There are many popular and important wristwatches that have earned their stripes as collectibles via their place in military history, but every once in a while, a true rarity of militaria infiltrates the scene. This 1990 Gallet “Desert Storm” is just such a piece — a watch that never went to war, but helped 30,000 Gallet watches find their way into the kits and onto the wrists of American GIs during the Gulf War. This rugged Gallet is the last of the six prototypes the brand supplied the US Government within its bid for the contract to manufacture those 30k watches (which were Marathon models). Not only is this Gallet all business in its visual, but it also’s a well-documented and important part of modern military history — and while it may not have been a Gallet that saw active duty, this is the very watch that won the Gulf War contract for Gallet.
Remaining in pristine and unworn condition, this one of six ever produced Gallet Desert Storm is truly a museum collectible. Complete with its original black single pass perlon strap, and documentation from Gallet to the National Watch and Clock Museum where the watch was held from 2009 until now.
SPECS
| Stock # | GLTDS | |
| Brand | Gallet | |
| Style | Military Prototype | |
| Model | Desert Storm | |
| Serial | N/A | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 42 | |
| Bracelet | Original black Single Pass Perlon Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished asymmetrical case retains its anti-reflective bead-blasted finish and is in unworn condition. The bidirectional ratcheting bezel is in flawless condition. The case retains its original bead-blasted unsigned screw-down crown. The fixed spring bars are in flawless condition. The case back retains all of its original factory and military markings. The watch comes supplied on its original black single-pass perlon strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original prototype "DESERT STORM" matte black dial is in flawless condition, showing no damage whatsoever. The tritium lume plots have aged to a lovely golden coloration and exhibit no degradation. The original tritium hands are in flawless condition and have aged to a light green coloration, which is common.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with a letter from Gallet to the National Watch and Clock Museum, and the acceptance documentation of Gallet donating the watch to the museum. The watch is keeping time.
