Glycine Combat Sub GL0171 - I think I found the best watch you can buy

[@ruip72]

The most underrated swiss watch on the market , fortunately for us that know to appreciate that gem for a low price 😄

[@WATCHingJames]

Absolutely. It still amazes me how good this is and how it can be available for this price

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I have two Combat Subs and a Combat GMT. I think I got most of mine from Ashford as well. You can't beat the combination of features, quality, style and performance for the price!

[@WATCHingJames]

Absolutely. Incredible, great range and unbelievably priced.

[@christopherhilton2539]

I have three Glycine watchs a Combat Sub, a Combat and an Airman GMT and all are great watches with great Swiss movements and all for just over $300 US each. My Combat Sub is almost as good as my Seamaster 300 and at 1/15 of the price. Great video James. Love seeing Glycine getting some love.

[@karlsenula9495]

Undortunately the Airman Base 22 I want is over $1k.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is great to hear that I’m not the only one thinking this. Thanks for WATCHing

[@Trapvision3D]

It's always a plus to see other collectors gravitate towards Glycine!

[@sinjinadams2862]

The Glycine Combat Sub was one of the first watches I bought when I headed down my watch journey. It has everything I was looking for in a watch. Looks, specifications, build quality, heritage, price. It was just a fantastic watch for the money. What has surprised me since then is how this brand is all but invisible. Nobody seems to ever talk about this brand or review their watches. My guess is because they were bought by Invicta. I think that was the kiss of death for this brand. It's too bad though because from what I can tell, Invicta hasn't touched the brand. They are still making the same great watches they always have. If anything it helped because the prices have gone down after the acquisition.

[@karlsenula9495]

Yeah I think the Invicta acquisition has hurt them.

[@markbock3027]

From what I’ve heard, they probably wouldn’t be around at all anymore if Invicta hadn’t bought them. I’m grateful that Invicta management has been smart enough to leave Glycine alone; hopefully the brand will attract some attention and grow. Videos like this certainly help.

[@WATCHingJames]

I am definitely going to be digging more into the brand to see what else they have on offer.

[@karlsenula9495]

@@markbock3027 you may be right and while Invictas cash influx may have helped them Invicta's reputation may have hurt them ... they have to show the watch community that this is not the case and I haven't seen anything to this affect. Agree they need more reviewers exposure and reviewers looking at them.

[@frankhujsa821]

Invicta may not have altered the Glycine production or design (although it seems highly unlikely there has been zero contamination or influence), but Invicta now handles all warranty service and post sale customer support. Something to keep in mind. I recognize that the acquisition by Invicta may be the reason Glycine continues to exist at all, so I suppose we should all be grateful. My recently acquired GL0400 has a beautiful case but the bracelet and clasp are almost certainly from the Invicta parts bin. Not a bad thing but not a great thing either. The bad thing is that the bezel has a defect and now I’m dealing with Invicta warranty service.

[@NewGuyFour]

Have had my combat sub for years, pre acquisition. Absolute beast of a watch. I like it more every time I wear it.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is one of those watches. So impressive

[@gerard8174]

I own one of these and the quality for the price is indeed fabulous. What I like about it especially is how thin it is for a 200m diver and how flat is sits on the wrist. Btw, it's a 60-click bezel, not a 120-click. The finishing is quite simple and not very refined, but the build quality and remarkable thinness of the case more than make up for that. Legibility under all circumstances is fantatstic. Thank you for the nice review, I couldn't agree more with your comments.

[@WATCHingJames]

Whoops. I think 120 just slipped out because most watches are 120. I even had 60 written down on my note I have to prompt me.

[@alsmith4837]

I own and wear everyday the Glycine model GL0083 Combat Sub. I’ve owned Bretling, Montblanc, and Omega. My Glycine Combat Sub has been my favorite.

[@WATCHingJames]

The glycine is incredible. The best I’ve come across for value for money.

[@gregtolley3455]

Recently picked up the GL0390 bronze I had been looking for on Ashford for $350 US and it's my new GADA, amazing build, swiss mvmt and an absolute strap monster. I was wary of the Invicta connection but, luckily, they've left it alone. Highly recommend.

[@WATCHingJames]

I continue to be impressed.

[@gregtolley3455]

@@WATCHingJames scratched my black bay itch without having to sell the kids for medical experiments lol.

