LOVE LOVE when you add deep historical background about watches. This is one of your best episodes yet. Keep up the excellent work. The more history the better. Thank you!
I own and cherish my Limited Edition Airman Vintage V (#68/150) that I acquired 20 some years ago. On a recent visit to Bern Switzerland I took a 20 minute train ride to Biel/Bienne to visit Glycine (and tour the Omega Museum as well). What a treat to visit the store and tour the Glycine vault in a most beautiful medieval courtyard where most of the watches are on display. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Glycine.
Welcome back with your unique and memorable style! Hosted, Written, Edited & Directed by TGV is what I really like, I've appreciated your truly genuine and enthusiastic approach since your beginnings and my opinion is that this is the best way to carry on your Channel: to be as, I think, you are in your real life and do the things by yourself. So, continue this way, you do it very well, ad maiora! Un saluto affettuoso da Roma, ciao! 😀
Yes - back to the TGV-style of video that got me into watches in the first place. Welcome back and well done. Hope you can continue to do this in a way that is economically viable for you. Wishing you much success.
TGV! This was Magic again, hands down you do the best editing of anyone I have ever seen doing watch reviews. I also, could feel your happiness doing a video that felt not pressured or unscripted I shall dare say. I loved the video about the “10 things” and I really appreciated this video and all the camera angles and editing, first class for sure brother 🤙🏻. Please keep doing it this way.
So delighted to see you feature the No. 1. I bought the black dial version in February and it's been fantastic. It also happens to be my most accurate mechanical watch. For about the first three or four days after I got it, it was literally +/- 0.00 seconds, almost like magic. I became entranced by its accuracy, looking down every few minutes while I was at my computer to confirm the second hand was matching up with the atomic clock. It was like watching an expert archer split the shaft of their previous arrows in the bullseye over and over again, Robin Hood style (or maybe William Tell would be a better Swiss analogy, haha?). After about a week of wearing it daily, it slipped a little, but it's consistently less than 2 seconds off daily. Love it.
I practically wrote the same, I am in love with my purist black dial BUT the thing that cracked me is the absolutely precision of the movement, I am checking every day and it gains about one second a day, incredible
I'm so happy to see a great and informative review. I have an airman 44 and a combat sub. They both keep way better time than the plus/minus indicates. I have dropped, bumped and scuffed both and neither have quit on me.
A while back I purchased a glycine airman DC4 GL071. For me, A perfect watch. If you like a Rolex GMT I would think anyone would love this watch! Personally, I love the cyclops date (I can actually see the date). I travel quite a bit and like to track at least two times zones. Would prefer a True Travelers GMT (i.e., you can simply adjust the hour hand when you land). Everyone makes such chunky watches, but the 42 mm width really works As the watch is relatively thin and it fits so nicely under a sleeve cuff. The 12 hour face with the 24 hour inner and outer bezel is the perfect balance for me between day-to-day functionality and tracking my second and even a third time zone. One of the watches I reach for most often. I replaced the NATO strap with a stainless mesh Milanese bracelet. With its retro looks and thin profile, goes great with a business shirt or a pair of jeans. Most people don’t realize that Glycine made the first GMT watch, yes, they beat Rolex to the market with this by one year!! IMHO, One of the most significant pieces of horological history. Nice historical review of Glycine!
If it wasn't for TGV and the Urban Gentry and I would have never known about Glycine. I have a Glycine Airman Base 22 GL0207. It has become my GMT watch of choice when I travel not only because it can be worn both as a dress and sporty watch, but also has a 200m water resistance, its affordable, and it can handle anything it gets thrown at it during travel. Not to mention its accuracy is fantastic, mine runs at +6 daily.
I just came into possession of my GL0072 Airman about a week ago! It has been my Holy Grail watch for a long while. Every time I look at it or acknowledge it's presence on my wrist, I smile and give myself a little "congratulations" in a private celebration that I finally have it! I'm so excited to put it on my wrist every morning! And in the couple instances where people have noticed it, they always say that they think it's really cool, even if they don't read 24 hour time as easily as I do haha. And to those who are curious, the GL0072 does have a sapphire crystal on the dial side, a mineral glass exhibition case-back, and it's water resistant to 20 bar.
Two month update: I still smile and give myself a little congratulations every single instance where I check the time. I wear this watch every day, and it's AMAZING
My very first automatic watch was my Airman DC-4 GL0071. I love it and still own it. Excellent build quality, 200m water resistance, lovely vintage field/military dial, domed sapphire, ability to track 3 time zones at once, and is running consistently +/- 2 second a day right out of the box. It is a total strap monster, and a bracelet from a seiko diver (skx series) can easily be adapted to fit. On my 7 1/4" wrist the fit is perfect as well. Currently have it on a single pass Haveston seal brown leather strap to really complete the classic aviation feel. For me this watch checks so many boxes. It fulfills my desires for a field watch, a diver, and a GMT all in one package, and with the right strap would look proper in a business/office setting. The DC-4 and a Junghans Max Bill (for full dress occasions) could be a wonderful 2 watch collection :). The DC-4 will stay in my collection for many years to come. I'm certain that some will not like it's date magnifier, I didn't initially when I first purchased it. After owning and wearing the watch I've come to appreciate it's functionality and quite like it now. I think it really works well on this watch due to the white with red numerals date wheel. It gives that slight splash of color needed to fill out the dial. The date magnifier is an external adhesion type and can easily be removed with heat for those that can't stand it. I wouldn't have know about the Airman line if it wasn't for one of your videos TGV, thank you for everything you do! I couldn't be happier with my first automatic watch purchase.
G'day TGV, I own the same model and did a first impressions video about a week ago. I share your sentiments and feelings completely. This is an extremely romantic and emotive watch. I am very pleased that you went the extra mile and did a thorough review on this and also for addressing the Elephant, great stuff mate. A big cheers from Australia, I have been a fan and subscriber of The Urban Gentry for a long time now and always enjoy your content and enthusiasm. Cheers again from OZ :) Peter Kotsa
Ciao, and welcome back! Nice to see you back to reviewing cool watches. I also LOVE the Glycine Aviator, right now it's mine everyday watch. I purchased the Purist with the black dial (ref. 0223) so 39 mm, no GMT second hand, 200 mt resistant and I am totally in LOVE with it. Changed the leather strap for a military nato strap, the quality of the watch is really good. I am also surprised by the precision of the sellita 330 (never had one) it started with a regular +3 sec a day for the first 2/3 weeks and now it has stopped to an astonishing +1 sec a day, really impressive. Right now I am forgetting all my other watches, even my Omegas are resting in their case, because I can't put my Glycine off my wrist. Keep the good work, SALUTI DA MILANO !
Thank you for the great video. I even argue that Glycine Airman is probably the best watch under $1,000 in the market right now. It has everything watch enthusiasts on a budget may want: history, value, unique aesthetics, build quality, and a reliable movement. You can’t go wrong with Airman!
First, glad your back after the separation with WatchBox. This is the content I enjoy the most --just like the "old" days. Second, I love my Airman. It is the purist version with 24 hour dial. It took a little time to retrain my brain, but I love the watch and am happy it's in my rotation. By the way, mine keeps exceptional time, losing about 1 second per day. Not bad for a $700 watch!
I myself own an Airman GL0055, Automatic World Timer, managed to get the sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance, but I wouldn't use it as a diver or anything, it was my first entry level pilots watch and my first GMT, and I absolutely adore it.
Excellent powers of description. I could've listened to that video with my eyes closed and pictured in minute detail every aspect of that timepiece. Good stuff TGV.
One of the most unique watches I’ve ever Owned, I had the “noon” edition. It was a beautiful piece and wore beautifully I just couldn’t get by the 24 hour dial.
One of the classiest, professional, interesting channels out the! Well done sir! Sorry to hear you will be doing less content...good luck with your new endeavour...
Hey TGV! Great review and nice to see you back to form! Glad you don't assume the worst in Glycine being acquired by Invicta. People who are uninformed assume that Invicta came in and started messing with Glycine and their quality. They point to things like the logo being changed to a winged logo which was in fact done before Invicta was around in 2014 as a 100year anniversary to celebrate their aviation history. They look at Glycine models that don't have drilled lugs, while this was also pre-Invicta. They look at some of the out there coloring or sizing options Glycine has and same thing. People assume what fits in with their assorted beliefs without taking the time to inform themselves. This wouldn't be so bad, but people also spread these assumptions to others as if they are fact. Since Invicta took over things have vastly improved for Glycine. Quality included. They went back to original logo. They went back to drilled lugs on models like the combat sub. Not only that, but prices are incredibly affordable now. What's not to like?
Thanks for the super review TGV. I have owned a Glycine Airman for a couple of years now and it is a fabulous watch and one of my favourites in my collection. I echo your sentiments, comments and thoughts on this wonderful watch....It is so underated
Class review of a very elegant tool watch. Great work againTGV. I only found your channel a couple of months ago and I've spent a small fortune already! Damn, this has to be next if there are any left to be had.
I was just on their website and the 36mm gets my heart racing a little bit. The design is so evocative of the mid 20th century, I can hear the propeller planes overhead by just looking at it.
I’ve been wearing an Airman 18 purist as my everyday watch (w/ a Nomos Orion 35 as my dressier watch) for the last two years and absolutely couldn’t be happier. I’ve been in the Navy for 16 years, so chose the 18 due to it’s robustness over other models, but also size as bigger watches tend to get caught on a lot of things and don’t fit well under flight gloves (photos of people wearing a watch over their gloves is a joke and actually against regulation). Only problem I’ve had is finding a good summer strap for it, currently I’ve been using a Haveston canvis strap in the summer, but it will pick up smells pretty easily. Not a fan of nato straps as they again add some unwanted bulk.
Thanks for this great review. Here is some info on the background of the tailend on the hourhand. "The early Airman had two pencil shaped hands. The minute hand on these early models was equipped with a long tail. For a long time we thought that this tail had no apparent function. Vintage Airman specialist Bill Shaine from Massachusetts recently found a very rare early manual that clearly describes its purpose: “The other feature is the long tailend to the minute hand. This facilitates lecture of local time where the difference between G.M.T. and local time is not a full number of hours. This applies to Bombay, Burma, Curaçao, Iran, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Island of Newfoundland.” In the course of time some of those locations adopted the full hour except Iran, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, mid Australia and Newfoundland. Around 1955 the pencil hour hand got its characteristic arrow. The long tail switched hands and nowadays points to the opposite hour in the 24-hour scale and therefore functions as a mnemonic for those who still have to get used to the 24-hour scale. "
My favorite is the Glycine The Chif with the blue hand, very impressive piece, beautiful history behind this classic piece, Thank you my friend for reviewing this magnificent piece, 👍🏼👍🏼love the entry of this video deserves more attention and appreciation....
Love the show in any form you want to bring it to us TGV! Your straight forward reviews, whit and humor all delivered with class represents the best of what watch collecting is. I'm sure whatever business adventure you are taking on will be a great success as long as you bring that winning attitude and charm into it. Selfishly I'm hoping your going to open an online watch store with maybe both vintage and modern watches for sale? Maybe just dreaming on my part but you would have my business sir. Compared to other options out there being run by rude ego maniacs. Only TimeTeller oh, whoops, Frueden slip. Only time will tell! Good luck and cheers
TGV, your editing and production skills are the best on YT. Seriously. All the materials from Vietnam era are so exact! Love to see A1's , A7's A4's on videos and pictures. For someone inerested in aircrafts, history and watches it is extatic pleasure to watch :-)
Another great introduction !!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Awesome video and great info! I also thought that Invicta was playing a role on glycine models , thank you for clearing that out!!!
