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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Glycine Airman Base 22 was announced in 2010 as reference 3887, a watch intended to bring the Airman closer to its original 1953 design. It was offered in Purist, GA and GMT configurations, which differ in how they display and set additional time zones. The launch prices reported at the time are historical, not current market guidance.
What was the Glycine Airman Base 22?
In its April 3, 2010 announcement, Fratello Watches described the Base 22 as Glycine’s successor model that came close to the original Airman design. The article says “Base” refers to an air base or military airfield, while “22” identifies the 22nd generation of Airman watches. It also reported that Glycine CEO Katherina Brechbuehler told the author during a Basel visit that collectors had long wanted a watch like this after the original Airman was replaced by more modern versions. That is the author’s account of her comment, not a published interview transcript. Fratello Watches, April 3, 2010.
How did it connect to the 1953 Airman?
Glycine’s history page traces the Airman concept to a 1953 conversation between a company executive and pilot Ched Brown. In Glycine’s account, the defining tools were a 24-hour dial and a rotating 24-hour bezel, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone. Glycine’s Airman history.
The 2010 announcement framed the Base 22 as a return toward that early identity, rather than simply another modern Airman. Its 24-hour display and travel-oriented time-zone functions recalled the original purpose described by the article: helping pilots and travelers read more than one time zone.
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- Glycine Airman Vintage The Chief Purist GMT Automatic Black Dial Unisex Watch GL0469
How the Purist, GA and GMT versions differed
The 2010 article described three configurations. Their practical distinction is how the extra time-zone information is shown and whether changing the main hour hand interrupts the movement.
| Version | Time-zone display reported in 2010 | Setting behavior reported in 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Purist | 24-hour display; two time zones | Not stated in the announcement |
| GA | Three time zones; the secondary hour hand indicates home time | Main hour hand can be changed without stopping the movement |
| GMT | Three time zones, including a red GMT hand | Setting the hour hand stops the movement |
The article called the Purist the version closest to the original. It reported black- and white-dial options and described the white dial as a tribute to the first Airman. These are details from the 2010 announcement, not confirmation of what is currently available.
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What specifications and prices did the 2010 announcement give?
For the model it handled, Fratello reported an ETA 2893-2 movement, described as based on the ETA 2892-A2 with an added time-zone feature. It gave a 42 mm case diameter and 11.2 mm height. Those figures belong to the 2010 article’s described watch and should not be treated as universal specifications for every watch later sold as a Base 22.
The announcement reported a launch price of CHF 1,800 or EUR 1,260, with a CHF 100 supplement for a stainless-steel bracelet. These are the prices stated in 2010; they do not establish a current retail price or the value of a pre-owned example.
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Why the exact reference matters
Specifications can differ across listings. For example, a retailer page for the GL0201 variant lists a GL293 automatic movement, a 42-hour power reserve, a 42 mm case, a 22 mm band, sapphire crystal and 200 m water resistance. That is a different listed variant from the reference 3887 discussed in the 2010 announcement, which named an ETA 2893-2. The two sources should not be collapsed into one universal Base 22 specification. Gnomon Watches listing for GL0201.
Before comparing or buying a watch described as an Airman Base 22, identify the reference and check the particular watch’s specifications against reliable listing information. Condition, seller, availability and asking price also need to be assessed for that individual example; the historical announcement does not establish any of them today.
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- Glycine Airman Vintage The Chief Purist GMT Automatic White Dial Unisex Watch GL0471
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
