We have here a very interesting chronograph retailed by Gylcine watch company which in our opinion shares the exact same case to the highly sough-after Camaro model produced by Heuer in the late 60s, early 70s. Though this phenomenon is now a well-known article of Heuer's history, Heuer contracted many of its cases and movements to other brands (Zodiac amongst others) to be retailed under their own name, essentially white-label selling their own watches. This was done to boost revenue and profits for the Heuer brand which struggled financially throughout the 60s and 70s because of their forward thinking processes. As a result, numerous unique watches were created, which are mostly Heuer with dials (Panda Variations) influenced by the actual retailers. Case in point, this beautiful Gylcine "Camaro" Chronograph ref. 85007, which employs a robust and renown Valjoux Cal. 72 movement. Round pushers also used by Heuer in the earlier Camaro models later to be replaced with the later four sided pushers
Glycine founded by Eugène Meylan is a brand that has been around for a long time since 1914 (A rough time to start a company) but is most known for their Airman series which debuted in 1953 initially designed for pilots with useful 24-hour analogue dials and rotating bezels with GMT functions. It was the first to offer this functionality. Worn by many servicemen during the Vietnam war they also went into space in 1965 with Gemini 5 and astronaut Pete Conrad who wore the Airman on his space suit recording a new space endurance record of 7 days, 22 hours, 55 minutes and 14 seconds beating the Russians by a couple of days. In 1967 they introduced their Crown motif to the world. In that same year they produced the Glycine Combat watch which uses the same hacking seconds mechanism as the Airman. Since 2016 they have been part of the Invicta Watch Group.
This watch has been fully serviced by our on-site workshop and comes with our 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This watch is a rare find and one not to be missed! A high-quality, Swiss chronograph in immaculate vintage preowned, original condition - certainly the first one we've ever come across! From the shape of the case to the high grade valjoux swiss 3 dial chronograph movement it shouts quality and class! comes with its Original box and fitted with a quite rare 19mm Rubber tropic style racing strap. Obviously endless strap options but i think this is a winner.
Spec Stuff
Reference : 85007
Movement : Mechanical Manual WindValjoux cal. 72 Age : 1961/1970 Specific Age : Circa1960s Case Size : 37mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug :42mm Lugs : 19mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Original Box Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1960s Glycine "Camaro" Chronograph Ref 85007 Reverse panda dial Valjoux Cal 72