Fantastic video! I dig it. If this is the future of the channel, I'm definitely content. Regarding the Airman, I can't recommend them enough. I've got an Airman 18 on brown leather and love it. It's not too big, not too small, maintains the classic look but with a sapphire crystal, and it's just very handsome. It's not trying to be anything it's not. It's just a unique, purpose-built GMT. Also, having owned both pre- and post-Invicta Glycines, I haven't noticed a dip in quality. The Combat Sub is also a great choice as it's one of the thinnest auto divers I've handled and it isn't just another Submariner homage. Congratulations on another great video and a return to form.
TGV, Great Intro and a Great Review for a Great Watch! Well done You! I have the Airman DC-4 pictured briefly at about 12:17. My only complaint on that particular variant is that whilst the lume on the main hour and minute hands is acceptable, the lume on the numerals and hour markers is virtually nonexistent. It lasts maybe 3 minutes at best.
I’m glad to see a video on the Airman. I have a vintage 1956 (I think) Glycine Airman. I got it in 2004 and I’ve worn it a great deal. I wore it on a Baltic Cruise and it was very useful as we went through multiple timezones to simply adjust the bezel to current time. Considering that it’s not a new watch by any means it keeps excellent time and the plexiglass crystal from the 1950’s shows the absolute minimum wear. It’s a tough watch.
1953-2023 ... 70 years Glycine Airman pilot watches. In fact, the first automatic watch in space ! The 36 mm waterproof stainless steel Glycine Airman automatic was designed in 1953 to be the perfect pilot’s watch. A matte black 24 hours dial contrasts with the prominent arrow shaped hour hand and distinctive pencil minute hand. The Glycine Airman had an adjustable 24 hours bezel with lockdown thumbscrew, a domed acrylic plexiglass with date magnifier and a precise seconds hacking mechanism, an important feature for time synchronization used by military personnel. It became the first automatic wrist watch to be used & exposed to outer space, by NASA astronaut Charles Pete Conrad respectively on Gemini V (August 1965) and Gemini XI (September 1966) spaceflight missions. During Gemini XI, Richard Gordon conducted 2 hours 41 minutes spacewalk time and due to the open cockpit design of the Gemini capsule, Conrad’s Glycine Airman automatic was all that time directly exposed to the vacuum of outer space! A pilot watch favorite with civil airline pilots & military air crew of all forces alike; Army, Coast Guard, US Navy, USAF, USMC & US Space Force. #MoonwatchUniverse
TGV, I really enjoyed the frequent appearances of TWA in your review. I live in St. Louis, Missouri and we were proud to be a hub city for Trans World Airlines. My first flight on a commercial airliner was on a TWA plane. That was back in the day when people dressed up in order to fly. Now it is flip-flops and t-shirts. Some things don't get better with time.
The Glycine Airman GL0157 (Noon) was my first mechanical watch. I am new to the hobby and 2 things turned me on to this watch: hearing it mentioned in no less than a dozen of your videos and the fact that I found this version of the watch at my favorite store, Costco. My first one I had to return because the movement stopped working after a few weeks (yay for Costco's excellent return policy). The new one I got that same day has been working for 6 months perfectly. The quality for the cost ($570) is outstanding and you would never know the brand was associated with Invicta. Thank you for you helping me pick this as my first mechanical watch.
I have the Glycine Airman DC-4 purist. It is my favorite watch in my collection. Such a neat watch. People comment on it all the time even kids witch I think is crazy that they would even notice something like a watch when they hardly ever look up for there electronics. Great video!
I see these watches selling for $350 US at several different dealers so I guess that's an even better deal eh? I think I'm going to pick one up. Thank you for straightening out the whole Invicta debacle that was the main reason I hadn't pulled the trigger yet. 👊😎
I am expecting my one to arrive today! The GL0069 from Gnomon. Thank you very much for introducing me to these beautiful watches.Your video of the luminous Base 22 introduced me to the watch and it is a video that I revisit often.
I love my Airman. My go to watch. Extremely versatile. I have the 38mm Purist with the black dial. The quality and finishing is quite good at this price point. Just a fantastic watch. Enjoyed the video, and I agree, a great value and underrated watch.
Loved this newest video! It is like the good old days of the channel, keep them coming. This sort of content is exactly why I subscribed many years ago (authentic, informative, entertaining and budget friendly watches).
Thanks TGV as you turned me on to Glycine Airman GMT in a previous video .... I really like GMT watches and subsequently I added an Airman to my collection. I got the Glycine 42 Airman Horizon GL0064 Bracelet Ref. It has turned out to be one of my Favorites. First off the Blue Gray dial is fantastic and unique, domed sapphire crystal with 3 layers of anti reflective coating really makes the dial pop. The exhibition case back is also great. The stainless steel integrated bracelet if a perfect match for this watch as it is beautiful, comfortable and very well constructed. The history of this watch and the company is also very interesting and adds meaning to the watch. Super video and it reminded me of why you helped me add this watch to my collection. A Sincere Thanks to You and Good Luck going forward..👍👍👍
I’m obsessed with Glycine at the moment. Especially the new combat subs with the 3,6,9. An Airman and one of those subs would be an awesome collection!!!
Good evening TGV, I must admit, I neglected Glycine for quite some time. As of lately I got to know that Glycine has GMTs with quite an unique touch. Great you covered some of Glycine's history. Have a great evening!
Good evening Heiko, So glad to hear, thank you. I am a bit late myself on this one too, I put this off this video for over a year but happy to finally get there. Best regards, TGV
Hello, TGV. I have been a fan of your channel for a long time, and really enjoy watching your videos of various watches. 3-4 years ago I bought my first "expensive" watch, with my budget. That watch was a Glycine Airman 44. I was really compelled by the watch, but little did I know about the sizing of watches. Anyhow, when i had this watch i came over one of your videos of the Sarb033, and in that video you had a lovely suede leather strap. I left a comment asking where i could get this strap. you answered and told me that it was from Holbens, and you had done a review on it earlier that year. I could not find the video, and therefore I did not end up buying the strap. 2 months ago i pulled the trigger on the sarb033, i fell completely in love with the watch and consider it a watch i will have in my collection for a very long time. I love watching videos about it, and listen to people's opinions. it was there i stumbled over your videos again of the strap you had on the sarb033 you were comparing to the rolex explorer. I once again tried to find the strap, without knowing I had tried to find the same strap some years ago. Then I came over my old comment again, where I asked you. This is why i feel that i HAVE to buy this strap, since my eyes locked on to the strap once again. I have found the strap on holbens under Fluco suede leather straps. The thing I am struggling with is the exact same color you have in your videos. They have a dark grey variant, light grey, beige and tan. I can't seem to find the color that is matching in your videos. It would be of great help if you could help me to the right color, where i would love to wear it on my sarb033. Best, Aleksander!
