Glycine Combat Sub 36mm Review.

The Glycine Combat, first released in the 1960's still stands tall in 2023. Boasting four different models in five size options. Youv got choices. The model ranges are the Sub,

 Classic, Sub Sport, and Vintage. These come in sizes from 36mm up to 43mm. Giving you the enthusiast plenty of options to choose from. As you can tell from the title I myself have opted for the Combat SUB in 36mm (ref GL0394). In my mind this gives the Combat Sub a more Vintage aethstetic. I also do not have giant wrists (at 6.75-7) so it wears really well with proper proportions.

 Iv waited and worn this watch for four months now to give my readers an honest take. I did not want this to be an initial thoughts like most "reviews" are now adays. This gave me ample amount of time to test it and figure out the downfalls. Iv worn this watch on pig hunts, fishing outings, working farm animals, and just daily activities with the family.

 So I like to think that I know what im talking about when it comes to my thoughts and opinions on this watch.

For starters lets name off all the specs for this particular reference.

Model GL0394

Case diameter of 36mm (39mm including crown)

Lug to Lug 43mm

Lug width 18mm

Thickness 11mm

Screw down Crown 6.5mm

Sapphire Crystal

Water Resistance 300m

Lume Swiss SuperLuminova

Case Material Stainless Steal

Clasp Butterfly

Movement GL224 (ETA 2824-2 Based Movement)

Price $568.00USD

 

Now what do all of these specs mean? For starters this is a go anywhere watch. You have enough water resistance to accompany you on dives, or a rainy day out and about. The sapphire crystal means you will have a wonderful view of that green dial for years to come. The Lume is stupendous making low light and night time use a joy. The proportions are lovely. Giving it just enough wrist presence so that it does not feel like a Childs watch. 

 

 The fit and finish are on par with other watches in the price range. The crown is a solid size for the proportions and has enough grip to make it a joy to use. The only two spec complaints I have to bring up is on the bracelet. The bracelet utilizes push pins for the links which for me is a big downfall for the price. The second gripe is that they used the butterfly clasp. I have used plenty of butterfly clasps that i never had issues with. This one being an exception, the release mechanism is to loose making it pop open on me on occasion which is a big bummer. I wish that Glycine would have used the same fold over system that is utilized by all other Combat series watches.

 On to the aesthetics of the watch. I chose this green model as I am keen on the natural tones it provides. Its plain with just enough color to not be loud. The brown coloration of the lume plays nicely against the green back drop. The applied induces give the dial a bit of depth which works nicely all together. One of my favorite aspects of this one is the choice of a black datewheel with red numerals. 

 This little touch gives it that extra Combat Sub feel. As if it were built for combat. The case shape is that of the a typical Combat Sub. To explain it in simple terms, the case has a profile of lets say a black bay but with turned down lugs. This gives the end lugs a shorter distance over the traditional straight lugs found on the BB.

The bezel has a nice coined edge to it but the resistance of the spring and fit make it slightly difficult to turn. Iv often gotten annoyed with having issues gripping it for a good turn. Perhaps over time it will loosen up a bit, but four months in and it still feels brand new. You certainly wont have to worry about accidentally turning it. The insert is done in aluminum with a lume pip at the 12 o'clock. The dive timer is printed on the bezel which leaves a bit to be desired. I think a lumed dive timer would have been a better choice, but I'm no watch designer with 27 design awards

The entirety of the case is brushed with the only polishing being utilized on the inner portions of the H link style bracelet and the inside edge of the bezel.

The hands are done in black which plays very will with the datewheel at the 6 oclock position. The hands being the Combat Sub style with the filled in mercedes hand. The crown is signed with the Glycine Crown logo. The screw in case back has a very cool manta ray engraved with waves behind it. Also engraved on the case back is Glycine Combat Sub and Diving With Excellence. As well as more specifications around the outer edge.

This watch has held up well over these past months and I have enjoyed wearing it. If you were to ask me if I would buy this again, I think my answer would be yes. That being said I will say that the 39mm option would be better just for the bracelet difference. I love 36mm watches as they give that real vintage aesthetic to them but the butterfly clasp is a miss. This watch will continue to go on adventures with me through out the year with the intent of coming back to this at a years mark to see how its holding up.

I hope that this has given you a decent insight into what this watch is like and its potential. 

Until Next Time.

Justin.