Glycine Combat Sub 39 GL0401
Read the full review here: https://wahawatches.com/review-glycine-combat-sub-39/
Many of you will be familiar with the Glycine Combat Sub range. But this year, they launched a 39mm version and I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on one.
Let’s dive into it.
Once unboxed and unwrapped, my reaction to it was a strong “Wow!”. The watch is really well made, and the first impression is that it’s sturdy, like a dive watch should be.
The first thing you should know is that this is not just a Combat Sub 42 scaled down to 39mm. The case has been completely re-engineered.
A big part of that „wow!” factor is that the case finishing can easily rival watches positioned well above it up the price and prestige ladder. The closest I can think of is the Certina DS Action Diver. The brushing is of great quality, the edges are crisp.
My most vivid memory of the first time I reviewed a Combat Sub was its bezel action. It had no play to it at all. I’ve seen a fair share of wobbly bezels, and they grind my gears. No play whatsoever here. It doesn’t turn lightly, much like the bezel on newer HydroConquests. I like that – you cannot turn it accidentally.
The Glycine Combat Sub 39 is powered by the GL 224, which used to be ETA 2824, now it’s the Sellita SW200-1. I believe Glycine uses Sellita's Premium grade. This particular GL 224 scored roughly +6/+7 seconds per day. That's great - since it is not a COSC-certified chronometer, I don't expect COSC-spec here.
My first choice was to fit the Combat Sub with a NATO strap, followed by a leather strap. But something about the stock bracelet appealed to me more. There’s no reason to take it off. It’s great exactly as it is.
I love how it wears on my wrist. The first thing I said after sizing the bracelet was, “It fits so well!” I can’t remember the last time I said that about a new watch.
What's the weakest part of this watch? Hmm…let me think…I’d say it’s the lume. That’s not to say it’s bad. In order to be thorough, I’m just being nitpicky here.
I think that the Combat Sub 39 can easily compete with watches priced up to 1000 euros, give or take a hundred. At 545 euros, it’s hard to beat.
From a strictly European perspective: previously, the problem with Glycine was…getting one. Now, Glycine has its own official webshop for Europe, Glycine Store Europe. There, the Combat Sub 39 and other Glycine watches are priced just like they would be at US retailers. In fact, GSE’s pricing is more favorable to European customers than buying at a huge discount from the US.
https://www.glycinestore.eu/p/combat-sub-39-mm-722
To be clear, I adjusted the following X/5 ratings for the price range
Glycine Combat Sub 39 GL0401
Yes
No
- Great finishing
- Reliable workhorse movement
- Excellent wearability
- Lume could be better
- Could use more narrow bracelet tolerances
Staff writer at WahaWatches. Collecting and researching vintage watches since 2014
The only con for me about this watch is the fact that I already have one in the 42mm size. But I like the design of this one better, and it's rated to 300M instead of 200M! 😭
Great review,as usual.
I love a good gilt-dial diver that punches above its price and am enjoying the Glycine's little brother, the Invicta 1953.
Was waiting for the blue version to be back in stock but went with the gilt based on your review and photos. (Great job on both!)
The gilt is every bit as good as it was on my Tudor BB Red.
Well written review! My guess is that Glycine uses an Elabore version of the SW200-1 because of the type of balance they use. The top grade movement uses the Glucydor alloy balance wheel (which has wide, flared spokes that taper to a thin bar), but Glycine seems to the use the standard nickel balance (which has thin bar spokes on the wheel). The Glucydor balance is the chronometer balance used in the top and Chronometer grade movements by Sellita and ETA. The Incabloc shock protector can be found in all four grades of those movements depending on what the buyer requests. The shock protection can be upgraded from Novodiac to Incabloc on a lower grade of the movement, but not the balance.
Well written review! My guess is that Glycine uses an Elabore version of the SW200-1 because of the type of balance they use. The top grade movement uses the Glucydor alloy balance wheel (which has wide, flared spokes that taper to a thin bar), but Glycine seems to the use the standard nickel balance (which has thin bar spokes on the wheel). The Glucydor balance is the chronometer balance used in the top and Chronometer grade movements by Sellita and ETA. The Incabloc shock protector can be found in all four grades of those movements depending on what the buyer requests. The shock protection can be upgraded from Novodiac to Incabloc on a lower grade of the movement, but not the balance.
That is possible. In case of Sellita, the equivalent of ETA's Elabore grade is called the Special. Makes sense it could be that grade.
Remember, they now come in a 36mm version as well as a 39. I have them both and have no complaints about either.