As many of you know, I like GMT style watches (three time-zones indicated). I also dislike large watches. I purchased a GMT II rep of unknown model and never wore it, It just felt big. Then, about a year later I was in HK and tried a gen 16750 and loved it. Of course, it is a model that is not repped; so, I settled on a 1675 rep from Mary.
Quite frankly, I never bonded to the 1675. First off, it had some construction quality issues that, with the tools I have here, I was not able to resolve to my satisfaction. Further, I just was not able to wear it comfortably, I just didn't like it.
From there I went to an Omega Seamaster Pro 300M GMT rep, also form Mary. That one I liked (still like) and wore for close to a year. It is a bit large, but the smoothness made up for a lot, it easily fit under a shirt sleeve. I saw a gen in my price range about three months into owning it and should have jumped; but I hesitated. At this point most of the gens are more than I want to pay.
This started me looking again. However, the selection of three time-zone, analogue, under 40mm, is pretty small. There is one billed as a a Tiger Concept; but, it is so much of a homage I would have rather gotten a rep of the original if I were to go that way.
Some of the people on Watchuseek suggested I look at the Glycine Airman 18. I was initially put off by the price and the, rather pedestrian, ETA movement. However, the size (39mm) and the vintage/steampunk styling were both quite attractive; so, I kept my eye on it. I then saw a steep discount being offered. I jumped and placed my order from Klepsoo.
Picture of watch on Glycine Website
After about a two month wait it finally arrived. The absolute first thing I did was to replace the strap. I had purchased a strap for the Omega on e-bay because the bracelet was uncomfortable, as was the strap that came with the Glycine; so I swapped the strap from the Omega to the Glycine (this also allowed me to put the bracelet back on the Omega to return it). The OEM strap also didn’t fit under a shirtsleeve at all.
As it arrived
The OEM strap is as close to a defective design as a watch strap can be. It is thick and stiff for about the first inch and then is thinned. This causes the watch to twist on the wrist and seek an odd angle. When tightened enough that it does not roll around on the wrist, the thick lard sections dig in and cause discomfort.
With the strap replaced
The lume is OK, it is no flashlight like the Omega, but it is long lasting. I woke up in the darkness at about 5am, as is my habit, and I was still able to read the time on the watch. After the first night, and being worn all day the lume seems to have perked up quite a bit.
I almost went with the Airman 22 (42mm) because it is significantly less expensive. I am glad I didn’t. This one is definitely big enough. If I could have found an Airman 8 (36mm), instead of the 18 (39mm) I would have gone with that, and I think it would have been a good fit. As I mentioned, the Airman seems to wear about the same size as the Omega.
In all, I like it and expect it will be on my wrist for several years.
and. . . on the wrist
Quite frankly, I never bonded to the 1675. First off, it had some construction quality issues that, with the tools I have here, I was not able to resolve to my satisfaction. Further, I just was not able to wear it comfortably, I just didn't like it.
From there I went to an Omega Seamaster Pro 300M GMT rep, also form Mary. That one I liked (still like) and wore for close to a year. It is a bit large, but the smoothness made up for a lot, it easily fit under a shirt sleeve. I saw a gen in my price range about three months into owning it and should have jumped; but I hesitated. At this point most of the gens are more than I want to pay.
This started me looking again. However, the selection of three time-zone, analogue, under 40mm, is pretty small. There is one billed as a a Tiger Concept; but, it is so much of a homage I would have rather gotten a rep of the original if I were to go that way.
Some of the people on Watchuseek suggested I look at the Glycine Airman 18. I was initially put off by the price and the, rather pedestrian, ETA movement. However, the size (39mm) and the vintage/steampunk styling were both quite attractive; so, I kept my eye on it. I then saw a steep discount being offered. I jumped and placed my order from Klepsoo.
Picture of watch on Glycine Website
After about a two month wait it finally arrived. The absolute first thing I did was to replace the strap. I had purchased a strap for the Omega on e-bay because the bracelet was uncomfortable, as was the strap that came with the Glycine; so I swapped the strap from the Omega to the Glycine (this also allowed me to put the bracelet back on the Omega to return it). The OEM strap also didn’t fit under a shirtsleeve at all.
As it arrived
The OEM strap is as close to a defective design as a watch strap can be. It is thick and stiff for about the first inch and then is thinned. This causes the watch to twist on the wrist and seek an odd angle. When tightened enough that it does not roll around on the wrist, the thick lard sections dig in and cause discomfort.
With the strap replaced
The lume is OK, it is no flashlight like the Omega, but it is long lasting. I woke up in the darkness at about 5am, as is my habit, and I was still able to read the time on the watch. After the first night, and being worn all day the lume seems to have perked up quite a bit.
I almost went with the Airman 22 (42mm) because it is significantly less expensive. I am glad I didn’t. This one is definitely big enough. If I could have found an Airman 8 (36mm), instead of the 18 (39mm) I would have gone with that, and I think it would have been a good fit. As I mentioned, the Airman seems to wear about the same size as the Omega.
In all, I like it and expect it will be on my wrist for several years.
and. . . on the wrist