Thankyou, Tristano. In a time when things seem to be falling apart, your videos represent an island of mental peace... I love these Glycines. If things ever get back to 'normal,' I look forward to owning one or three! 😎
Pulled the trigger recently on the L.E. Airman No. 1 GMT 36mm version. Can’t wait to receive this beautiful little piece. Great content as always TGV, thanks for sharing so much background and history about the pieces you review 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Wonderful review, thanks for making me crave an Airman again! I appreciate the work you put into your productions, they are a always fun and informative.
Totally agree with you. I've just one purist and the way you read the time is so logical ( each hour has now its identity) that makes other watch seem to me "inefective".
I had an original Airman about 15 years ago and to this day I regret selling it. Thank you for reminding how good a watch this was. I added this watch to one of my “comeback” watch list. Glad to see you again!
My problem with the Glycine Airman is that there's a million versions and I can't seem to find a comprehensive guide on which one is which. For example: I know there are some Airman models where the hour hand goes at half speed, so it actually takes 24 hours to go around once. But then there are other Airman models which have the 24 hour markings, but DON'T go around at half speed. And no dealers ever have info on that when you look at the watch's info, so I have no idea which one to choose.
It probably depends on the dealer, but many label their "half speed" (i.e. 24-hr hour hand) versions as the "Purist" models --presumably because the original Airman was a proper 24 hour dial watch with a 24 hour hand. The other option is often called the "GMT" because it uses a modern ETA or Sellita movement which has that extra hand. As I understand it, while the "Purist" may be the more historically accurate (and arguably more intuitive) version, it's actually the same movement with the GMT hand removed and replaced by the "normal" hour hand. Which means there's still a 12-hour gear ticking away inside with no hand attached to it. So you'd be buying a watch which has kind of been handicapped from its original specs. Hopefully that helps.
John Solo i agree with you with the lack of information on the functionality but the fact that there’re different models isn’t bad imo. Just like the Speedys?
Any Airman with 3 hands ( hour,minute and seconds ) is a true 24h watch.If you see a 4th hand it’s a GMT watch,meaning the main hour hand works on classic 12h bases while the GMT hand is on 24h bases.
Very interesting! If I'm not mistaken the Glycine Airman was first since it debuted in 1953 and Rolex followed in 1954/55... Either way I'm a huge fan of the channel, the knowledge, the presentation and style!
This all day! Thank you TGV for your considered reviews, honest approach, and excellent attention to details that are sometimes difficult to perceive through online-only viewing. Congratulations on stepping forward into a new Golden Age for the Gentry. :)
LOVE LOVE when you add deep historical background about watches. This is one of your best episodes yet. Keep up the excellent work. The more history the better. Thank you!
Words can't describe how beautifull your intro's are. I appreciate all your effort and attention to detail in your videos. I really love your work.
Thank you so much, I deeply appreciate that.
Best regards,
TGV
I own and cherish my Limited Edition Airman Vintage V (#68/150) that I acquired 20 some years ago. On a recent visit to Bern Switzerland I took a 20 minute train ride to Biel/Bienne to visit Glycine (and tour the Omega Museum as well). What a treat to visit the store and tour the Glycine vault in a most beautiful medieval courtyard where most of the watches are on display. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Glycine.
“Hosted, written, edited, and directed by TGV” Tristano is the man!
Welcome back with your unique and memorable style! Hosted, Written, Edited & Directed by TGV is what I really like, I've appreciated your truly genuine and enthusiastic approach since your beginnings and my opinion is that this is the best way to carry on your Channel: to be as, I think, you are in your real life and do the things by yourself. So, continue this way, you do it very well, ad maiora! Un saluto affettuoso da Roma, ciao! 😀
Grazie mille Gabriele, le tue parole mi hanno ispirato!
Best regards,
TGV
completely agree! this episode brought back fond memories of the old favorites!
I am so happy TGV is able to make this kind of content again!
Production levels on this video are insane. This guy should have his own programme. Incredible.
Yes - back to the TGV-style of video that got me into watches in the first place. Welcome back and well done. Hope you can continue to do this in a way that is economically viable for you. Wishing you much success.
I was literally looking for a GMT watch under 1000 on the internet and youtube and you uploaded this, lucky me :)
So glad to hear I can help
Happy hunting and thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
TGV! This was Magic again, hands down you do the best editing of anyone I have ever seen doing watch reviews. I also, could feel your happiness doing a video that felt not pressured or unscripted I shall dare say. I loved the video about the “10 things” and I really appreciated this video and all the camera angles and editing, first class for sure brother 🤙🏻. Please keep doing it this way.
So delighted to see you feature the No. 1. I bought the black dial version in February and it's been fantastic. It also happens to be my most accurate mechanical watch. For about the first three or four days after I got it, it was literally +/- 0.00 seconds, almost like magic. I became entranced by its accuracy, looking down every few minutes while I was at my computer to confirm the second hand was matching up with the atomic clock. It was like watching an expert archer split the shaft of their previous arrows in the bullseye over and over again, Robin Hood style (or maybe William Tell would be a better Swiss analogy, haha?). After about a week of wearing it daily, it slipped a little, but it's consistently less than 2 seconds off daily. Love it.
