Quirky Backstory. Quirky Backstory. Quirky Backstory. Quirky Backstory. Quirky Backstory
Glycine Airman Special. Glycine Airman Special. Glycine Airman Special. Glycine Airman Special
06 October 2025
The Quirky Backstory Of The Glycine Airman Special
The story of the Airman watch is closely tied to the development of aviation and the needs of pilots in the 1950s.
In response to these needs, Glycine, a Swiss watchmaker established in 1914, stepped forward. In 1953, the company answered a request from Chat Brown, a British pilot and commander, by creating what would become the first Airman watch.
At first, the Airman was available exclusively through military exchange stores. However, it quickly gained popularity among pilots thanks to its design tailored specifically for navigation during extended flights.
One of its most notable innovations was the 24-hour dial, which enabled pilots to track time across different zones at a single glance. This feature was essential for maintaining precise positioning and coordination. In addition, the Airman introduced a lockable bezel, secured by a screw-down crown at the 4 o’clock position.
The Airman was also among the very first watches to support multiple time zones in a practical format. Its shock-proof case, unbreakable mainspring, and legible dial further solidified its reputation as a durable and dependable tool for aviators.
The watch’s reliability reached new heights in 1965, when astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad wore an Airman during the Gemini 5 mission. Over the course of the flight, the watch endured and recorded a space endurance mission of 7 days, 22 hours, 55 minutes, and 14 seconds.
