8 Must-Have Glycine Watches From Its Iconic Collections

When it comes to Swiss watchmaking, few names capture both history and functionality like Glycine. For decades, the brand has built a reputation with collections that balance heritage-inspired aesthetics and practical engineering.

From pioneering pilot watches such as the Airman and Airpilot, to the sturdy Combat series built for military use, and the maritime-inspired Sea Kraken dive watches, each collection carries its own story. These timepieces reflect more than just design, they embody decades of innovation and functionality. 

In this article, you’ll explore eight standout models from Glycine’s most iconic collections that continue to resonate with watch enthusiasts.

The Heritage Behind Glycine Watches

Founded in 1914 by Eugene Meylan, Glycine has continuously produced timepieces in its Bienne-based facilities in Switzerland, earning a reputation for reliable and functional watches that cater to aviation and military needs. 

From the beginning, Glycine focused on creating durable wristwatches for professional use, often supplying military personnel with tools capable of handling airborne missions. Early models were crafted from premium materials like titanium and gold, admired by watch enthusiasts for their combination of robustness and refined aesthetics.

Throughout challenging periods, such as World War II, Glycine maintained innovation and resilience, showcasing its watches at the Basel Fair in 1938 and launching automatic wristwatches post-war. 

In 1952, the Vacuum Chronometer demonstrated impressive water resistance and shock durability, followed by the 1953 Airman, which introduced dual time zones for pilots and remains a celebrated classic today.

During the 1970s quartz crisis, Glycine continued producing automatic watches despite declining demand for Glycine quartz watches, proving its commitment to authentic Swiss craftsmanship. From military instruments to iconic pilot watches, Glycine’s heritage reflects a dedication to precision, reliability, and enduring design.

Read also: Quartz Crisis: The Revolution of the Watchmaking Industry

Glycine Watches Collections

When it comes to classic tool watches, Glycine watches stand out with distinct designs made for the air, land, and sea. Each collection carries its own story while staying true to the brand’s reputation for precision and craftsmanship. Here are some of the most notable collections from Glycine.

1. Airman

The Airman collection represents Glycine’s long-standing connection with aviation. Since the launch of the very first model, the series has continuously evolved across multiple generations. With options that display up to three time zones, Airman blends innovation with the traditional craftsmanship that turned it into a trusted companion for pilots and watch lovers alike.

2. Airpilot

Airpilot brings together the true essence of a pilot’s watch. Featuring large case sizes, luminous hands, and oversized crowns, these watches are built for easy legibility and quick adjustments during flights. Depending on the model, wearers can navigate through multiple time zones using Chronograph, Dual Time, or GMT functions, paired with a wide bracelet or band for a secure fit.

3. Combat

Introduced in 1967, the Combat line was designed to extend Glycine’s aviation success to land-based professionals. Intended for the military, sportsmen, and anyone who demands reliability, this series features clean dials with Superluminova indices for optimal readability. Built to handle challenges, glycine combat watches remain one of the brand’s most iconic offerings.

4. Sea Kraken

Inspired by 1960s marine timepieces, the Sea Kraken collection is engineered for underwater reliability. Its 39mm stainless steel case balances durability with sophistication, while the domed sapphire crystal provides clarity and scratch resistance. With a screw-down crown and up to 15 ATM water resistance, the Sea Kraken is crafted for the demands of the sea, offering both strength and timeless elegance.

Why Glycine Watches Stand Out?

Known for their reliability and aviation-inspired legacy, Glycine watches consistently attract watch enthusiasts and professional pilots. Their designs are deeply rooted in Swiss craftsmanship and aviation-inspired aesthetics, reflecting decades of experience creating timepieces for military and airborne missions. 

Here are some key reasons why Glycine watches remain remarkable:

1. Heritage Swiss & Aviation Influence

Glycine’s Swiss roots ensure precision and reliability in every timepiece. Many models, such as the iconic Airman and Combat collections, highlight the brand’s longstanding connection to aviation and military requirements, making them highly respected among watch lovers.

