Glycine Airman, circa 1956

If you're looking at this watch you are probably familiar with the Glycine Airman's history, which I won't repeat. In short, it has a place in space and military watch collections, as well as being an unusual functioning watch.

This watch is legitimately rare, in that there are only five known examples, per James Sadilek, the official watchmaker for Glycine's heritage department.

"In the past year or so, I have seen three 12 on top Airman watches. One I serviced, one is mine, and one came as a photograph. The curious thing about these three watches is the serial numbers. One is A 68426, one is A 68434, and one is A 68440. With the numbers this close together, it would appear that all three are from a single batch made in 1956. Being from 1956, all are in screw back cases with Felsa caliber 692N movements. All appear to be Glycine Airman Special models (17 jewels rather than the standard 25 jewels for Felsa 692N) .

"This came as a response from Emre:Kiris, also on WUS; Emre has access to original Glycine production notes:

'Hi Jim, good compilation and question.
I can add on those serial numbers also the Airman 12 on top with serial number A68249 that I handled in the past.
I can also confirm that on 23 Nov 1956 there is an Airman manufacture party of 500 timepieces which I believe is this batch of Airman models. Cases are from Spillmann and dials from Gerber company movements 11,5 lignes, F692N.'

"Lacking any information to the contrary. I am inclined to believe that all the vintage Airman 12 on top came from the same production run in 1956. This would make them rather rare. It would be interesting if anyone can cite information regarding Airman 12 on top outside this serial number range. Here is a list of the known serial numbers.

A 68249
A 68426
A 68434
A 68440
A 68460"

Emre told me that Glycine Specials were sold in military Post Exchanges. We don't know why these 1956 batches were produced with the 12 on top, versus the standard 24 on top. But here we are.

I think it's fair to say that the dial is beautiful, with that perfect lume patina. There's a slight darker spot where the hands likely sat in the same position for a long time. I haven't seen any scratches or imperfections.

The case has nicks and scratches but doesn't appear to have been previously polished.

The crowns are correct for this watch and appear to be original.

The crystal has a couple deep scratches that have been polished, as well as what is likely a crack near 12 o'clock.

The hacking wire is intact and functions correctly (see the photo with the red circle.)

Service history is unknown and I assume it needs a service if you intend on wearing it regularly. It keep accurate time within a few seconds over 24 hours, but I would be it hasn't been serviced in awhile.

The bezel pops off sometimes when the locking crown is loose and it gets knocked at an angle. I included a photo of the bezel after it popped off. The bezel crown lock should be kept tight and the bezel stays put.

The strap is a near new, lightly worn strap from Nodus watches.

Watch only, no box or papers.

Watch includes shipping to US. Other areas to be discussed. Watch is located in PST, USA.



References are here: https://omegaforums.net/search/285133/?q=Pdxleaf&t=post&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=10&o=relevance

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Dave