Glycine 'Jump Hour' 18k Two-Tone

We’re sure the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the brand name Glycine, their iconic Airman immediately comes to mind. We don’t blame you, it’s the same for us!

Dig into their history and you'll find that Glycine has done so much more than the aviation and travel watches they are best known for. You'll discover they hold nine patents ranging from bracelet clasps and hacking mechanisms to vacuum casing and an incredible jump hour mechanism, such as the one presented here.

This particular example dates to the 1930s and is housed in a two-tone rectangular case produced in solid white gold with a yellow gold inlay on the front, framing the time display.  Measuring approximately 23mm x 34mm, the case is best characterized by its sharp edges and angular facets that extend from the top of the case all the way to the lugs - a stunning artifact from the pre-war period.

The mechanism is their baguette shaped movement, first patented in October 1929, which integrated the jump hour, minute, and seconds discs onto a baguette surface, which offered more space than round movements. Giving the crown a few turns, the manual movement puts the discs in motion, displaying the time in three windows showcasing the hours, minutes, and running seconds.

This fabulous Glycine Jump Hour offers an entirely different on-wrist experience than most contemporary collectors are familiar with. It’s all the little details that cohesively come together; its incredible two-tone gold case, the peculiar time-telling display that feels like a trip into a retro-futuristic steampunk world, its fixed bar construction, and ots accompanying steel ‘Gay Freres’ Bonklip bracelet. 

When the top of the hour comes, you'll find yourself taking a moment out of your day to watch the disc jump from one to the next, and we'd argue that the running seconds rotating disc is infinitely more soothing to behold than a sweeping seconds hand.

In short, this is a special one.

Glycine was established in 1914 by Eugene Meylan, an “uncompromising watch engineer.” With a keen understanding of both the technical and marketing aspects of the watch industry, Meylan specialized in miniaturized movements for ladies’ watches.
While this might be deemed an odd focus today, back in 1914 Meylan could not have made a better one. Wristwatches for men were still regarded as something of a novelty — although World War I would soon change that — while sales in ladies’ watches were booming. Moreover, rather than being viewed as mere accessories, ladies’ watches were a perfect way for a watchmaker to display his skill, due to the expertise required to make them. Soon Glycine’s reputation was based on the beauty and technical precision of these miniature machines. Although Glycine started small, the brand was poised to do great things.
The 1950s saw steady advancements, including the creation of perhaps Glycine’s most famous watch, pre-Airman: the Vacuum. The name came from the vacuum pump in which each Vacuum watch was placed, to be sealed. Elegant and beautifully crafted, inside and out, they were the flagship of Glycine’s collection.
Then came the Airman, which changed the face of watchmaking forever — quite literally, as it happens, due to its groundbreaking 24-hour dial. The success of the Airman ushered in a new era for Glycine, in which the brand released sporty watches to meet the changing needs of the post-war “jet set.” Today, the brand continues to manufacture both the famed Airman and five other collections under the direction and ownership of the Invicta company.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.