On Hand: Glycine Airman “The Chief” Collection Review

Glycine, a Swiss watchmaking company renowned for its aviation-inspired timepieces, has introduced the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection, paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage and the fearless spirit of aviators. This exceptional collection encompasses a series of meticulously crafted timepieces designed to cater to the needs of adventurers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Airman collection is the brand’s most popular collection. The original Airman “The Chief” collection was first introduced in 1956 for Türler, a large multi-store Swiss retailer of watches and jewelry. It was advertised as watches “for the Navy”. Therefore, the name was actually derived from the US Navy grade of Chief Petty Officer.

With its unparalleled precision, durability, and remarkable aesthetics, the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection stands as a testament to Glycine’s commitment to excellence in watchmaking. In this Glycine Airman “The Chief” review, we’re going to explore the collection.

What Makes Glycine Airman “The Chief” Iconic?

The Glycine Airman collection appeared as the first watch to introduce multiple time zones in 1953. With its roots dating back to 1914, Glycine has a long-standing legacy of producing reliable and functional watches designed specifically for pilots.

One of the defining features that make the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection iconic is its innovative 24-hour display. This feature, introduced in 1953, revolutionized timekeeping for pilots and frequent travelers by allowing precise tracking of time in different time zones.

The inclusion of a bidirectional rotating bezel further enhances functionality, enabling pilots to perform critical calculations such as fuel consumption and flight duration.

Furthermore, the watches are meticulously crafted with superior attention to detail, showcasing Glycine’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.

Robust stainless steel cases, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, and well-executed finishing contribute to their durability and reliability, making them suitable for the rigors of aviation.

The timeless aesthetics of the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection further contribute to its iconic appeal. These watches seamlessly blend classic design elements with contemporary flair, exuding sophistication, and adventure.

Not only are they functional timekeeping instruments, but they also serve as stylish accessories that make a statement on the wrist.

Glycine Airman “The Chief” Collection Review

What do you think about having the Glycine Airman “The Chief” circling on your wrist? Interested to look closer at the watch part? Let’s take a look at the Glycine Airman “The Chief” review below.

The Iconic Airman Design

The Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection draws inspiration from the iconic Airman model, originally introduced in 1956. The collection pays tribute to the unique design elements that made the Airman series highly sought after by pilots and watch enthusiasts.

The signature 24-hour display, 24-hour bidirectional rotating bezel, and large luminescent markers ensure optimal legibility, even in low-light conditions or different time zones.

Further, the watch features a unique bezel operation. It needs the wearer to operate the retained locking feature on the thumb screw crown at the 4 o’clock position to rotate the bezel.

Once it is unlocked, the friction bezel can rotate in both directions at ease – absolutely pure charming 1950s technology. As for the other crown buttons, it functions to operate all the necessary time, date, and GMT adjustments.

Unmatched Precision and Durability

The timepieces in the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection are powered by reliable Swiss automatic movements. For example, the Airman “The Chief” GMT Black – Bracelet is driven by the Glycine GL293 movement which is essentially an ETA2893-2/SW330. The movement is known for its exceptional accuracy and longevity.

Operating at 28,800 bph (4 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities, it has 25/26 jewels with a power reserve of 42 hours. With meticulous attention to detail, Glycine ensures that each timepiece meets the highest standards of precision and durability.

As for durability, the robust stainless steel cases, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, and water resistance make these watches suitable for the rigors of aviation and various outdoor activities.

Variations and Features

In this collection, you can find a range of variations to suit different preferences and needs. The collection includes models with stainless steel, NATO, or leather straps, allowing wearers to choose a style that matches their individual tastes.

You may take a look at the Airman “The Chief” Purist White – Bracelet, Airman “The Chief” GMT White – Nato, and Airman Vintage “The Chief” GMT Antique-Bronze Green – Leather.

Furthermore, they also come in different colors for the dial and bezel, enhancing the versatility of these timepieces for frequent travelers or professionals who rely on precise timekeeping.

Attention to Detail and Craftsmanship

Glycine prides itself on its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, and the Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection is no exception. Each timepiece undergoes meticulous assembly and rigorous quality control to ensure its flawless performance.

The attention to detail can be seen in the intricate dial designs, well-executed hands, and overall fit and finish. Speaking of the dial, it does look crowded with the 24-hour format – added with the markings on the bezel.

With a double 24-hour marking on both the dial and bezel, this allows one to track up to two different time zones still, even without a new GMT hand. For low-light legibility, the sword handset is filled with the right amount of green SuperLuminova for superb glow-in-the-dark.

Topping it off, the watch is entirely hand finished and made in Switzerland. On the top side, the watch is satin brushed while the sides are highly polished. These watches not only serve as reliable timekeeping tools but also as exquisite pieces of wearable art.

A Timepiece for Adventurers

The collection is more than just a watch; it is a companion for those who embrace adventure. Whether you’re a professional pilot, a globetrotter, or an aviation enthusiast, these timepieces exude a sense of wanderlust and inspire the pursuit of new horizons.

The reliability, functionality, and timeless design make the collection an ideal choice for those seeking a timepiece that reflects their daring spirit.

Conclusion

The Glycine Airman “The Chief” collection encapsulates the essence of Glycine’s aviation heritage and commitment to precision watchmaking. Not only do the watches in this collection boast impressive aesthetics and functionality, but they also pay homage to the rich history of aviation.