Do I need a Rolex or a Glycine?
So, I bought this Glycine Combat sub 42 second hand around 2 months ago on a ‘popular auction site’ to add into my rotation of approx 18 watches.
Well, since then, I’ve sold 12 of those watches because I realised that having this, I’m never going to choose to wear those.
I’m not keen on the later versions of this watch as they take too many influences and design cues from Rolex etc. This (GL0087) feels like it’s own thing entirely, has its own persona and I love how straight to the point and tool watch it feels. I never feel like I’m wearing a homage in any way.
Now, I know this isn’t a luxury watch, but I have to state, it is very well finished! Easily comparable to my (now sold) Raymond Weil and at least on par with my (also sold) Tissot’s.
The biggest draw about this watch for me, is how comfortable it is, I think I would struggle to find any watch that fits my wrist this well, it almost feels like it’s designed for me, I guess anyone who has one may feel the same?
So we know it’s comfortable, but it’s also a good size without being bulky, very legible, accurate, can be worn on bracelet, nato, leather or in my case fabric (22mm wide zuludiver seasalter).
I no longer feel the need to ‘upgrade to a luxury piece’ to appease others. I have something I genuinely enjoy that for myself, I don’t think I could top. Why should I strive for something now that would only be for other peoples opinion OF me.
This Glycine has single handed my ruined my collection, destroyed my ‘grail’ ideas and almost made me turn my back on this community because I’m content.
Do I still want a Submariner…. No.
In case anyone was curious of the profile on wrist…
“I’m not keen on the later versions of this watch as they take too many influences and design cues from Rolex etc.”
I concur. I’m drawn to things that are a bit different. This is clearly a dive watch but the 24-hour inner scale says field watch. You dont see that everywhere. 👍🏻
And who’s to say when you’ll discover something new or your tastes will change. Enjoy the journey and don’t sweat the destination… 😉
You have a nice watch there. Wear it and enjoy it. A submariner will sit much differently on your wrist. It's taller for sure so you won't have the thinner feel than this. Your Glycine looks more like my Swiss Army Maverick. I like the look of it with the no cyclops lens for the date. I sold my sub last December. At times I wish I still had it but overall I honestly don't miss it.
Combat Subs punch WAY above their class! Love mine too, but it'll remain part of a rotation of over 20 watches. 😊
Cool watch, cool name, great value for money. And good to see some one go the other way - instead of more, more, more go back to essentials / wear what you like!
Never buy anything to impress others.
I have a bronze one (that admittedly has some nods to Rolex). It’s one of my larger watches and one of my thinner watches. This is the only watch that I wear on a NATO strap, because I don’t mind adding one or two layers of nylon underneath this guy. And like OP, it fits me like a glove. I’m such a fan.
I’m alright with the Explorer dial and (not quite) Mercedes hands. I still think this watch is doing its own thing in a lot of ways, but to each their own.
“I’m not keen on the later versions of this watch as they take too many influences and design cues from Rolex etc.”
I concur. I’m drawn to things that are a bit different. This is clearly a dive watch but the 24-hour inner scale says field watch. You dont see that everywhere. 👍🏻
And who’s to say when you’ll discover something new or your tastes will change. Enjoy the journey and don’t sweat the destination… 😉
It’s a shame they didn’t stick with their more original designs, I have watches with applied indices, but for this one, I think it works much better without.
Especially as you say with the 24h inner scale too
Cool watch, cool name, great value for money. And good to see some one go the other way - instead of more, more, more go back to essentials / wear what you like!
Strange how something so unexpected has changed the thought process around the entire hobby!
The Glycine is really nice. Similar story.. I picked up this mrw-200h because of the Luminox look and I'm now happy to just have the Casio.
In case anyone was curious of the profile on wrist…
Great rifle shot...looks perfect for your wrist.
Glycine's are great and the Combat Sub, specifically the reference you selected, is a total GADA watch.
Congrats on finding your one and only.
If you have found your last watch, congratulations! You might be a unicorn Cruncher. 😉 But let us know if you again get the itch!
Glycine watches are excellent, but they cannot be compared to a Rolex.
My analogy would be between a Toyota GR86 and a Porsche 911. The former is a great source of fun, the latter is a serious beast.
Glycine watches are excellent, but they cannot be compared to a Rolex.
My analogy would be between a Toyota GR86 and a Porsche 911. The former is a great source of fun, the latter is a serious beast.
I agree in part.. however, I’m not comparing them on face value or physically. Comparing them emotionally and the principles that surround them is subjectively different.
Your analogy works for many reasons, but again, how do you know you’d enjoy the 911 more?
One of my cars is an Abarth 500, I could have had something better built, faster, bigger or more expensive. But I couldn’t find anything that was as much fun for the roads I drive on. Again it’s subjective and specific to the scenario.
You buy what you enjoy, not what others think you should enjoy, for me that is the way, well done
Congrats, man! Glycine is criminally underrated as a watch brand. I love the two pieces in my collection:
I agree in part.. however, I’m not comparing them on face value or physically. Comparing them emotionally and the principles that surround them is subjectively different.
Your analogy works for many reasons, but again, how do you know you’d enjoy the 911 more?
One of my cars is an Abarth 500, I could have had something better built, faster, bigger or more expensive. But I couldn’t find anything that was as much fun for the roads I drive on. Again it’s subjective and specific to the scenario.
Excellent points. Coincidentally my car is a 124 Spider. Our little toys are fun indeed.
#glycine a lot cheaper