Glycine

Identity and scope

Glycine is a Swiss watch brand whose current catalogue identifies the house with the date 1914.

This guide treats that identity as the starting point. It does not transfer line-level history to an individual watch without matching reference evidence. 1

Historical position

The official catalogue uses the statement 'Watchmakers since 1914'; model-level history should be checked against dated catalogues.

The date and context belong to the event described, not automatically to every object bearing the name. 1

What the source establishes

The cited Glycine record is the evidence anchor used here for Glycine. Its documented scope is narrower than a complete corporate, calibre, or model archive.

Where the source speaks for the brand, its historical statements remain attributed rather than converted into independent verification. 1

Identify the exact watch

Record every visible dial signature, the complete case-back reference and serial markings, movement or module markings, dimensions, materials, and complications. Compare those details with a dated catalogue, manual, archive extract, or service document for the exact reference.

A shared logo or broadly similar case is an identification lead, not proof of age, originality, or authenticity. 1

Keep entities and dates separate

Use 1914 only in the documented context described above. Names may survive ownership changes, disappear and return, or refer to a founder, historic maker, product line, and present operator at different times.

Build an object-level chronology before making continuity claims. 1

Research a Glycine watch

Start with clear photographs of the dial, case back, crown, clasp, and movement where safely accessible. Search the exact markings in primary documentation and retain the document date and page or section.

For authentication, servicing, or valuation, use a qualified specialist and preserve provenance, invoices, and prior service records. 1

Independent research update

Glycine was founded May 20, 1914 by Eugène Meylan at age 23 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

Eugène Meylan was born 1891 in Le Chenit, Switzerland and attended watchmaking school at École d'arts appliqués in La Chaux-de-Fonds 1910-1911.

The name 'La Glycine' likely derives from the French word for wisteria flower (glycine), reflecting founder's early focus on refined women's watches.

Watchmakers Piccola and Joffrette became co-owners of La Glycine on November 4, 1916, changing name to Fabrique d'Horlogerie La Glycine, Piccola et Joffrette.

Glycine released the first mass-produced automatic watches in 1930 and later in 1945 deployed a complete range of automatic watches.

Glycine developed vacuum-sealed cases in 1959 allowing more durable and water-resistant timepieces.

Glycine introduced the Airman watch in 1953 as first watch capable of tracking two 24-hour time zones, developed at suggestion of British pilot Chat Brown.

The Glycine Airman was used extensively in commercial and military aviation, Vietnam War USAF pilots, and space missions including Gemini 5 and Gemini 11 with astronaut Pete Conrad.

Hans Brechbühler acquired Glycine in 1984 during Swiss watchmaking crisis and saved the company from bankruptcy.

Invicta Watch Group has owned Glycine since 2016.

Eugène Meylan was only briefly involved with Glycine company despite being its founder; he later developed automatic watch mechanisms through Automatic E.M.S.A company. 24786