Glycine Combat Sub — Not a Rolex Sub

Some view the Glycine Combat Sub as a Rolex Sub alternative, but it’s so much more than that. Figure it all out here with this guide.

I can name a fair few iconic dive watches on demand. In order of popularity, the Rolex Sub, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the DOXA 300 come first. 

Then, I’d go with the Seiko SKX, Zodiac Seawolf, and Omega Seamaster 300M Diver. They all deserve to be up there on that list, as does the Panerai Luminor. 

None of them on that list, save for the Seiko SKX, are particularly cheap, though. In fact, collectors will pay silly prices for the Rolex Submariner. But affordable dive watches are a reality unless you have discovered abundant oil reserves in your backyard. 

Luckily, there are enough options on the market, including the Glycine Combat Sub. 

The Glycine Watches Combat Sub watch looks largely similar to the Rolex Submariner. But unlike many homage watches, they aren’t full of rubbish materials. 

That’s not to say that all homage watches are poor quality. But generally speaking, the less you spend, the less satisfactory the materials.

The Glycine Combat Sub is a much more affordable alternative to the Rolex Submariner and offers different features. So, this could be the next best thing for those who don’t have a collection to trade in for a Grail watch. 

Let’s look at the watch collection and what you can get for your money. 

The Facts About the Glycine Combat Sub 

Despite looking similar to the Rolex Sub, the Combat Glycine watch is definitely its own thing. For a start, you only need to part with around $500 to land yourself a decent model from this range. 

What you can get for this price might surprise you. Allow me to explain.

Some of the watches from this collection adopt a distinctive military-style dial format. This is because they take inspiration from the brand’s earlier Sub watches, which began in 1967. 

These Combat field watches boasted an Arabic numeral hour track, a 24-hour scale, and an airtight compressor case. 

Before these field watches, though, Glycine was already perfecting its waterproof watches. Glycine’s vacuumed cases were a tight seal to prevent moisture damage. This construction benefitted the brand’s first Scuba dive watches. 

The Combat series began in 1967, following the popularity of the Airman collection. It came with a new crown, an EPSA (airtight) compressor case, and Super-LumiNova markings.

It soon became the brand’s most popular model, with sub-divisions named the Sub, Sub Sport, Classic, and Vintage. 

In the early 2000s, Glycine’s dive watches grew in popularity. They combine 1960s military aesthetics with profound underwater capabilities. 

The range’s diver-focused models (those from the Subcategory) are popular among casual sporty types. They have quickly become the go-to timepiece for outdoorsy individuals and come in various sizes.

The Glycine Combat Sub 39

I’m making a broad statement here. I think out of all the Combat Subs, the 39mm is the ideal fit for most wrist sizes. There’s a big difference for those who have experienced the Combat 42. ‘

The latter wears larger, obviously, but it’s also remarkably slim. This enables even those with wrists wearing on the smaller side to stretch the limits a little with the 42. 

The Glycine Combat Sub 39 is much more compact, though, and costs less than $600. Interestingly, the bezel overlays the case ever so slightly. Still, it’s not enough to change how the watch wears on the wrist. 

The lug-to-lug measurement is 46.3mm, and the lugs curve downwards. This dive watch measures 11.4mm thick and features a flat sapphire crystal.

The lug width measures 20mm, and the bracelet tapers towards the middle. This tapering prevents the bracelet from overwhelming the wrist. Since this is a common lug width, sourcing strap options on the market shouldn’t cause you any problems, either. 

The central polished links and brushed external links are standard features on Glycine bracelets. The bracelet also features a micro-adjustment system to ensure you know how tight to wear your watch. 

The Glycine Sub Combat is a natural choice for underwater use. Its large 7mm, Glycine-stamped crown for extra purchase sits on a 300-meter water-resistant case. The range comes in several dial options, including classic blue and black. 

Some even have matching colored bezels. Others feature a blue or green bezel, while the black gilt option is particularly fetching.

These watches feature Sellita movements and feature solid casebacks, a date window at 6H, and luminous markings. 

The Glycine Combat Sub 42

In comparison, the Glycine Combat Sub 42 wears larger but takes on a similar appearance. As I mentioned earlier, all Combat Sub watches echo the look of the Rolex Sub, as the 42 demonstrates.

The models come in a ton of different colorways with block color or two-tone bezels. The famous “Pepsi” bezel even makes an appearance similar to the GMT-Master II watch.

These models, however, offer the option to track a second time zone, which the Rolex Sub doesn’t.As far as dive watches go, these guys are crazy thin, with cases measuring just 10.5mm in thickness.

Again, Sellita movements power these watches, and the unidirectional rotating bezels have a 60-click design.

Despite its larger diameter, the Sub 42 has perfect dimensions. These cases indeed have a lug-to-lug width of 50mm, but man, you can’t pick on that once they’re on the wrist! 

They look at home on an average-sized wrist, and, as I said earlier, small-wristed men can get away with them at a push. 

Super-LumiNova material enriches the hour markers and hands, and the date window is at 3 o’clock. Glycine also fits its watches on delicious vanilla-infused rubber bands, which I really dig. 

Many collectors with smaller wrists wear the Combat 42 because of those dramatic down-turned lugs. If there was ever a bold dive watch on the market that can wear well on a small wrist, this is it.

FAQs

Learn a few facts about the Glycine Combat Sub watch with these FAQs.

Is the Glycine Combat Sub a true GMT?

The Glycine Combat Sub has a 24-hour hand, so it’s not a true GMT watch (which uses a 12-hour hand). Instead, the 24-hour scale tracks time back home, while local time features in the main hands. 

What movement does the Glycine Combat Sub use?

Glycine uses two main automatic movements for its Combat Sub watches: the ETA2824-2 and the SW200. These movements are basically the same, save for a different jewel count. 

Is the Glycine Combat Sub ISO certified?

Glycine doesn’t confirm whether its Combat Sub watches have ISO certification. So, it’s uncertain whether the brand exposes them to the same demanding tests as those that are. 

Nevertheless, these watches are 300-meter water-resistant, with screw-down crowns, robust cases, and legible dials, making them great dive tools.

Winding Up

The Glycine Combat Sub is an absolute pearler. Aesthetically, it looks similar to the Rolex Submariner, yet its differences lie in its pricing and travel complications.

You can pick up one of these watches for a fraction of the price of a Rolex and still enjoy it for just as many reasons.

The Glycine Sub Combat series comes in several colors, including the 39mm and 42mm variants. And with so many colorways to choose from, the range is remarkably diverse. 

This watch is a great daily tool because of its impressively robust water-resistant case and travel-friendly format.

The second time zone function separates itself from the Rolex Sub, adding even more functionality, all for an affordable price. Plus, that scented vanilla rubber band is oh-so-sweet!

Did You Know? During the Vietnam War, United States Air Force pilots extensively used Glycine watches for warfare. Astronauts even used them in spaceflights, namely the 1965 Gemini V and the 1966 Gemini XI spaceflight missions.

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