Glycine Airman

Glycine "Old" Airman watch with black dial . Model ref .A.Schild 1701, automatic, 25j . 36mm

I have always wanted to keep a Glycine classic airman watch used by the US Pilot during the Vietnam war. Since there are many fakes around the markets I  tended to be very cautious. This evening, my original intention is to go for a simple haircut ended up visiting a vintage watch shop.

The GLYCINE AIRMAN vintage military watch was used in Vietnam; popular amongst military servicemen and pilots everywhere. From the 1950's to the 1970's pilots have relied on them due to their bold and easy to read 24 hour dial. These dials display both 24 hour time and conventional time at the same time! 

I have found an  original including the black dial and hands watch from 1965. The lower crown locks the rotating bezel. The automatic winding, signed A.S. true 24hr. movement. These watches are very hard to find-quite collectable and uncommon in original condition.

This GLYCINE AIRMAN watches have a hacking seconds feature. On this version of the Airman, the hacking section is engaged when the crown is pulled out and a wire shoots up at 12:00 to stop the second hand. 

Due to the desirability of the GLYCINE AIRMAN, there are FAKES out there-we know the difference. Many buyers are getting scammed-be careful-especially on eBay. 

Found this lovely all original Glycien airman watch from the 1960s...

I was lucky to be able to meet the author of the book during Baselworld 2013, which inspired me to search for the vintage Glycine watch..

Movements evolution

1953 – 1960 Felsa 692, 23 jewels
1960 – 1967 A.Schild 1701, 25 jewels and 17 jewels in the Airman Special
1967 – 1971 A.Schild 1903, 25 jewels
1971 – 1974 A.Schild 2063, 25 jewels
1974 – 1978 A.Schild 2163, 25 jewels