[@RassBrass]

I was going to get one, it I finished by buying a Steinhart Ocean 39 . I love it

[@WATCHingJames]

A fantastic choice

[@respectablylate3081]

Totally agree James! I owned one for a couple of years before selling it to a mate in my watch group, Oz Watch Boys, wbo desired it more. I've since purchased the Glycine Airman which I also enjoy in my rotation of over 220+ watches that range from Timex to Rolex. Would love to chat one day soon as a fellow Aussie collector. I'm based in Western Sydney. Thanks and enjoy the content!

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m always up for chatting about watches. Thanks for WATCHing

[@willc3638]

I agree. Great review. I own four Combat Sub Automatics and one Combat Sub Quartz. All five were definitely worth the money.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are incredible watches and the best I’ve experienced at this price range.

[@grahamliggat7193]

James - I’ve long been agreement with this view. At times, with discounts, this is less than $300 on Ashford, which has to be the best value automatic watch going. Glad you found your way there.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is really incredible. I wish I had figured it out earlier. It is great to know that there are such good quality watches out there still at reasonable prices.

[@philausa9629]

I have 10 Glycines. Amazing watches and super affordable

[@WATCHingJames]

They are incredible watches and amazing for the price.

[@LymanPhillips]

I'm wearing my combat sub - black on black with fauxtina stick hands. I really like it - its very tool-ey feeling. I was worried about the 60 click bezel, but I really like it. And you tried to describe it perfectly. Its reassuringly clicky, yet not hard to turn. I'm going to look at the Airman line. Incredible deal from Ashford at $280 on sale.

[@WATCHingJames]

I have been able to get hands on with the airman recently too and I really liked it. It was an all black version which was not specifically my taste. But the watch overall was very nice.

[@joed.twyman6355]

I have the 1012 grey dial,grey/Blk bezel no numbers just markers,60 click unidirection. Quarts. Lume dont last long. Otherwise a very nice watch. I love it.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@darrenfry4695]

Great watch ive got the pepsi bezel combat quartz, i see how good it was then straight away ordered the all black combat auto, great watches.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve definitely been looking to buy one as well mum currently digging through their catalog to find a hidden gem.

[@bongdudugenio9947]

You make clear my clouded thoughts about this brand and model. Thank you this is my best buy.

[@WATCHingJames]

I hope it was helpful. It is an incredible watch and rather shocking you can buy them for such a low amount.

[@MrBacchus18]

The GL0375 brown dial, bronze Combat Sub was my last watch purchase of last year. Really impressed with it, to the point where I was looking at some steel Combat Subs and had to give it a think and back away from the keyboard before I bought another one lol

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve been in that position too. Sometimes it is hard not to press the buy it now button.

[@MadDog8932]

The Glycine Watch that i own are great ones. I have even given one of the Glycine Pilot GMT Watches to my son and as a pilot he finds it useful.

[@WATCHingJames]

They have some great watches.

[@larrydalton2205]

They are amazing value watches. I have three different colorways if the version you have. Two are just different bezel colors, grey with the same lumed arabics. Bright blue bezel and dial with no lume on arabics, and a full black dial/bezel PVD version. All purchased between $300 and $335 USD with the cheapest one coming from Costco. 42mm works fine for me but if the price was close I'd prefer 40mm. Thanks for the review. Happy New Year James!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Larry. They are impressive watches and it is great to hear that so many people are thinking the same as I am.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I’ve known about these combat Subs for a few years now and was excited to see that they offered 39mm but sadly they are also the most expensive

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had the same thought. If the 39 is as good as this one then I want it. But finding one at the right price does not appear easy. I’m keeping my eye out for one.

[@amenhotep7704]

No the 36 is and most difficult to find it currently, i was lucky to get one back in 2022

[@WATCHingJames]

It shocked me how good this watch is. Especially at this price.

[@moneymikz]

I agree I’d buy it, but I fear I would never wear my other watches

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

James, I'm really happy to hear you love these. The only thing I don't like but you might is the aluminum insert.

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

The movement from my understanding is either the 2824 on older models or the sw200, both with custom rotors as the only upgrade that I remember finding

[@RabbitWatchShop]

Id like this design in a smaller form with a variety of bezel and dial colors to choose from.

