What does the forum think of Glycine watches? I have been looking at them just now and they seem to have a good eclectic collection. Any information will be greatfully appreciated.
Had an incursore many years ago, basic time only cost a few hundred quid. Great watch regret selling prices have risen since. Not sure they offer the same value now. You can buy similar based movement watches for much less in today’s market with micro brands and offerings from China with seagull or Japanese movements. However if you’ve seen something go for it.
I researched the hell out of the Airman reissues a while back- never pulled the trigger though. Didn’t read a single bad word about build quality- just debates over 36mm vs 40mm. Seems to be much respect for the brand despite their current ownership
Just to let you know, having owned iterations of Glycines before their acquisition by Invicta and then buying one afterwards, there was a distinct difference in quality of finishing and feel (noisiest rotor I have ever had in a watch and they all sounded like that when I went back to check other similar models out). So that's my experience, but YMMV
I have a combat sub and one of the 36mm 'purist' airman reissues. They are both fun watches at a reasonable price. Last time I tracked the combat sub, it was keeping +-3 sec a day; not bad for a $300 eBay purchase. FWIW, I keep thinking of selling the airman - I wish I'd gotten the black dial 40mm version, and it's also not the most legible watch. But it is a fun nod to the company's history.
Jomashop was blowing out those white 36mm Airmen at around $425 and you could apply a coupon. I was sooooo tempted but the readability of white hands on white dial is what kept me from it. As I have gotten older I realize contrast is so important for me on a watch. My silver/silver/silver vintage dials are all but unreadable in dim lighting.
I have recently bought a 36mm Combat moon phase blue dial from a dealer selling (or dumping) in Ebay for USD 339. I don't know if it was produced before or after acquisition. The watch is well made, accurate (SW 280) and great blue black color variation in dial. I like it.
I owned an Airman Base 22 Purist and loved it. I wanted a 24 hr dial and loved the watch. Great size and fit, easy to read and use. I regret selling it and look at them constantly.
Some in-house information: https://omegaforums.net/threads/glycine-watches.45002/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/glycine-airman-knowledge-sought.97404/ and more ...
Glycine is unbeatable for a sporty durable Swiss watch in the sub $500 arena (new watch from online AD sellers) . I have an Airman 18, SST 12, and a DC-4. Give them a look.
I don't know much about the brand from bygone times. I've thought it was a bit of an also ran, both then and now with the exception of the vintage Airman, but I personally like the Glycines I have here. I've had two for decades and have gathered in a couple more. My first vintage watch was this Glycine with 18kt solid gold case. It's a cool green gold and I've enjoyed it since the early 1980s. My ever faithful beater watch is a Glycine military styled watch I've had near as long as I've had the fancier gold cased Glycine. This 14kt pink gold Glycine from the 1940s is the only watch I wear that doesn't have a round case.
I know vintage Glycines are not strictly relevant to the OP but I can never resist chiming in about the handsomeness of the Airman model. The 36mm model's massive lugs makes the watch wear bigger than the specs would seem to indicate. From an emergency photo session that apparently took place at 12:30 AM, a 1962 Airman. I am always impressed by the immediate legibility of this 24-hour dial design. I have three now, the newest of which is waiting for the mail to run to the US again so Jim Sadilek in Nevada can service it.
Just arrived by USPS (thank god.) Purchased from small auction house in PA. 1967 watch, likely AS 1900 based on serial number. Unfortunately, hacking wire is missing. It will be up to Jim to determine if the wire was bent, removed, or the whole hacking mechanism was removed. The prior owner had it serviced several times, including by Glycine in 1990 and 1996. From his name in the box, I discovered that he was a LTC in the USAF during Vietnam and flew for a company named Jet Aviation in NJ. He passed away in 2002 but his daughter lives near me (200 miles.) Question will be whether I try to contact her or not. A quick polish of the crystal and it's looking good. The case is sharp but was polished by Glycine during previous services. Pretty cool. @Tubber , @cvalue13, @James Sadilek
Wow. What a history that watch has. It might even have seen combat. I've heard that the Glycine Airman was a popular watch amongst USAF pilots during the Vietnam War.
That's the story I have also been told. The 24 hour dial was useful for the military. Plus the turning bezel. It makes sense, but facts don't always follow reason. It's been said enough though that i tend to believe it.
I bought my Airman SST from a Navy pilot who wore for years while flying Orion P-3s around the Pacific rim.
I have yet to see one of these in person. Something about orange on a watch really makes them pop. Beautiful condition too.
Back from service by James. Got lucky, as just the wire was bent. Turns out it's a 1965 with a 1701 movement. Needs a strap now. Here it is next to the 1956 one. Not too shabby. (Thanks again, James)