BASELNEWS 2004Glycine: Two new models and an Ambassadress for aviator watches
Even in its 90th year, Glycine Watch SA of Biel continues to produce a unique synthesis of innovation, technology and tradition. At this year’s Baselworld, the pioneer in aviator watches will be launching AIRMAN 9, an all-encompassing world time watch, which displays three time zones and features an integrated chronograph. Along with this remarkable time piece, Glycine will also be presenting its new Ambassadress for aviator watches, Pascale Alajouanine, the reigning European Aerobatic Champion. Furthermore, Glycine is also introducing the HALFHUNTER – a very special addition to the INCURSORE family.
AIRMAN 9 – the all-encompassing aviator watch
Speaking at Baselworld two years ago, Glycine’s Managing Director, Katherina Brechbühler, promised that “We have no plans to produce a larger wrist watch”. She had just launched the 53-millimetre diameter AIRMAN 7 world time watch, featuring three independent mechanical movements. Glycine is now presenting a smaller but completely equipped aviator watch, the AIRMAN 9, which uniquely combines all the features of a chronograph with that of a world time watch, and still boasts a respectable 44 mm diameter. The watch displays three time zones, two on the dial and one on the rotating bezel, enabling short time keeping of up to 24 hours. “This watch fits perfectly into our range of aviator and world time watches”, explains Katherina Brechbühler, who is responsible for design and development, and who co-owns and manages Glycine Watch SA together with her father, Hans Brechbühler. The AIRMAN 9 combines innovation, technology and tradition – the three central pillars supporting the company’s 90 year history. Katherina Brechbühler goes on to explain that “As a specialist in world time watches, we never miss a chance of incorporating the very latest technology into our products, making sure we are always in a position to offer innovative watches”. Each individually numbered AIRMAN 9 has a star engined aircraft engraved on the oscillating weight and is fitted with a finely finished rhodium plated ETA 7754 automatic movement.
The AIRMAN 9 is water resistant up to 200 M, and is available in a variety of dials, with either a leather strap or double clasp stainless steel bracelet, and at a price of around CHF 4'000.–.
The rugged INCURSORE HALF-HUNTER Limited Edition 04
Glycine is not only renowned as a pioneer of world time watches, but also for its “Big Size” watches. Glycine set the trend back in 1998 when it launched the first steel INCURSORE watch with a diameter of 44 mm and utilising the UT 6497 movement normally found in pocket watches. The INCURSORE family, which has grown considerably since then, has now been joined by a new member – the INCURSORE HALF-HUNTER – with the very noticeable diameter of 46 mm. What makes this watch special is not only its size but its astounding case construction, a wonderfully skilful combination of tradition and innovation.
As the name implies, Hunter watches were originally made for hunters, for wearing in open air, under particularly arduous conditions and often in rough weather; the watch glass was protected by a massive front cover. Half hunter watches were similarly constructed but had a small glass covered opening in the centre of the front cover, allowing the time to be read at the centre of the watch face, with the cover closed. A whole family of military watches were made along the same principles of mechanical protection, the fragile glass parts of the watch being additionally protected by wire mesh or a cover. Glycine has now made a synthesis of various constructional features to develop the INCURSORE HALF-HUNTER with its particularly hardwearing high quality stainless steel case which is waterproof 100 M, featuring a sapphire glass protecting the “porthole” on the cover. In addition, a new-built triple-function screw-down steel crown secures opening/closing of the front cover as well as time setting and water resistance. Owing to the ergonomic shape of the case, this watch, in spite of its sturdy construction, fits comfortably on the wrist. The glass back allows for a view on the well-known UT 6498 movement with its chequer board decoration, blue screws and the snail-finished ratchet and crown wheels.
The INCURSORE HALF-HUNTER is exceptional both in terms of concept and design. Only 999 watches are being produced, available in the Limited Edition 04 – 299 with a green dial, 300 in yellow and 400 with a black dial. The price will be around CHF 1500.–.
Aerobatic champion Pascale Alajouanine – Glycine’s new Ambassadress
Along with the launch of these two new models, Glycine is also introducing its new Ambassadress, Pascale Alajouanine, the Aerobatic Pilote, reigning European Champion, four times French Champion and World Team Champion. Henceforth, the “Airwoman” from Boulogne near Paris will represent the Glycine AIRMAN watch line. The AIRMAN 9 with integrated chonograph is of particular interest to aerobatic pilots, as they need to keep exactly to their schedule at aerobatics championships.
“I am very happy to be Glycine’s partner”, says Pascale Alajouanine “as I am fascinated by precision, technology and innovation – values which play a central role in aeronautics”. Values that are also of main importance to Glycine and their AIRMAN watches.