I practically wrote the same, I am in love with my purist black dial BUT the thing that cracked me is the absolutely precision of the movement, I am checking every day and it gains about one second a day, incredible
I'm so happy to see a great and informative review. I have an airman 44 and a combat sub. They both keep way better time than the plus/minus indicates. I have dropped, bumped and scuffed both and neither have quit on me.
A while back I purchased a glycine airman DC4 GL071. For me, A perfect watch. If you like a Rolex GMT I would think anyone would love this watch! Personally, I love the cyclops date (I can actually see the date). I travel quite a bit and like to track at least two times zones. Would prefer a True Travelers GMT (i.e., you can simply adjust the hour hand when you land). Everyone makes such chunky watches, but the 42 mm width really works As the watch is relatively thin and it fits so nicely under a sleeve cuff. The 12 hour face with the 24 hour inner and outer bezel is the perfect balance for me between day-to-day functionality and tracking my second and even a third time zone. One of the watches I reach for most often. I replaced the NATO strap with a stainless mesh Milanese bracelet. With its retro looks and thin profile, goes great with a business shirt or a pair of jeans.
Most people don’t realize that Glycine made the first GMT watch, yes, they beat Rolex to the market with this by one year!! IMHO, One of the most significant pieces of horological history.
Nice historical review of Glycine!
TGV..
Glad to see you back
in very fine form.
Hey to Hugo and onwards
and upwards indeed.
If it wasn't for TGV and the Urban Gentry and I would have never known about Glycine. I have a Glycine Airman Base 22 GL0207. It has become my GMT watch of choice when I travel not only because it can be worn both as a dress and sporty watch, but also has a 200m water resistance, its affordable, and it can handle anything it gets thrown at it during travel. Not to mention its accuracy is fantastic, mine runs at +6 daily.
I just came into possession of my GL0072 Airman about a week ago! It has been my Holy Grail watch for a long while. Every time I look at it or acknowledge it's presence on my wrist, I smile and give myself a little "congratulations" in a private celebration that I finally have it! I'm so excited to put it on my wrist every morning! And in the couple instances where people have noticed it, they always say that they think it's really cool, even if they don't read 24 hour time as easily as I do haha. And to those who are curious, the GL0072 does have a sapphire crystal on the dial side, a mineral glass exhibition case-back, and it's water resistant to 20 bar.
Two month update: I still smile and give myself a little congratulations every single instance where I check the time. I wear this watch every day, and it's AMAZING
It feels good to watch u get back to ur awesome reviews Sir! Loved it as always!! Stay safe!
I own a Combat, looks like I need an Airman now after watching this...great to see you back making watch videos, onwards & upwards!!
My very first automatic watch was my Airman DC-4 GL0071. I love it and still own it. Excellent build quality, 200m water resistance, lovely vintage field/military dial, domed sapphire, ability to track 3 time zones at once, and is running consistently +/- 2 second a day right out of the box. It is a total strap monster, and a bracelet from a seiko diver (skx series) can easily be adapted to fit. On my 7 1/4" wrist the fit is perfect as well. Currently have it on a single pass Haveston seal brown leather strap to really complete the classic aviation feel. For me this watch checks so many boxes. It fulfills my desires for a field watch, a diver, and a GMT all in one package, and with the right strap would look proper in a business/office setting. The DC-4 and a Junghans Max Bill (for full dress occasions) could be a wonderful 2 watch collection :). The DC-4 will stay in my collection for many years to come.
I'm certain that some will not like it's date magnifier, I didn't initially when I first purchased it. After owning and wearing the watch I've come to appreciate it's functionality and quite like it now. I think it really works well on this watch due to the white with red numerals date wheel. It gives that slight splash of color needed to fill out the dial. The date magnifier is an external adhesion type and can easily be removed with heat for those that can't stand it.
I wouldn't have know about the Airman line if it wasn't for one of your videos TGV, thank you for everything you do! I couldn't be happier with my first automatic watch purchase.
What a masterful introductory video! One of your very best! Thoroughly enjoyed this, TGV. You are truly at the height of your craft.
I miss Hugo
Very happy to see you went back to your classic style of filming and video production, TGV- senza W.B. ...Bravo....
G'day TGV, I own the same model and did a first impressions video about a week ago. I share your sentiments and feelings completely.
This is an extremely romantic and emotive watch. I am very pleased that you went the extra mile and did a thorough review on this and also for addressing the Elephant, great stuff mate. A big cheers from Australia, I have been a fan and subscriber of The Urban Gentry for a long time now and always enjoy your content and enthusiasm. Cheers again from OZ :) Peter Kotsa
That intro was absolutely sublime, had to watch it twice 👌
Thank you Huw :D
Best regards,
TGV
TGV you are a legend sir, a return to classic form. This is some of your best work, well done.
Thank you so much Joe :D
Best regards,
TGV
Nice review, and an underrated brand. Way more expensive here in the UK tho. And also, im pretty sure that seconds hand is bent to the right..........
Hi Tristano!! So happy you published another review!! Killer intro!!
Ciao, and welcome back! Nice to see you back to reviewing cool watches. I also LOVE the Glycine Aviator, right now it's mine everyday watch. I purchased the Purist with the black dial (ref. 0223) so 39 mm, no GMT second hand, 200 mt resistant and I am totally in LOVE with it. Changed the leather strap for a military nato strap, the quality of the watch is really good. I am also surprised by the precision of the sellita 330 (never had one) it started with a regular +3 sec a day for the first 2/3 weeks and now it has stopped to an astonishing +1 sec a day, really impressive. Right now I am forgetting all my other watches, even my Omegas are resting in their case, because I can't put my Glycine off my wrist. Keep the good work, SALUTI DA MILANO !
Thank you for the great video. I even argue that Glycine Airman is probably the best watch under $1,000 in the market right now. It has everything watch enthusiasts on a budget may want: history, value, unique aesthetics, build quality, and a reliable movement. You can’t go wrong with Airman!
