Sometimes in the watch hobby, (myself included), I think we use the term value incorrectly. Or maybe that “value” is subjective to each individual. Either way, I feel the Glycine Combat Sub is a great value. It might not be ultra affordable, but it definitely has a lot to offer for the price.
Many might be familiar with the Glycine Combat Sub line, and some may not, but I often feel this model is overlooked in favor of Glycine’s other models, such as the Airman. The Glycine Combat sub comes in many variations, with steel bracelet, rubber strap or leather strap as being reviewed here today, and an array of color combos and finishes.
Today I am reviewing the 3863.19AT2 V-LB7BF (Thats a mouthful of a model number). It has a black dial, with a green aluminium bezel insert with a distressed brown leather strap.
Here are the full specifications:
- Movement: Swiss made Cal. No GL 224 Automatic. (ETA 2824
- Dial: Black index with SuperLuminova
- Case: 42mm 316L stainless steel.
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case thickness: 10.6 mm thick
- Bezel: 316L stainless steel. Green bezel inlay.
- Crown: Screwdown. Glycine signed.
- Crystal: Sapphire glass with anti reflective coating on the inside
- Strap: Brown Leather
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- MSRP: $1,360. (Can be purchased online from Authorized Dealers for around $700)
Please take a look at my video presentation below:
There are so many things to like (for me) on the Glycine Combat Sub. These days, I’m in the 42-44mm camp for a daily wearer, so this is right at my sweet spot. It is also only 10.6mm thick with a lug to lug of 49mm, so this should be suitable for many wrist sizes. Its lack of thickness makes it easily wearable under your shirt cuff, and while this example might not be the dressiest of the Combat sub models, they have versions that are two tone(steel and gold), or ones with black bezels and leather bands that definitely would be. Depending on what you are wearing, the green bezel/brown leather strap might work though. The green bezel is a different look for sure, but I like it. More subtle to me than say a red bezel, and a nice change up from the black or blue bezels we normally see.
- 1 2
Eric Anderson
Great review and a nice looking piece. I prefer a 24 mm lug, but this a very nice set up.
Nate
thanks for another superb full review,Don!
James
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.
Guy Dagar
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 models—same 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.