[@WATCHingJames]

They have smaller versions too which look incredible. Unfortunately they are not available at these sorts of prices. Which is disappointing. I’m keeping an eye out for one. ☝️ I’ll grab one at a good price.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

@@WATCHingJames really? I have a combat sub 39, but it’s a different design. It’s discontinued. Along with the 36mm.

[@benjamingruen6820]

Just bought it for 296 plus tax. Cant wait for my watch to arrive. So excited

[@WATCHingJames]

It truly is the best value watch I’ve experienced and it is also a brilliant watch.

[@thebaldwatchcollector]

Got a Glycine for crimbo, they are great watches for the money, really happy with mine.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m still in a bit of shock at how good this one is and how low cost it is.

[@runwhatyoubrung]

This thing looks sweet! Ill have to keep an eye out for these! I like the color matched date wheel alot

[@WATCHingJames]

They are so impressive. Definitely worth checking out.

[@jimg8887]

The prices at Ashford are really nice when they are on sale and you use a coupon.. I have 2 and only have a couple issues. First, due to how thin the case is, they got it that thin making the bezel very thin. I find when wet it's very difficult to get a good grip on. I think I would make the bezel a little thicker even tho that add to the overall case thickness. Second they need to have drilled lugs on all the models. Some of the older ones have drilled lugs but most don't. I think that would be a nice addition to make swapping the bracelet for straps easier. I also wouldn't mind a ceramic bezel insert. I've already got a few small marks on one insert, a ceramic insert would look nicer for a longer time. That's really it. It's a very comfortable watch at a nice price point. Another thing to mention is these also come in quartz versions which are super inexpensive. It's the same nice build quality but with a Swiss quartz movement.

[@WATCHingJames]

The quartz versions offer even better value. It is great they are offering so many options in this range.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

A watch so nice, I bought it thrice.....well I own two Combat Subs in steel and a bronze GMT.

[@WATCHingJames]

I love how many options are available.

[@flyguy1359]

I have the black version with the sw200 and it has the smoothest winding action I ever felt

[@WATCHingJames]

That is great to hear. I continue to be impressed by it. Thanks for WATCHing

[@danteventura1084]

Lyk ur review, hv actually bn thinking of getting a glycine combat. Tnx Ashford do offer great prices and a large selection of brands/models

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@adk7962]

Definitely amazing values if you can find one for a great price especially on the gray market. Thanks for the great review!

[@WATCHingJames]

There are plenty out there. It is just a matter of finding the right one at this price. Thanks for WATCHing

[@nikc1313]

I've considered buying this one from Ashford a few times. I think more because of the value proposition rather than a desire to own it. I think it's the printed dial being a bit boring. As you say just an applied logo would maybe improve it.

[@WATCHingJames]

It could use a couple of things to make it pop. But the quality and low price still amazes me.

[@Trapvision3D]

I have this exact model and absolutely enjoy it!

[@WATCHingJames]

It has been great to hear that so many others have had the same thoughts as me about this one. Thanks for WATCHing

[@fossilimprint2954]

Awesome review, good to know about this affordable swiss mechanical movement watch.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a brilliant watch. Definitely the best watch for the price I’ve come across

[@markbock3027]

Good video. Glycine is a brand with a rich legacy. For what it’s worth, I’ve read that Ashford is actually an AD for Glycine - whatever that means since the Invicta purchase. So far being bought by Invicta doesn’t seem to be a bad thing for Glycine - they’ve been reinvigorated as a brand while being left alone to make their watches their own way, but with the Invicta Group’s buying power and distribution channels. Hence their ability to offer the Combat Sub line at such great prices. (It should be pointed out that the Airman line is also priced well, especially for what you get, but sits closer to $700USD.) I have a couple of the post-Invicta Combat Subs and an Airman, and I also have a mid-2000s (long pre-Invicta) Incursore. All great watches. I see no downgrade in quality from the pre-Invicta watches, though it is a bit of a shame they opted to eliminate the Incursore, Stratoforte, and other model lines while making a ton of different Combat Sub variations.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great to hear. I have not had any pre Invicta glycines so can’t comment on any changes. I have now had hands on with three current models and all have been very impressive

[@garycollard1981]

Seeing the dial makes me wonder why the need for fractions of a second/minute markers? Surely 60 are plenty? Good content as usual James.

[@WATCHingJames]

I can only assume it is for visual interest. I have had the same thought about a few watches.