First, glad your back after the separation with WatchBox. This is the content I enjoy the most --just like the "old" days. Second, I love my Airman. It is the purist version with 24 hour dial. It took a little time to retrain my brain, but I love the watch and am happy it's in my rotation. By the way, mine keeps exceptional time, losing about 1 second per day. Not bad for a $700 watch!
Nice intro! (Mind you I was half expecting to see Hugo rise Godzilla-like from the jungle and wreak havoc!)
LOL, that would be amazing!
Thank you Jay, I might have to do that one day.
Best regards,
TGV
I myself own an Airman GL0055, Automatic World Timer, managed to get the sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance, but I wouldn't use it as a diver or anything, it was my first entry level pilots watch and my first GMT, and I absolutely adore it.
KING OF THE INTROS rules again. Nice work T. Best as always. Matthew
Excellent powers of description. I could've listened to that video with my eyes closed and pictured in minute detail every aspect of that timepiece. Good stuff TGV.
One of the most unique watches I’ve ever Owned, I had the “noon” edition. It was a beautiful piece and wore beautifully I just couldn’t get by the 24 hour dial.
It's great to have you back. Wonderful review.
Great review, thank you TGV. Your UA-cam videos were key in helping me understand and grow my interest in vintage watches. Keep up the good work!
One of the classiest, professional, interesting channels out the! Well done sir! Sorry to hear you will be doing less content...good luck with your new endeavour...
Thank you so much :D
I am humbled and honored.
Best regards,
TGV
Hey TGV! Great review and nice to see you back to form! Glad you don't assume the worst in Glycine being acquired by Invicta. People who are uninformed assume that Invicta came in and started messing with Glycine and their quality. They point to things like the logo being changed to a winged logo which was in fact done before Invicta was around in 2014 as a 100year anniversary to celebrate their aviation history. They look at Glycine models that don't have drilled lugs, while this was also pre-Invicta. They look at some of the out there coloring or sizing options Glycine has and same thing. People assume what fits in with their assorted beliefs without taking the time to inform themselves. This wouldn't be so bad, but people also spread these assumptions to others as if they are fact. Since Invicta took over things have vastly improved for Glycine. Quality included. They went back to original logo. They went back to drilled lugs on models like the combat sub. Not only that, but prices are incredibly affordable now. What's not to like?
Amen Brother! Some watch snob types like to use "pre Invicta" as a reason for charging highly inflated prices for pre owned Airmans.
Thanks for the super review TGV. I have owned a Glycine Airman for a couple of years now and it is a fabulous watch and one of my favourites in my collection. I echo your sentiments, comments and thoughts on this wonderful watch....It is so underated
So glad you are still putting out content....and not just any content but superior content. Can't wait till the next one!
Class review of a very elegant tool watch. Great work againTGV. I only found your channel a couple of months ago and I've spent a small fortune already! Damn, this has to be next if there are any left to be had.
Wow, an epic intro TGV, one of your best
I was just on their website and the 36mm gets my heart racing a little bit. The design is so evocative of the mid 20th century, I can hear the propeller planes overhead by just looking at it.
I have been looking at this watch for a while and pulled the trigger yesterday. I'm glad I did.
I’ve been wearing an Airman 18 purist as my everyday watch (w/ a Nomos Orion 35 as my dressier watch) for the last two years and absolutely couldn’t be happier. I’ve been in the Navy for 16 years, so chose the 18 due to it’s robustness over other models, but also size as bigger watches tend to get caught on a lot of things and don’t fit well under flight gloves (photos of people wearing a watch over their gloves is a joke and actually against regulation). Only problem I’ve had is finding a good summer strap for it, currently I’ve been using a Haveston canvis strap in the summer, but it will pick up smells pretty easily. Not a fan of nato straps as they again add some unwanted bulk.
great to see you back TGV
Thanks for this great review. Here is some info on the background of the tailend on the hourhand.
"The early Airman had two pencil shaped hands. The minute hand on these early
models was equipped with a long tail. For a long time we thought that this tail had
no apparent function. Vintage Airman specialist Bill Shaine from Massachusetts
recently found a very rare early manual that clearly describes its purpose:
“The other feature is the long tailend to the minute hand. This facilitates lecture of
local time where the difference between G.M.T. and local time is not a full number of
hours. This applies to Bombay, Burma, Curaçao, Iran, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Island
of Newfoundland.”
In the course of time some of those locations adopted the full hour except Iran,
India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, mid Australia and Newfoundland.
Around 1955 the pencil hour hand got its characteristic arrow. The long tail switched
hands and nowadays points to the opposite hour in the 24-hour scale and therefore
functions as a mnemonic for those who still have to get used to the 24-hour scale. "
Glad to see the weasels aren’t getting you down! I write this while wearing a Glycine Combat Sub.
Welcome back,we have all missed you doing your own style
My favorite is the Glycine The Chif with the blue hand, very impressive piece, beautiful history behind this classic piece, Thank you my friend for reviewing this magnificent piece, 👍🏼👍🏼love the entry of this video deserves more attention and appreciation....
Love the show in any form you want to bring it to us TGV! Your straight forward reviews, whit and humor all delivered with class represents the best of what watch collecting is. I'm sure whatever business adventure you are taking on will be a great success as long as you bring that winning attitude and charm into it. Selfishly I'm hoping your going to open an online watch store with maybe both vintage and modern watches for sale? Maybe just dreaming on my part but you would have my business sir. Compared to other options out there being run by rude ego maniacs. Only TimeTeller oh, whoops, Frueden slip. Only time will tell! Good luck and cheers
The Guvnor is back👊
TGV, your editing and production skills are the best on YT. Seriously. All the materials from Vietnam era are so exact! Love to see A1's , A7's A4's on videos and pictures. For someone inerested in aircrafts, history and watches it is extatic pleasure to watch :-)
Thank you so much, that means a great deal to me.
Best regards,
TGV
Another great introduction !!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Awesome video and great info!
I also thought that Invicta was playing a role on glycine models , thank you for clearing that out!!!
Bravo Tistano! Great camerawork, editing and research!
