Glycine
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland · Est. 1914
Founded by Eugène Meylan
Glycine is a Swiss watch brand founded in 1914 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, best known for the Airman series of GMT watches first introduced in 1953 and adopted by US Air Force pilots during the Cold War. Acquired by Invicta in 2016, the brand continues to produce aviation-inspired timepieces referencing its heritage.
- Founded
- 1914
- Headquarters
- Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Airman — Iconic pilot's GMT watch originally designed for long-haul airline crews in 1953, with a 24-hour dial format. One of the first true pilot's GMTs.
- Combat — Field watch collection with military-inspired design, available in various sizes and complications.
- Incursore — Large-cased collection inspired by Italian naval commandos, with clean dials and bold proportions.
Timeline
- 1914 — Eugène Meylan founds Glycine in Bienne, Switzerland.
- 1953 — Launches the Airman, one of the world's first automatic 24-hour pilot's watches, adopted by US military pilots.
- 1967 — Airman SST 'Pumpkin' model becomes a cult classic among Vietnam-era pilots.
- 2016 — Invicta Watch Group acquires Glycine, ensuring continued production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Glycine
- What is special about the Glycine Airman?
- Launched in 1953, it was one of the first automatic 24-hour pilot's watches, designed for professional aviators needing to track multiple timezones. It predates or parallels the Rolex GMT-Master.
- Who owns Glycine now?
- Glycine was acquired by Invicta Watch Group in 2016 but continues to produce its heritage models, including the Airman line.