Glycine Combat Sub: The Ultimate Swiss Diver-Field Watch Hybrid

Introduction to the Glycine Combat Sub

The Glycine Combat Sub is a watch that has garnered significant attention in the watch community, often mentioned in comments and discussions. This Swiss diver stands out for its unique combination of diver and field watch characteristics, making it an intriguing option for watch enthusiasts.

Combat Sub Variations

The Combat Sub line offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences:

• Case materials: stainless steel, DLC-coated, and bronze
• Dial designs: various styles, some with applied indices
• Color options: multiple dial and bezel color combinations
• Handset variations

This review focuses on a special edition Combat Sub, a collaboration between Glycine and Drop.com (formerly Massdrop). While this specific model may not be readily available, it serves as an excellent introduction to the Combat Sub lineup.

Design and Dimensions

The Combat Sub comes in various sizes, including 42mm, 46mm, and 48mm versions. This review examines the 42mm model:

• Case diameter: 42mm (47mm with crown)
• Lug-to-lug distance: Just over 50mm
• Thickness: 10.6mm

The longer lugs have a nice curvature, which helps compensate for the 50mm lug-to-lug distance. However, on smaller wrists, it may still overhang slightly. Despite this, the watch remains comfortable throughout the day, largely due to its impressive thinness.

Case and Finishing

The reviewed model features a marine-grade bronze case, but stainless steel and DLC-coated options are also available. The case finishing is good, albeit somewhat spartan:

• Completely brushed finish
• No finer details or beveled edges
• Tool watch aesthetic

While some may expect more from a Swiss diver, the simple finishing aligns with the Combat Sub's tool watch philosophy and price point.

Crystal and Case Back

• Crystal: Flat sapphire with three layers of AR coating
• Case back: Closed stainless steel, screw-down
• Case back features: Combat Sub logo and relevant watch information

Bezel

The Combat Sub's bezel is a standout feature:

• Bronze bezel with coffee-colored aluminum insert
• Coin edge for easy grip
• Small bump at 12 o'clock for improved tactile feedback
• 120-click, unidirectional rotation
• Zero back play
• Excellent audible and tactile response

The bezel action is initially stiff but performs flawlessly once in motion.

Crown and Crown Guards

• Crown: Screw-down, signed
• Crown size: Well-proportioned, easy to use
• Crown guards: No-nonsense design

One minor issue is the gap between the crown and crown guards, which seems slightly too large and may detract from the overall appearance.

Dial Design

The dial of this special edition Combat Sub combines elements from two regular versions:

• Coffee-colored dial and bezel
• Explorer-like dial layout

Key dial features include:

• Flat matte dark brown (coffee) color
• Large triangle at 12 o'clock
• Arabic numerals at cardinal points
• Small wedges for other hour markers
• Painted chapter ring (half train track design)
• Glycine logo beneath 12 o'clock

The dial uses painted indices rather than applied ones, which may be a trade-off for the watch's thinness.

Hands

The Combat Sub's hands feature a brushed rose gold finish that complements the dark brown dial:

• Syringe-style second hand
• Long, thin pencil minute hand
• Unique hour hand (described as a ping pong paddle or upside-down ice cream cone)

While the overall hand design is appealing, the hour hand's shape may not be to everyone's liking. Some might prefer a snowflake-style hand for better coherence with the dial design.

Date Window

The date window is a contentious aspect of this Combat Sub model:

• Located at 4 o'clock
• White date wheel with red text
• Visible edge of the date wheel

The white date wheel with red text clashes with the overall color scheme and disrupts the dial's flow. A black date wheel, as seen on some other Combat Sub models, would be a better choice. The visible edge of the date wheel is also a quality control issue that shouldn't be present in a Swiss-made watch.

Lume

The Combat Sub's lume performance is average:

• Initial brightness is good
• Lacks staying power compared to some competitors
• Fades faster than Seiko Turtle, Phoebus, or Phoibos GMT

Overall lume grade: C+

Movement

The Combat Sub houses a high-beat Swiss automatic movement:

• Glycine GL-224 (rebadged ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200)
• 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Hacking and hand-winding capabilities
• 38-hour power reserve
• Accuracy: +6 seconds per day (as tested)

While Glycine previously used ETA movements, they have since switched to Sellita for cost reasons. The movement's performance is excellent, especially considering the watch's price point.

Strap

The reviewed model comes with a brown leather strap:

• White stitching near the lugs
• Matching bronze buckle
• Quick-release spring bars
• Thick texture
• Initially stiff but breaks in nicely

The strap complements the watch well and is of good quality for the price point.

Price and Value Proposition

The Glycine Combat Sub typically retails in the low to mid-$300 range, comparable to popular Seiko divers like the Turtle and Samurai. At this price point, the Combat Sub offers:

• Swiss-made (or more accurately, Swiss-assembled) status
• High-beat Swiss movement
• Remarkably thin profile for a 200m water-resistant diver
• Unique diver-field watch hybrid design

While some aspects of the watch may not meet the highest expectations, the overall package represents excellent value for money.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique diver-field watch hybrid design
• Excellent Swiss movement at an affordable price
• Remarkably thin for a 200m water-resistant diver
• Good bezel action
• Variety of styles and options available

Cons:

• Date window design and execution
• Longer lug-to-lug distance may not suit all wrists
• Average lume performance
• Some may find the case finishing too simple

Conclusion

The Glycine Combat Sub is an intriguing option for those seeking a unique diver with field watch elements. While it may not be suitable as a one-watch collection piece, it could easily serve as a cornerstone in a three-watch collection. Its combination of Swiss movement, thin profile, and attractive price point make it a compelling choice for many watch enthusiasts.

The Combat Sub may not be perfect, with some areas for improvement in design and execution. However, its overall package and value proposition make it a watch worth considering, especially for those who appreciate its distinctive blend of diver and field watch characteristics.

Ultimately, the Glycine Combat Sub represents an interesting alternative in the crowded field of affordable divers. Its Swiss pedigree, unique design, and attractive price point set it apart from many competitors, making it a watch that deserves attention from both novice collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

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