2. Premium Materials & Build Quality

Glycine uses titanium, gold, and stainless steel, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and a sophisticated appearance. These materials allow the watches to withstand extreme conditions, whether in the air or on land, while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

3. Mechanical vs. Quartz Options

The brand provides choices between mechanical movements and quartz watches, catering to different preferences. Whether you prefer traditional craftsmanship or the convenience of quartz, Glycine watches deliver performance, style, and authenticity that continue to captivate enthusiasts.

Read also: The Military Watch That Forged a Living Collection

Must-Have Glycine Watches at Gnomon Watches

For over a century, Glycine has crafted timepieces that seamlessly blend heritage with innovation. Each collection highlights a distinct part of the brand’s identity, from the adventurous spirit of the Airman to the rugged reliability of the Combat series, and the maritime elegance of the Sea Kraken.

At Gnomon Watches, you can explore these must-have Glycine models and see how each one reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to quality and design.

1. Glycine Combat SUB 42 Silver

The Glycine Combat SUB 42 Silver showcases how the brand balances classic dive watch DNA with a refreshing design twist. Measuring 42mm across with a slim 11mm thickness, this model is versatile enough to appeal to both men and women who may find other sizes less suitable. 

Its brushed 316L stainless steel case is built for durability and paired with 300m water resistance, supported by a screw-down crown and case back. Practical features like a 120-click unidirectional bezel and flat sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating ensure reliability in any environment, whether underwater or on land.

The standout element lies in its silver dial framed by a sleek steel bezel. Applied markers, circular, baton, and a triangle at 12 o’clock, combine with baton hands to deliver a clean, modern aesthetic. A black rehaut and date wheel add subtle contrast while preserving visual harmony. 

Generous Super-LumiNova keeps the watch legible in low light, reinforcing its tool-watch character. Inside beats the dependable GL224 Swiss automatic movement, offering 38 hours of power reserve.

As part of the respected line of glycine combat watches, the Combat SUB 42 Silver embodies the brand’s commitment to functionality, style, and inclusivity by catering to diverse wrist sizes.

2. Glycine Airman “The Chief” Purist Green

Unlike conventional watches, this timepiece uses a true 24-hour format where the hour hand completes just one full rotation per day. This unique setup defines the purist style while keeping time reading straightforward. 

The Glycine Airman “The Chief” Purist Green features a 40mm 316L stainless steel case with brushed and polished finishing, measuring 12.4mm thick and 49mm lug to lug. Its sunburst green dial is paired with baton and circular indices, filled with C1 SuperLuminova for clarity in low light. 

Protected by a sapphire box crystal with three layers of anti-reflective coating, the dial remains sharp under any condition. Power comes from the GL293 automatic movement with a 38-hour reserve, completed with a brown leather strap that balances durability and vintage appeal.

3. Glycine Combat 6 Vintage Navy Blue

Glycine has long been recognized for producing watches that balance functionality with military-inspired elegance. Designed for enthusiasts who value durability and clarity, its timepieces embody Swiss reliability at an approachable level.

The Glycine Combat 6 Vintage Navy Blue carries a 43mm stainless steel case with a slim 10.7mm profile, complemented by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Its matte navy dial features luminous Arabic markers and signature hands coated in C1 SuperLumiNova for visibility in low light. 

Powered by the GL224 Swiss automatic movement, the watch offers 50m water resistance and pairs with a blue pilot strap, making it a versatile companion for everyday wear.

4. Glycine Combat SUB 42 Vintage Blue Leather

From its curved lugs to its textured dial, every detail reflects a balance of tradition and function. Its vintage charm shows in the matte blue “sandy” dial with golden bezel markers and bold Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, all treated with C3 SuperLuminova for night visibility.

Housed in a 42mm satin-brushed stainless steel case, it measures 11mm thick and 49.5mm lug to lug for durability and comfort. Protecting the display is a flat sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating, while the screw-down crown secures 200m water resistance. 

At its core, the dependable GL224 Swiss automatic movement offers a 38-hour power reserve. The Glycine Combat SUB 42 Vintage Blue Leather completes its timeless look with a 60-click blue bezel insert and vintage brown leather strap.

