The Glycine Airman occupies a place in the history of aviation wristwatches, emerging at a time when international flight and military aviation were rapidly reshaping how time was experienced and measured. It is the only Airman World Time that we have ever come across, including during our extensive research.

Introduced in the early 1950s, the Airman was originally designed around a practical reality faced by pilots operating across long distances: the need to track a full 24-hour day without ambiguity. Rather than adapting an existing civilian watch, Glycine built the Airman around this requirement from the outset, creating a tool that reflected the rhythms of flight rather than the conventions of everyday timekeeping. It was this clarity of purpose that led many military aviators - particularly those flying long-range and overseas missions - to privately purchase and wear Airmans alongside their issued equipment.

Emerging during the early jet age, when long-haul international routes became routine rather than exceptional, the Airman’s evolution mirrored a period when pilots and professional travelers increasingly moved between continents within a single flight cycle.

This example, made during the war in Vietnam, represents a particularly developed expression of that idea - an exceptionally rare true World Time Airman variant, incorporating a rotating city ring and 24-hour scale that allows multiple global time zones to be read intuitively and without calculation. Such functionality proved especially relevant during the Cold War and Vietnam-era period when military pilots often operated across multiple theaters and relied on 24-hour timekeeping to remain synchronized with command schedules and mission planning.

The case design reinforces that same philosophy. This watch is housed in a classic Super-Compressor case, identifiable by its dual cross-hatched crowns and internal rotating bezel system. Originally engineered to improve water resistance through pressure-activated sealing, the Super-Compressor architecture also protected the bezel mechanism from accidental movement - an advantage for watches worn in demanding environments. Combined with the technical dial layout and restrained and functional accents, the result is a watch that feels purpose-built, balancing robustness, legibility, function in a way that reflects its professional roots.

It has all of its original parts including its original bracelet and is in very pleasing condition. Its untouched original dial and world time bezel appear perfect mint even under magnification.

Its case is in excellent condition with only light signs of previous polishing.

Kindly note: Despite what the photo seem to suggest, all of the wording on the back is still intact and readable.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement; carefully inspecting each part; reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Photos of the inside available upon request.

It is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time. For the finishing touch, we have carefully detailed it, making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Glycine
Country of origin: Switzerland
Date built: 1969
Model: Airman World Time Super Compressor
Designed for: Men
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Day of the Week, Date, World Time
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Glycine Watch Co., Switzerland, AS 1906, 10 679, Super Compressor with patent info, 4-69
Case condition: Its case is in excellent condition with only light signs of previous polishing.
Dial: Matte black with applied luminous hour markers; inner 24-hour scale; outer world-time city ring; day-date display at 3 o’clock; signed Glycine, original and untouched, mint condition
Kindly note: Despite what the photo seem to suggest, all of the wording on the back is still intact and readable.
Dimensions: 42mm wide (excluding crown), 50mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, steel, "batons" with luminous and black inserts
Movement: Glycine by A. Schild caliber 1906, automatic, 17 jewels, gilt plated, shock resistant
Jewels: 17 rubies
Width between lugs: 22mm
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement; carefully inspecting each part; reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Photos of the inside available upon request.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time
Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide