On the flip side, you have an exhibition case back, which this time the crystal is mineral. Not sure of the choice on this, especially at the price point of $1,650 retail I feel sapphire could have been used. The case back is secured by 6 flat head screws, and instead of engraving on the outer edge of the steel as you would usually see, it is on a steel ring that is under the crystal, just above the movement. It is an interesting choice and does give the case back more flair.
The movement is listed as the GL 224 Swiss automatic, which is a modified ETA 2824-2 movement. To what degree it is modified is not really known, but the rotor is nicely engraved and decorated. To anyone that has bought a Swiss Watch in the past 20 years or so is very familiar with this workhorse Swiss movement, and as expected has a smooth winding and sweep second hand.
On my 7.5 wrist, it is large, but wearable if you like a larger timepiece. If you would prefer something smaller, it does come in a 40mm. As you can see in the photos, the lugs do extend out a bit, so as I said earlier I am not really sure if they have a function to them, or are more for the look. The 22mm calf leather strap is strong and supple and should give you years of use with proper care. The buckle is a little standard for my tastes. With a watch of this price point, I would like to see Glycine start using some custom machined buckles.
The lume is beautiful with the hands done in a blue Superluminova and the dot markers and numbers done in green SL. It is not super bright, but it is decently long lasting, going about a good 4 hours until fading out.
Overall the fit and finish of the Glycine F104 is great, which is to be expected. The dial work, the unique lugs, the soft leather strap, and nice lume create a great model. You are getting a Swiss automatic movement, sapphire crystal and a classy looking watch that is very easy to read at a glance. I wish the two sizes were not so far apart, say maybe a 43 and 48mm, as I feel the 48mm is a little large for daily wear for me and 40mm is too small, but that is just my personal preference. I would say if you have an affinity for pilot style watches with the large pumpkin style crown and want something a bit different than the norm, I don’t think you can go wrong with this Glycine.
Thank you for reading, and please leave your comments below.
Thank you to Glycine USA for providing this model for review.
2 comments
do you by chance know the measurements of the band?
I do not at this point as the watch is no longer in my possession. Looking back at the photos in this review, I can see I was in the last hole in the strap, and it is probably in the 140mm x 85mm area.