5. Glycine Sea Kraken 39mm White Bracelet

Sized for versatility, this diver is crafted in a 39mm stainless steel case with brushed and polished finishing, measuring 12.7mm thick and 48mm lug to lug. Despite its compact form, it offers 150m of water resistance with a screw-down crown and case back.

The vintage-inspired bezel adds both charm and functionality, ideal for timing dives or daily activities. Beneath the sapphire crystal sits an aged white dial with crosshair design, luminous indices, and arrow-style hands coated in C3 Super-LumiNova for clarity day or night. A mesh stainless steel bracelet with a hook buckle enhances its classic appeal. 

At its core, the GL224 automatic movement delivers reliable accuracy and a 38-hour power reserve, ensuring enduring performance. With its balanced proportions and refined details, the watch community continues to value the Glycine Sea Kraken 39mm White Bracelet as a versatile tool watch.

6. Glycine Combat SUB 36 Blue

Compact yet full of character, this diver proves that smaller sizes can deliver the same strength and elegance as their larger counterparts. Measuring 36mm across, 11mm thick, and 42.5mm lug to lug, it wears comfortably on slimmer wrists while still boasting serious tool-watch credentials. 

The stainless steel case is hand-finished with satin brushing, paired with a screw-down crown and case back engraved with a manta ray emblem to ensure an impressive 300m water resistance. A stainless steel bracelet with polished center links and a butterfly clasp enhances its refined look.

The unidirectional bezel rotates with 120 precise clicks, topped with a lume pip at 12. Its matte blue dial captures light beautifully, featuring luminous indices, baton hands, and a discreet date display at 6 o’clock under a sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating. 

Driven by the GL224 Swiss automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve, the watch embodies both utility and style. This is the Glycine Combat SUB 36 Blue, a versatile diver that fits effortlessly into any collection.

7. Glycine Airman 42 Lume Dial Purist

Balancing history with functionality, this watch brings aviation heritage to life in a striking design. Its 42mm stainless steel case is finished with a black PVD coating, measuring 12.2mm thick with a 49mm lug-to-lug, offering both durability and comfort. 

The standout feature is the yellow-green dial coated entirely in Super-LumiNova, contrasted by painted black numerals and syringe-style hands for unmatched visibility in all lighting conditions. Positioned at 3 o’clock, the main crown handles time and date adjustments, while the additional crown at 4 o’clock locks the bezel securely. 

The Glycine Airman 42 Lume Dial Purist is further enhanced by a domed sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating, paired with a black pilot strap for a classic look. Inside, the GL293 Swiss automatic movement delivers dependable accuracy and a 38-hour power reserve, while water resistance up to 100m ensures practical wear for everyday adventures.

8. Glycine Combat 39 Bronze Burgundy

Watch lovers who appreciate versatile proportions will find the 39mm case size of this timepiece a perfect balance between comfort and presence.

It's 46mm lug-to-lug and slim 11.5mm thickness caters to a unisex audience while maintaining impressive durability. The bronze case features a full satin-brushed finish that develops a unique patina over time, giving each watch individual character. 

With 300m of water resistance supported by a screw-down crown and case back, it ensures reliability even in demanding environments. The burgundy dial and aluminum bronze bezel bring a striking visual appeal, complemented by baton hands, a discreet date window at 6 o’clock, and Swiss C3 Superluminova for visibility. 

At its heart, the GL224 Swiss automatic movement keeps precise time in the Glycine Combat 39 Bronze Burgundy.

Conclusion

Exploring Glycine’s iconic collections reveals a brand that has consistently merged heritage with practical innovation. 

From the precision-driven pilot watches of the Airman and Airpilot, to the resilient and versatile Combat series, and the elegantly robust Sea Kraken dive watches, each timepiece demonstrates Glycine’s dedication to craftsmanship and functionality. 

These eight standout models showcase how Glycine watches continue to appeal to watch enthusiasts who value history, reliability, and distinctive design.

Read also: How Do Automatic Watches Work? Learn the Inner Mechanism!