Founded in 1914 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, Glycine is a pioneer in the world of aviation and military horology. The brand is most famously recognized for the Glycine Airman, debuted in 1953 as the first watch to feature a 24-hour dial and multiple time-zone tracking—a design directly requested by military pilots. Beyond its aviation legacy, Glycine is celebrated for its rugged Combat collection and a storied history of innovation, including early automatic movements and vacuum-sealed cases for superior water resistance. The brand’s reliability is further cemented by its role in space exploration, most notably being worn by astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad during the NASA Gemini 5 mission in 1965. Find out more about the history of Glycine here.

Within Glycine’s aviation collections, a "Purist" model stays true to the original 1953 design by featuring only a single 24-hour hand. This requires the wearer to read time on a 24-hour scale rather than a 12-hour one. In contrast, a "GMT" (or "4-Hand") model features standard 12-hour hands for local time, with an additional fourth hand that can be set independently to track a second time zone. Both versions utilize the signature locking bezel to track multiple regions simultaneously.

Yes, one of the most distinctive characteristics of a bronze Glycine watch is its ability to develop a unique patina. Unlike stainless steel, bronze reacts to oxygen, moisture, and the pH levels of your skin, naturally darkening and forming a protective oxidation layer. This process means that over months and years, your timepiece will transition from a bright, gold-like luster to a rugged, vintage bronze aesthetic that is entirely unique to your lifestyle and environment. If you prefer the original polished look, the patina can be safely removed using mild, specialized solutions to restore the case to its factory brilliance.

Absolutely. Every Glycine watch carries the prestigious "Swiss Made" designation, a protected label that guarantees the movement is Swiss, cased in Switzerland, and undergoes final inspection by the manufacturer in Switzerland. Glycine has remained deeply rooted in the heart of Swiss watchmaking, operating its own factory in Biel/Bienne for over a century. This enduring presence in Switzerland allows the brand to uphold the rigorous standards of quality and precision that define the global benchmark for luxury horology.

The heart of a Glycine timepiece is typically a Swiss mechanical automatic movement. These movements are based on proven Swiss architecture which are renowned for their durability, 28,800 vibrations per hour (BPH) smoothness, and ease of service. For specialized functions, such as the multiple time-zone tracking found in the Airman, Glycine uses movements with integrated GMT complications. In certain modern sport and pilot models, Glycine also utilizes Swiss quartz movements to provide unmatched grab-and-go accuracy and a slimmer profile.

Yes, water resistance is a core feature of the Glycine lineup, though the depth rating varies by collection. The Combat Sub and Sea Kraken series are the most robust, typically offering between 200m and 300m of resistance, making them suitable for professional marine activities and swimming. The Airman aviation series is generally water-resistant to 30m or 50m, which is designed to protect against rain and accidental splashes during travel. For the best protection, models with higher depth ratings often feature screw-down crowns and case backs to ensure a watertight seal.

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that mechanical Glycine watches be serviced approximately every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions.

For Daily Wearers: If your watch is exposed to constant movement, humidity, or temperature fluctuations, a service interval closer to the 3-to-4-year mark is advisable.

For Occasional Wearers: Even if the watch is rarely worn, the seals and oils can still age; therefore, you should not exceed 5 to 7 years between professional inspections.

Immediate Service Needs: Regardless of the calendar, you should seek service immediately if you notice "red flag" symptoms such as significant timing inaccuracies, moisture under the crystal, or a "gritty" feeling when winding the crown.

Authentic Glycine watches are sold through authorized retailers and come with proper documentation, including a warranty card.

Each watch features a unique serial number and is manufactured to precise Swiss standards. To ensure authenticity, it is recommended to purchase only from authorized sources.

We offer complimentary standard shipping via UPS on all U.S. orders.

Expedited options are available at checkout:

• Second Day Air: $24.99
• Next Day Air: $34.99

Please note: UPS delivers on business days only (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays)

Orders are packed and shipped Monday through Friday.

Most orders ship within 24 hours; however: Orders placed after 11:00 AM EST may require an additional 1–2 business days for processing.

Orders placed on weekends or holidays begin processing on the next business day.

Delivery timelines vary based on the shipping method selected at checkout.

All orders are fully insured and require a signature upon delivery to ensure secure receipt.

Orders must be delivered to the exact address entered at checkout. We are unable to:

• Modify or update shipping addresses after an order is placed
• Reroute packages or request carrier holds
• Process pickup requests

If an incorrect address is entered and the package is returned, any return shipping fees will be deducted from your refund.

We ship within the United States and internationally.

We do not ship to P.O. boxes, APO, or FPO addresses. A valid residential or business address is required.

International shipping rates are calculated at checkout.
All duties, taxes, and import fees are the responsibility of the customer.

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information.

You may also track your order at any time by logging into your account and viewing your order history.

New, unworn, and unaltered items may be returned within 30 days of delivery. All returns must include original packaging, tags, manuals, and warranty materials.

All returns require a Return Authorization Number (RA#) prior to shipment. To request an RA#, please contact us at info@glycinewatches.com or via the contact us form. Once approved, returns must be shipped within 7–10 days using an insured, trackable method, with the RA# clearly displayed on the package. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer for non-defective items. Returns are subject to inspection, and refunds are processed within 7–10 business days after approval. Returns received after the allowed timeframe or without an RA# may be subject to a 20% restocking fee, and original or expedited shipping fees are non-refundable.

If your item arrives damaged or defective, please contact us immediately with your order details and supporting images or video for further instructions. Packages returned to sender may incur return shipping fees deducted from the refund. For international returns, all shipping costs, duties, and fees will be deducted. Orders cannot be modified once placed, and while cancellation requests can be submitted promptly via info@glycinewatches.com, they are not guaranteed due to fast processing times.