Glycine Airman Vintage GL0280 / Combat Sub GMT Bronze
GMT / Travel Watch (Dive-style GMT) · Glycine (Owned by Invicta Watch Group, historically independent), Mid-range Swiss luxury/tool watch brand
Period: Modern Neo-Vintage (2010s-present)
Type
GMT / Travel Watch (Dive-style GMT)
Brand
Glycine (Owned by Invicta Watch Group, historically independent), Mid-range Swiss luxury/tool watch brand
Movement
Swiss automatic, ETA 2893-2 or Sellita SW330-1 equivalent, 28,800 vph (4Hz), 38 to 42-hour power reserve, 25 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter: 42 mm, Case thickness: 11-12 mm, Lug-to-lug: 49 mm, Lug width: 22 mm
Description
This Glycine Airman/Combat hybrid model pairs rugged bronze aesthetics with dual-time zone utility. The warm bronze case develops a unique natural patina over time, beautifully complementing the earthy olive green strap and chocolate brown dial. Featuring a distinct GMT complication with a red-tipped hand and a 24-hour bezel, it serves as an adventurous, highly capable traveler's watch rooted in aviation and military heritage.
Key Features
Bronze case material that develops a living patina, true GMT function with a dedicated 24-hour bezel, vintage-styled Glycine crown logo, and a highly legible matte dial layout with a date Cyclops
Dial Description
Matte dark brown/khaki dial with applied round and triangular luminous dot indices, rose gold-toned sword and baton hands, red-tipped GMT hand, date window with a Cyclops magnifier at 3 o'clock, and the vintage Glycine crown logo at 12 o'clock
Case Material
Bronze alloy with a brushed satin finish
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a Cyclops lens over the date window
Bezel Details
Bidirectional rotating bronze bezel with a dark brown/black 24-hour insert and crisp white Arabic numerals for tracking a second time zone
Crown & Pushers
Signed screw-down bronze crown at the 3 o'clock position with subtle protective shoulders
Bracelet or Strap
Olive green textile/canvas strap with matching hardware and contrast stitching
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel or bronze screw-down caseback with central Glycine branding and technical specifications engraved
Movement Type
Swiss automatic, ETA 2893-2 or Sellita SW330-1 equivalent, 28,800 vph (4Hz), 38 to 42-hour power reserve, 25 jewels
Water Resistance
Rated to 200 meters (20 ATM / 660 feet), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving, though leather or textile straps should be swapped for rubber if used heavily in water.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland, utilizing outsourced Swiss automatic movements
Age Estimate
Circa 2018-2023 modern production
Cultural Significance
Glycine holds an important place in aviation watch history alongside brands like Rolex and Glycine's pioneering role in making GMT watches accessible to military and commercial pilots.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in very good to excellent overall condition. The bronze case shows minimal initial signs of natural oxidation/patina, the crystal is clean and free of visible scratches, and the textile strap remains in strong wearable condition with secure hardware.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value typically ranges from $500 to $900 USD depending on condition, inclusion of original box and papers, and the specific state of the bronze patina.
Care & Maintenance
Service the Swiss automatic movement every 5 to 7 years. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the bronze case to allow a natural, pleasing patina to form evenly. Ensure the crown is fully screwed down before exposing to moisture.
Similar Watches
Steinhart Ocean One Vintage GMT Bronze, Tudor Black Bay GMT, Hamilton Khaki Aviation GMT, Certina Action GMT
Interesting Facts
Glycine is historically famous for introducing the Airman watch in 1953, which became a favorite among US Air Force pilots and Vietnam War servicemen due to its ability to track multiple time zones simultaneously.