The case is high polished on the sides, with a brushed(satin) finish on the top. The crown guards do not protect the whole crown, but the large crown screws down very smoothly and operates with no issues. One of the biggest reasons I find this watch to be a value, is not only because of it looks, but the movement inside. The Eta 2824. Now, we know this movement is not a high end movement by any means, but these days seeing these movements at this price point for any brand outside the Swatch Group, is a rarity. And of course, all Glycine Watches are Swiss Made. Now, that might not be important to some, but I know it is too many. For myself, I am more about the look and construction of the watch, (And this Glycine does not fail in that department for me), but that is just where I stand. The movement in my example is keeping reasonably accurate time, at about minus 9 seconds today, tested over a 4 day period.
The dial is matte black, with your somewhat mercedes style hands, and large arabic numerals and a date wheel at the 3 o’clock position. There is nothing flashy or over the top, just a nice classic dial, that is easy to read in all situations. They do make a few versions with a combo of rectangle and dot markers, if arabic numerals is not for you. A top the dial is of course a sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating (inside). The bezel is firm with nice clicks, and as stated a green aluminum insert. I have no issues with an aluminum bezel, but would love to see a version, even if maybe a limited edition or production, with a ceramic bezel.
The 22mm brown leather strap, is slightly distressed, and a very nice oiled cowhide. The strap easily fits my 7 ยฝ inch wrist, and should fit up to about an 8 inch wrist. Anything bigger than that, you will need an aftermarket strap. I am not sure off hand if Glycine makes larger straps available. These days I am more a leather or rubber strap guy over a bracelet, so I really love the look on the leather. And if for some reason you donโt like the leather strap, drilled lug holes make it simple to pop the strap off, and reduce down on the chance of lug scratches. ย On the wrist, it is super comfortable. I still like chunky or thick dive watches, but it is nice to have a slim watch on your wrist, something I am enjoying more and more.
The lume on the Glycine Combat sub is a little disappointing. Well, may be I should not state it that way. The lume on the hour, minute, and second hand is very bright and long lasting, but the application of the superluminova on the arabic numbers is not. As you can see in the photos, the numbers are significantly dimmer, and this was after charging under a light for 30 seconds. As I said, the hands do glow very well, so not really an issue to the see the time at night, I just wish another layer or two of lume paint was applied to the markers.
My conclusion is that the Glycine Combat Sub still has a place in the world of divers. With their many variations, you have dress divers, casual, and sporty. The Combat Sub is rated to 200 meters and on the rubber or bracelet versions, you should have no issues swimming or diving with it. If you can get it for around $700 you would be getting a great Swiss Made watch with an ETA movement, which is what I would deem a value.
You can see all versions of the Glycine Combat Sub HERE.ย Thank you to Glycine for providing this example for review.
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4 comments
Great review and a nice looking piece. I prefer a 24 mm lug, but this a very nice set up.
thanks for another superb full review,Don!
I really like mine. Only problem is the rubber strap cracked within a year and the reused to replace it. I also sent off an enquiry following this outcome and I never received any follow up.
Yes, great review. While I do not own a Glycine Automatic, I have owned a few of their Quartz watches, in particular a Glycine Combat Sub Quartz with a black bezel that looks identical to the auto modelsโsame case diameter and lugs perhaps a mm or two thinner. I paid $250 for it brand new on eBay but I made the sorry mistake of selling it in favor of some other Swiss auto and I have regretted it ever since as I have never been able to find another, anywhere. However, I did keep the thick black leather strap with white stitching that “Glycine” embossed on one side and still wear it on one of my watches after 7 years. Haven’t found another strap to equal it.
That said, I recently considered buying a Combat Sub Auto but I read some bad reviews of it that turned me away. After a lot of research and reading, I found the Steinhart Ocean 500M Titanium, which is not only a beautiful watch but has an ETA 2892-A2 Top movement, the same as my Omega Seamaster. That, and the fact that it only cost around $575 with shipping directly from Steinhart in Germany, was the deciding factor. Although it was out of stock and I had to “pre-order” it, it was in stock three days later and they shipped it to me FedEx over night. Wow!
I love the look of the Steinhart, it rule is beautiful, but if all things were equal I really prefer the look of the Combat Sub, even the green dial! Thanks again for a great review.