I can always count on Glycine to present respectable looking watches. With a long history of pilot’s watches, and some great diving watches (the Lagunare line), there is always an inherent “active” look to their watches. On top of that, Glycine is good about releasing new watches with regularity and this Basel World is no different. My choice from their new selection is the Glycine Incursore Black Jack Small Seconds.

The Incursore line of watches all share similar faces and numbering. With a look a lot like Panerai, Glycine is not presenting a copy but its own interpretation of the theme. Glycine is a Swiss watch maker, not Italian like Panerai, but the name “Incursore” is Italian and comes from the military “Frogmen” that engaged frequently during World War II. Panerai watches were originally designed for the same purposes. That being high legibility in dark and wet conditions while being stealthy and solid. That is the purpose behind the large, well-spaced numerals and hour indicators.

The periphery of the inside bezel has indication for 24 hour time in true military fashion with the “21” hour section specially designated in red as part of the Black Jack theme. On the rear of the watch case is a Jack’s head straight from a playing card finishing off the Black Jack moniker of this watch, though I question the wisdom of the “BJ” label. The black case is nicely matted finished, and the large strap with white stitching works well complimented with the black and white tones of the case and watch face.

Symmetry is outstanding on this watch, as I am always pleased with faces that line up the subsidiary small seconds with the date window all in line. The two areas are integrated very well, with the date window mixing in at the bottom of the small seconds register. Inside, the Glycine Incursore Black Jack Small Seconds has an ETA 2895-2 and will go for about $2000 starting in April of 2008. Right in time for Baselworld.

See Glycine watches on eBay here.