Welcome back. A thankfully short retirement! Thanks for the review. Reminded me to strap on my ivory dial Airman Double Twelve again. Cheers.
Good to see you back 💪❤
Btw astonishingly beautiful mix between beauty and tooltasticness (like a modern Zeppelin)
Dang it. I just bought two Omega's and thought I had satisfied my itch for the year...
Good to see the "Sandy" (Douglas A1D Skyraider) getting some love in the beginning.
Fantastic video! I dig it. If this is the future of the channel, I'm definitely content.
Regarding the Airman, I can't recommend them enough. I've got an Airman 18 on brown leather and love it. It's not too big, not too small, maintains the classic look but with a sapphire crystal, and it's just very handsome. It's not trying to be anything it's not. It's just a unique, purpose-built GMT.
Also, having owned both pre- and post-Invicta Glycines, I haven't noticed a dip in quality. The Combat Sub is also a great choice as it's one of the thinnest auto divers I've handled and it isn't just another Submariner homage.
Congratulations on another great video and a return to form.
TGV, Great Intro and a Great Review for a Great Watch! Well done You!
I have the Airman DC-4 pictured briefly at about 12:17. My only complaint on that particular variant is that whilst the lume on the main hour and minute hands is acceptable, the lume on the numerals and hour markers is virtually nonexistent. It lasts maybe 3 minutes at best.
That intro was a masterpiece!! The video was splendid as always!
I’m glad to see a video on the Airman. I have a vintage 1956 (I think) Glycine Airman. I got it in 2004 and I’ve worn it a great deal. I wore it on a Baltic Cruise and it was very useful as we went through multiple timezones to simply adjust the bezel to current time. Considering that it’s not a new watch by any means it keeps excellent time and the plexiglass crystal from the 1950’s shows the absolute minimum wear. It’s a tough watch.
1953-2023 ... 70 years Glycine Airman pilot watches. In fact, the first automatic watch in space !
The 36 mm waterproof stainless steel Glycine Airman automatic was designed in 1953 to be the perfect pilot’s watch. A matte black 24 hours dial contrasts with the prominent arrow shaped hour hand and distinctive pencil minute hand. The Glycine Airman had an adjustable 24 hours bezel with lockdown thumbscrew, a domed acrylic plexiglass with date magnifier and a precise seconds hacking mechanism, an important feature for time synchronization used by military personnel.
It became the first automatic wrist watch to be used & exposed to outer space, by NASA astronaut Charles Pete Conrad respectively on Gemini V (August 1965) and Gemini XI (September 1966) spaceflight missions. During Gemini XI, Richard Gordon conducted 2 hours 41 minutes spacewalk time and due to the open cockpit design of the Gemini capsule, Conrad’s Glycine Airman automatic was all that time directly exposed to the vacuum of outer space!
A pilot watch favorite with civil airline pilots & military air crew of all forces alike; Army, Coast Guard, US Navy, USAF, USMC & US Space Force. #MoonwatchUniverse
TGV, I really enjoyed the frequent appearances of TWA in your review. I live in St. Louis, Missouri and we were proud to be a hub city for Trans World Airlines. My first flight on a commercial airliner was on a TWA plane. That was back in the day when people dressed up in order to fly. Now it is flip-flops and t-shirts. Some things don't get better with time.
The Glycine Airman GL0157 (Noon) was my first mechanical watch. I am new to the hobby and 2 things turned me on to this watch: hearing it mentioned in no less than a dozen of your videos and the fact that I found this version of the watch at my favorite store, Costco.
My first one I had to return because the movement stopped working after a few weeks (yay for Costco's excellent return policy). The new one I got that same day has been working for 6 months perfectly. The quality for the cost ($570) is outstanding and you would never know the brand was associated with Invicta.
Thank you for you helping me pick this as my first mechanical watch.
I have the Glycine Airman DC-4 purist. It is my favorite watch in my collection. Such a neat watch. People comment on it all the time even kids witch I think is crazy that they would even notice something like a watch when they hardly ever look up for there electronics. Great video!
This is what I need right now because I am looking to buy one.
I see these watches selling for $350 US at several different dealers so I guess that's an even better deal eh? I think I'm going to pick one up. Thank you for straightening out the whole Invicta debacle that was the main reason I hadn't pulled the trigger yet. 👊😎
Hi where have you seen it at $350? I'm trying to find it too thanks!
I am expecting my one to arrive today! The GL0069 from Gnomon. Thank you very much for introducing me to these beautiful watches.Your video of the luminous Base 22 introduced me to the watch and it is a video that I revisit often.
I love my Airman. My go to watch. Extremely versatile. I have the 38mm Purist with the black dial. The quality and finishing is quite good at this price point. Just a fantastic watch.
Enjoyed the video, and I agree, a great value and underrated watch.
Loved this newest video! It is like the good old days of the channel, keep them coming. This sort of content is exactly why I subscribed many years ago (authentic, informative, entertaining and budget friendly watches).
Thanks TGV as you turned me on to Glycine Airman GMT in a previous video .... I really like GMT watches and subsequently I added an Airman to my collection. I got the Glycine 42 Airman Horizon GL0064 Bracelet Ref. It has turned out to be one of my Favorites. First off the Blue Gray dial is fantastic and unique, domed sapphire crystal with 3 layers of anti reflective coating really makes the dial pop. The exhibition case back is also great. The stainless steel integrated bracelet if a perfect match for this watch as it is beautiful, comfortable and very well constructed. The history of this watch and the company is also very interesting and adds meaning to the watch. Super video and it reminded me of why you helped me add this watch to my collection. A Sincere Thanks to You and Good Luck going forward..👍👍👍
TGV, my favorite is the Glycine Airman DC-4 (24 hours dial). Great video like always. THANKS !
I’m obsessed with Glycine at the moment. Especially the new combat subs with the 3,6,9. An Airman and one of those subs would be an awesome collection!!!
So glad to see a classic TGV video again!
Happy to see the old style videos again!
Normal brands like the seiko and glycine!
