A very cool Glycine Vacuum watch, which was described as air+water+condensation proof thanks to the vacuum sealed case.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

Glycine were founded in 1914, and in 1959 their engineer Hans Ulrich Klingenberg realised that oils and timekeeping work better in a vacuum, so designed a front loading case that was triple sealed to allow for such conditions.  This made the watches very accurate and sought after, and a patent was applied for in 1959 and granted in 1961.  Our watch doesn’t say PAT PENDING, so will be after 1961.  We have also found an advert from 1965 that shows a very similar design to our watch, so we believe this watch was made circa 1965 too.

CONDITION

Just like watches that were described as waterproof 60 years ago will no longer be waterproof, the vacuum on this watch will no longer be in place.  As clever an idea as it was, it wasn’t really practical if you need to service the watch!  But that doesn’t stop this being a very attractive piece.  The dial is dark brown with a speckle pattern bouncing the light off it nicely.  The thick glass crystal has a wide bevel on it, which is mirrored by a dished dial.  You also have a nice handset, with the tip of the seconds hand having a little pointer on it too.  The 25 jewel movement is signed for Glycine, but is an ETA 2472 so parts for this should always be available if required.  The bezel is in great shape, and doesn’t have any marks to say if it is plated or gold, so we will presume plated.  The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  37.0 mm

Width without crown  34.5 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  39.0 mm

Case Thickness  10.4 mm

All sizes are approximate.  The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.

Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon.  By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.

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