Brand: Glycine

Model: Airman Automatic GMT Pilot Watch Pat. 314050 (24-Hour Dial); Swiss Made circa 1960s

Case: Solid stainless steel case with compressed snapback is approximately 36mm excluding the original cross-hatched winding crown and original unsigned locking crown

Bracelet: 20mm vintage-style stainless steel mesh bracelet (adjustable size via sliding clasp)

Movement: AS cal. 1700/01 self-winding automatic movement (25 jewels) with 24-hour display, date, and unique hacking-seconds function; 18,000 BPH; Swiss Made

Features: Stunning original matte black 24-hour dial with luminous hour plots and date display at 3 o'clock; original luminous hands rotate once every 24-hours to distinguish AM and PM; original center sweeping-seconds hand with small "lollipop" and legible white tip; original rotating stainless steel bezel with locking capability tracks a second time zone and AM/PM simultaneously; automatic movement with unique hacking-seconds function; solid steel case with great proportions; original domed acrylic crystal with internal date magnifier; retro mesh bracelet

Condition: Fantastic original condition overall with minor honest wear consistent with age and use; sharp solid stainless steel case appears to be completely unpolished with the original finishes throughout; crisp caseback remains legible; beautiful original matte black dial with attractive yellow patina to the Tritium luminous elements; original Tritium hands with matching yellow patina; excellent original rotating 24-hour bezel with most of the black enamel inlay still in tact; nice original domed acrylic crystal with internal date magnifier

Other: The first Glycine Airman was introduced in 1953, born out of professional need, and has been a hit ever since. It was the very first wristwatch with a 24-hour dial that could also track a second time zone and it goes without saying how important this was for pilots... The Airman would slowly evolve over the next decade+ into the iteration that we have here from the mid-1960s. This gorgeous example features a unique hacking seconds function whereby a pin comes up through a tiny hole in the dial at "24" to stop the seconds hand and allow for precise time synchronization (see macro photo). The rotating 24-hour bezel features a locking crown to prevent accidental rotation and the original domed acrylic crystal features an internal magnifier for enhanced legibility.

When we think of the Glycine Airman, we immediately think of all the badass U.S. helicopter pilots who flew dangerous missions throughout the Vietnam War. In fact, this purpose-built tool watch was a favorite among military pilots (for obvious reasons). It was rugged, reliable, highly legible, and came with everything they needed. Glycine re-issued the classic Airman a few years ago and our friends at HODINKEE wrote about that watch here. Interestingly enough, Glycine chose to re-issue the same variation that we are currently offering for sale.