Glycine Watches A Century Long Legacy of Horological Excellence

Welcome, fellow timepiece enthusiasts, to the enchanting world of Glycine! As we venture into this mesmerizing realm of precision, innovation, and timeless elegance, prepare to be captivated by a legacy that transcends over a century, a tale of passion that's woven into the very fabric of time. So strap on your virtual tour watches and let's embark on this fascinating journey through the horological wonderland that is Glycine.

Founded in the quaint Swiss town of Bienne in 1914, Glycine's story is as intriguing as the masterpieces it crafts. When Eugène Meylan, a creative genius with an insatiable passion for watchmaking, launched Glycine, he envisioned a brand that would transcend the boundaries of traditional timekeeping. His vision was not just to create timepieces, but to craft legends that would stand the test of time. A vision that still guides Glycine today, over a hundred years since its inception.



Eugène Meylan was a man ahead of his time, a horological maverick who was not afraid to challenge the norms. This pioneering spirit was evident from Glycine's earliest days when Meylan, not content with merely following the horological trends of the day, dared to think outside the watch box. He relentlessly pursued innovative solutions, investing time and resources into research and development. His efforts bore fruit in the form of numerous patents, setting Glycine on its path to becoming a beacon of innovation in the world of watchmaking.

Glycine's groundbreaking spirit found its ultimate expression in the late 1930s when the brand introduced its first automatic watch. A significant milestone in Glycine's journey, this watch embodied Meylan's relentless quest for excellence and his commitment to making the luxury of an automatic watch accessible to the masses. This revolutionary timepiece, which offered the convenience of automatic winding at a time when manually wound watches were the norm, marked Glycine as a brand that wasn't just keeping up with the times, but was actively shaping the future of horology.



The 1950s saw Glycine reaching new heights of creativity with the introduction of the legendary Airman. A watch that has, over the decades, become synonymous with the Glycine brand. Designed at the behest of a globe trotting airline pilot, the Airman was a testament to Glycine's knack for understanding the needs of its customers and creating timepieces that catered to those needs perfectly. The Airman, with its innovative 24 hour display and multiple time zone functionality, was an instant hit among pilots and travelers alike. It wasn't just a watch; it was a trusted companion for those journeying across time zones.

Glycine's story is not just about its pioneering achievements or its innovative creations. It is, above all, a tale of an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether it's the meticulously selected materials, the painstaking attention to detail, or the rigorous quality control, every aspect of Glycine's watchmaking process reflects its dedication to creating timepieces that are as durable and reliable as they are beautiful. A commitment to quality that has remained unbroken since Eugène Meylan first set up his watchmaking workshop in Bienne.

Indeed, the legacy of Glycine is a testament to the vision of its founder. A man who believed in the power of innovation, the importance of quality, and the timeless appeal of elegant design. A man who set out not just to create watches, but to craft stories that would be told and retold over generations. Stories of timeless elegance, of relentless innovation, and of a passion for perfection. Stories that are still being written today, over a hundred years since Glycine first began its horological journey.



So as we delve deeper into the intriguing world of Glycine, remember that each watch we encounter is not just a timepiece, but a chapter in a never ending story. A story that started with a man and a dream in a small Swiss town. A story of a brand that continues to enchant watch enthusiasts with its unique blend of precision, innovation, and timeless elegance. Welcome to the captivating world of Glycine!

Entering into the world of Glycine's standout watch collections is akin to diving headfirst into a treasure trove of horological wonders, each unique and awe inspiring. Allow me to guide you through some of the most remarkable collections that have come to define the legacy of Glycine.

Our first stop takes us to the esteemed Airman collection, a range that truly sets Glycine apart from the competition. Conceived in the 1950s during the dawn of the Jet Age, the Airman was born from a casual conversation between Glycine's then owner, Samuel W. Glur, and a commercial airline pilot. The idea? A watch that could simultaneously track multiple time zones for globe trotting aviators and travelers. The Airman was revolutionary, featuring a 24 hour display instead of the conventional 12 hour, allowing wearers to keep track of day and night hours. Over the years, the Airman collection has evolved and expanded, never losing sight of its original purpose: aiding those who traverse time zones. It remains a flagship collection for Glycine, a testament to the brand's innovative spirit and its commitment to catering to the specific needs of its customers.



As we journey onwards, we find ourselves in the midst of the Combat collection. A series that is not just a line of watches, but a symbol of Glycine's resilience. The Combat collection, introduced in the 1960s, was Glycine's response to a challenging period marked by the arrival of quartz watches. These timepieces, with their robust build and superior water resistance, proved that mechanical watches could indeed hold their ground against their quartz counterparts. Today, the Combat collection continues to stand as a symbol of Glycine's indomitable spirit, offering a range of timepieces known for their rugged durability and timeless aesthetic appeal.



