Glycine Watches and Their Enduring Legacy.

A Century of Timeless Flight: 

Glycine.

In the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking haven, Biel/Bienne, Glycine Watch SA has crafted timepieces that blend precision with a touch of adventure since 1914. 

Founded by the visionary Eugène Meylan, Glycine, named after the resilient wisteria flower, has spent over a century weaving a story of innovation, elegance, and a passion for aviation. 

From its early days of delicate craftsmanship to its modern resurgence under new ownership, Glycine’s journey is one of enduring style and quiet brilliance. Let’s explore this storied brand and its subtle, yet profound, contributions to horology.

The Birth of a Swiss Star.

In 1914, at just 23, Eugène Meylan launched Glycine with a dream to create watches as robust as they were refined. 

His early creations, often adorned in gold or platinum, captivated with their intricate movements and interchangeable parts. 

By the 1930s, Meylan’s ingenuity shone through with a groundbreaking self-winding mechanism, a marvel that turned heads at the 1939 New York World’s Fair for its durability and precision. 

This early innovation set the tone for Glycine’s knack for pushing boundaries while staying true to Swiss craftsmanship.

Soaring Through the Mid-Century.

The 1940s tested Glycine’s resilience as it supplied timepieces during World War II to keep the business aloft. 

But the 1950s marked a turning point…

Inspired by a pilot’s need for a watch that could keep pace with the jet age, Glycine created a timepiece that became a legend in aviation circles, trusted by U.S. Air Force pilots and even an astronaut during NASA’s Gemini missions. 

Another stroke of genius came with a patented vacuum-sealed case, designed to protect movements in the harshest conditions, proving Glycine’s commitment to durability with a touch of class.

The 1960s brought bold designs, including a vibrant, aviation-inspired model that echoed the era’s supersonic ambitions and a rugged collection built for divers and soldiers. These watches, with their understated functionality, became quiet heroes for those who lived life on the edge.

Weathering the Storm.

The 1970s quartz crisis shook the Swiss watch industry, but Glycine adapted, dabbling in quartz while holding fast to its mechanical roots. 

In 1984, Hans Brechbühler took the reins, guiding the brand with a steady hand. His daughter, Katharina, joined in 1992, infusing fresh energy. 

By the late 1990s, Glycine embraced the digital age with its first website and introduced watches that could track multiple time zones, blending tradition with modern flair.

A Modern Renaissance.

In 2011, Glycine joined Altus Uhren Holding AG, and in 2016, it found a new home under the Invicta Watch Group, which amplified its global reach while preserving its Swiss soul. 

Today, Glycine continues to craft its watches in Biel/Bienne, reissuing classics that echo its 1950s aviation heritage and expanding its dive ready and military inspired lines. 

Priced with accessibility in mind, these timepieces offer Swiss quality without the lofty price tag.

A Legacy That Endures.

From its pioneering automatic movements to its aviation and adventure-ready designs, Glycine has always been about understated excellence. 

Its watches, whether tracking time zones in the cockpit or diving into the deep, carry a legacy of precision and resilience. 

For those who value craftsmanship with a touch of adventure, Glycine remains a timeless companion.

My Take.

In my opinion, Glycine offers incredible value for your money. 

This is a watch brand with a deep history, delivering quality pieces that stand out in a world of mass-produced timepieces. 

You don’t often find this kind of heritage and craftsmanship at such an accessible price, and that’s what makes Glycine truly unique.