Hope you will go back to the roots again!
Such a beautiful time piece. Considering one on my one year sobriety date.
Good evening TGV, I must admit, I neglected Glycine for quite some time. As of lately I got to know that Glycine has GMTs with quite an unique touch. Great you covered some of Glycine's history. Have a great evening!
Good evening Heiko,
So glad to hear, thank you.
I am a bit late myself on this one too, I put this off this video for over a year but happy to finally get there.
Best regards,
TGV
Hello, TGV.
I have been a fan of your channel for a long time, and really enjoy watching your videos of various watches. 3-4 years ago I bought my first "expensive" watch, with my budget. That watch was a Glycine Airman 44. I was really compelled by the watch, but little did I know about the sizing of watches. Anyhow, when i had this watch i came over one of your videos of the Sarb033, and in that video you had a lovely suede leather strap. I left a comment asking where i could get this strap. you answered and told me that it was from Holbens, and you had done a review on it earlier that year. I could not find the video, and therefore I did not end up buying the strap.
2 months ago i pulled the trigger on the sarb033, i fell completely in love with the watch and consider it a watch i will have in my collection for a very long time. I love watching videos about it, and listen to people's opinions. it was there i stumbled over your videos again of the strap you had on the sarb033 you were comparing to the rolex explorer. I once again tried to find the strap, without knowing I had tried to find the same strap some years ago. Then I came over my old comment again, where I asked you. This is why i feel that i HAVE to buy this strap, since my eyes locked on to the strap once again.
I have found the strap on holbens under Fluco suede leather straps. The thing I am struggling with is the exact same color you have in your videos. They have a dark grey variant, light grey, beige and tan. I can't seem to find the color that is matching in your videos. It would be of great help if you could help me to the right color, where i would love to wear it on my sarb033.
Best, Aleksander!
Ok gotta say .... You have the best intro's on you tube. Extremely well edited and creative. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Delightful. That bezel gives me a '50s camera vibe - reminds me of the shutter speed dial on a Synchro Compur.
Excellent observation!
Thank you Karl,
Best regards,
TGV
Love the white dial version...really classy.
What a phenomenal return to the OG style of watch videos! Loved this TGV, keep it up!
Thank you TGV. I’ve been trying to figure out which airman to purchase and this video helps a lot thank you
Thankyou, Tristano. In a time when things seem to be falling apart, your videos represent an island of mental peace...
I love these Glycines. If things ever get back to 'normal,' I look forward to owning one or three!
😎
That's quite an intro for a guy who's not really doing watch videos anymore! Nice work!
Thank you, I have to admit, part time or not, I can't help having fun with it.
Best regards,
TGV
Pulled the trigger recently on the L.E. Airman No. 1 GMT 36mm version. Can’t wait to receive this beautiful little piece. Great content as always TGV, thanks for sharing so much background and history about the pieces you review 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Wonderful review, thanks for making me crave an Airman again! I appreciate the work you put into your productions, they are a always fun and informative.
I own 4 different versions. But all are purist ones with 24 hour dial. I don't wear other watches any more.
Totally agree with you. I've just one purist and the way you read the time is so logical ( each hour has now its identity) that makes other watch seem to me "inefective".
Wow youre so extra
yess ,he´s back, and lovely watch and how clever the hour hand points both ways..
I had an original Airman about 15 years ago and to this day I regret selling it. Thank you for reminding how good a watch this was. I added this watch to one of my “comeback” watch list. Glad to see you again!
I love the "comeback" watch list idea, I might have to use that!
Thank you Alan,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Keep safe TGV! Things will get better surely. Faith and Gratitude. You are blessed!
My problem with the Glycine Airman is that there's a million versions and I can't seem to find a comprehensive guide on which one is which. For example: I know there are some Airman models where the hour hand goes at half speed, so it actually takes 24 hours to go around once. But then there are other Airman models which have the 24 hour markings, but DON'T go around at half speed. And no dealers ever have info on that when you look at the watch's info, so I have no idea which one to choose.
It probably depends on the dealer, but many label their "half speed" (i.e. 24-hr hour hand) versions as the "Purist" models --presumably because the original Airman was a proper 24 hour dial watch with a 24 hour hand. The other option is often called the "GMT" because it uses a modern ETA or Sellita movement which has that extra hand. As I understand it, while the "Purist" may be the more historically accurate (and arguably more intuitive) version, it's actually the same movement with the GMT hand removed and replaced by the "normal" hour hand. Which means there's still a 12-hour gear ticking away inside with no hand attached to it. So you'd be buying a watch which has kind of been handicapped from its original specs. Hopefully that helps.
Excellent point John, very true, thank you for sharing.
Best regards,
TGV
If you want to play it "safe" check for the Purist models, anyway keep on the 24 h dials, it's the peculiarity of the Aviator
John Solo i agree with you with the lack of information on the functionality but the fact that there’re different models isn’t bad imo. Just like the Speedys?
Any Airman with 3 hands ( hour,minute and seconds ) is a true 24h watch.If you see a 4th hand it’s a GMT watch,meaning the main hour hand works on classic 12h bases while the GMT hand is on 24h bases.
I just pick up bronze airman gl0166 it is my first Swiss movement watch. And I love the look, and history behind it. Love the channel too
Just got one from 1965 first edition cheaply. Im so happy with this 24hrs dial
Thanks for great content!!
Not just a watch channel....a historical education in horology.
Very interesting! If I'm not mistaken the Glycine Airman was first since it debuted in 1953 and Rolex followed in 1954/55... Either way I'm a huge fan of the channel, the knowledge, the presentation and style!
Thanks a lot for your review. I'm really thinking about buying an Airman since some time.
Great brand great watch great vid. Nice to see you back! I’m also in miltary model building, your intro get me started there too...
This all day! Thank you TGV for your considered reviews, honest approach, and excellent attention to details that are sometimes difficult to perceive through online-only viewing. Congratulations on stepping forward into a new Golden Age for the Gentry. :)