Our horological journey now brings us to the charming realm of the KMU 48. Introduced in the late 1990s, the KMU 48 is an homage to Glycine's military watch heritage, its name standing for Kleine Mechanische Uhren, or Small Mechanical Watches, a nod to the watch's large dial and small movement. This collection features timepieces with an imposing 48mm case, a large dial for easy reading, and a robust mechanical movement, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of bold aesthetics and reliable performance. The KMU 48 continues to uphold Glycine's reputation for creating watches that perfectly balance form and function.



The last stop on our tour takes us to the alluring universe of the Incursore collection. The Incursore, debuting in the 2000s, is a celebration of simplicity and legibility. These watches, with their minimalist design, large dial, and luminescent indices, capture the essence of straightforward, no nonsense timekeeping. The Incursore proves that a watch doesn't need to be overly complex to make a statement, embodying the belief that sometimes, less indeed is more. It remains a beloved collection among those who value clarity and simplicity in their timepieces.



Exploring Glycine's watch collections is like taking a trip through time, a journey that showcases the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and design excellence. Each collection, with its unique story and character, adds a distinct chapter to Glycine's horological narrative, a story that continues to unfold with each ticking second. But remember, the watches we've explored today are just a glimpse into the rich and diverse universe of Glycine. A universe where the timeless allure of mechanical watchmaking meets the endless possibilities of innovation, creating timepieces that are as captivating as they are reliable.

As we near the end of this captivating exploration of Glycine, it's apparent that we've not only traversed through its phenomenal watch lines but also through its rich and vivid history. Glycine, in essence, isn’t just about the beauty of timepieces; it’s about celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, the brilliance of innovation, and the timeless appeal of craftsmanship.



From its humble beginnings in the hands of Eugène Meylan, Glycine has proven that with an innovative spirit and a commitment to quality, a brand can leave an indelible mark in the annals of horological history. Glycine's century old journey has been a tapestry of events, woven together by threads of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to horological excellence.

Every watch that bears the Glycine name is not merely a timepiece; it's a symbol of a legacy that has endured through changing times and trends. Glycine's impressive portfolio of watch lines, from the trendsetting Airman to the straightforward Incursore, highlights the brand’s profound understanding of its audience and their diverse needs.

Let's not forget the Airman, an embodiment of Glycine's innovative approach to watchmaking. Born out of a conversation with an airline pilot, the Airman was a trailblazer in its time and continues to be a favorite among travelers and watch enthusiasts. The Airman stands as a testament to the fact that at Glycine, watches are not just crafted; they are dreamed, designed, and then brought to life.



Meanwhile, the Combat collection, a range of watches that came to life during a challenging period in watchmaking history, demonstrates Glycine's resilience. The Combat watches stand as horological warriors, affirming the power and relevance of mechanical watchmaking in a world shifting towards quartz technology.

Then there is the imposing KMU 48, a reflection of Glycine's horological heritage, reminding us that a watch can be both a statement of style and a reliable timekeeping instrument. And of course, the Incursore collection, a celebration of simplicity, continues to allure those who find beauty in minimalism and clarity.

Each Glycine watch is a testament to the brand's dedication to creating timepieces that transcend the boundary of mere functional objects to become companions in the life journeys of their wearers. Whether accompanying a pilot on a transcontinental flight, adorning the wrist of a deep sea diver, or being a trusted companion for an outdoor adventurer, Glycine watches play many roles, just as they have played many roles in shaping the landscape of horology.

Glycine's journey is an inspiring tale of how an insatiable passion for excellence, coupled with a steadfast commitment to innovation, can transform a small watchmaking workshop into a globally recognized brand. It’s a story of how a Swiss watchmaker has kept the ticking heart of mechanical timekeeping alive for over a century.



In Glycine, we find a brand that reveres its past, embraces its present, and looks forward to its future. A future that, given its impressive past, is bound to be just as remarkable, with many more chapters of horological innovation yet to be written.

So, whether you're a seasoned watch collector, a novice enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the timeless charm of a well crafted watch, Glycine has something to offer you. In each Glycine watch, you will find a piece of history, a touch of innovation, and a lot of passion. And, as you strap on a Glycine watch, you become part of a legacy, a story that's over a century old but is still being told, one tick at a time.

Here's to Glycine, a brand that's not just about telling time, but about celebrating it. For in the world of Glycine, time is more than just a series of ticking seconds; it's an art, a science, and above all, a passion. As our journey through the fascinating world of Glycine comes to an end, it's clear that in each Glycine timepiece, the heart of Swiss watchmaking continues to beat strongly, echoing a legacy of passion and precision, from 1914 to infinity.