectly it matches in terms of color. For now, it’s a bit difficult to tie it down to your wrist, but I think it’ll break in and become easier over time.
I have to admit that I bought this watch as the obsessive-compulsive galette completionist inside me became stronger. I still have models passed, but with each galette watch I add, the missing pieces are fewer. I liked the blue dial, but my completers part played a bigger role. In other words, I didn’t expect to wear this watch much. So, what do you know? I wear a lot.
Why I should not do that
The Valjoux 7733 movement is reliable, but it’s no wonder of the clock. The delicate and smooth Excelsior Park Calibur ruined me. I’m used to the subtle clicks of gentle presses and pushers. My Blue Dial Galal has returned from simple service to give special attention to the Pusher, but it’s loud and rattling anyway. Pushers are pretty resistant, so I think you should do 10 pushups before activating the chronograph. I’m not sure if you prefer my comparisons, but going to the Valjoux 7733 from the EP4 or EP40 feels like a break from the BMW 5 and diving into the Dacia Duster (no attack).
My last thoughts on blue dial galette
Despite the above statements, I drove a lot of Dasia Duster this year. That was not expected. Georges Kahn and his gang are still amazed at how addicted he is with this Garrett with his later logo design, which was taken as a blueprint for the new Garrett brand’s revival. Honestly, I thought it would end up in a watch roll, but it still takes up that spot on my shelf and goes into regular rotations with other “big shot” Garrett chronographs.
I’ve assumed the Valjoux movement would downgrade it to Instant Oblivion, but here’s it. It’s Thursday, but I’ve already worn this watch for two days this week. For another reason I will be happy. I’m happy to know that you don’t need a 10,000 euro aviator to feel better. If I’m not wrong, other than Galal’s Excel-o-graph, this is the only Light Blue Galal’s Chronograph. It is also the only shiny, sunburst blue galatt ever. It was a pretty good catch for a tenth of the budget needed by an aviator. Happy Hunting!