[@MirrlyonTime]

Definitely hoping to add one to my collection this year

[@WATCHingJames]

You will not be disappointed.

[@L.A.C_Santos]

I have two incursore from before the invicta era. One of them has super luminova (SL at six) marvelous quality

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m keen to get hands on with a pre Invicta glycine to see what they are like and if there are any obvious changes.

[@andrewmain8022]

I have this great watch and my only regret is that I bought it on a rubber strap. I have looked for a bracelet but they cost almost as much as the watch to buy separately so my advice is make sure you buy it on a bracelet. Nice video James and if you like this try the Airman.

[@WATCHingJames]

The bracelet is fantastic. I would also recommend it. I have had hands on with an all black airman and I really liked it.

[@andrewmain8022]

I also think that the logo on the caseback is the US Navy Seals emblem, hence the Combat title. Did the human fly climber not also wear one?

[@1968gadgetyo]

I have a Glycine chronograph. It's a chronograph that is made on the Combat sub case. So all the buttons screw down. Have you heard of a chronograph rated to 20 atm? My issue with Glycine is that the lum does not last that long. An a hidden issue is that 'swiss-made' only mean 60% are made in Swisserland. I suspect it is assembled in China.

[@WATCHingJames]

With the rules around “Swiss made” I think a lot of brands are at least particularly made in China.

[@user_fuckrussia]

According to the “Swiss made” Law, final testing, quality checking and assembly must be done in the Switzerland.

[@boombringer4078]

Wow! Thanks James, this a great review. This is a bargain!

[@WATCHingJames]

It continues to amaze me how good it is for the price. Thanks for WATCHing

[@JoseMorales-vw4qf]

❤Glycine and Ashford...way to go.

[@WATCHingJames]

Incredible value. Especially from Ashford

[@waynesellers4078]

The 39mm version was the best but they discontinued it so the ones left are quite expensive.

[@WATCHingJames]

I have had the same thought. I’m on the look at for one if I can find it at the right price.

[@Zotrax1946]

It’s most certainly true, about Ashford. Almost every time ☝🏻

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m always checking the website to see what they have on offer. I have my eye on one particular watch. But I’ve bought too much lately. So trying to be good.

[@Zotrax1946]

@@WATCHingJames courage and strength! We need these so much! Trying NOT to buy something that caught our eyes, when the price is just right…🤷🏼‍♂️

[@phillyeli215]

The curved lugs make them where smaller than the 42mm listed

[@WATCHingJames]

And being so thin really makes them sit down on wrist.

[@robwelsh5070]

Link in the description isn't correct. Great review 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll try and fix it today

[@dunderhay9169]

Good review 👍, I like the style and thin profile, but would prefer it a fraction smaller, particularly the lug to lug.

[@WATCHingJames]

They have a smaller version too which looks incredible. Unfortunately it’s not available at these sorts of prices. Which is disappointing. I’m keeping an eye out for one. ☝️ I’ll grab one at a good price.

[@dunderhay9169]

@@WATCHingJames Thanks we'll all be scouring Ashford now 😁

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. I’ve now given my self completion. Whoops 😁

[@21MEPHISTO01]

Glycine is now part of Invicta Watch Group

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes it is. I have not had hands on with any pre Invicta Glycines. So unsure of any changes that have or have not occurred. I can say that this watch. At this price. Is incredible

[@21MEPHISTO01]

@@WATCHingJamesI'm happy with my 'Golden Eye', too. Years ago the Combat Sub was around 1k$ and has been even more premium...there are comparisons here inYT.

[@zillsburyy1]

is invicta still poisoning the brand?

[@WATCHingJames]

It is my understanding that they don’t have any input into the brands decisions.however I don’t really know. All I can say is this particular watch and the two other glycines I’ve experienced have been incredible

[@jamesblonde2271]

Glycine are great, storied brand but, bit of a Subby homage and the dials are a bit flat, most have Mecedes-ish hands like yours, which is a turn off. But like you say theres so many variations of the Sub that you can find it without. They have a coupla other great pieces, including the pilots 24hr dial gmt, which is a trip. I'd reccomend the Quartz for value, they come up real cheap on Joma sometimes

[@WATCHingJames]

The quality vs price just shocks me. I could not recommend a better “affordable “ watch to someone.

[@thegorn]

Pretty solid offering. But if you don't need 42mm but 40mm, then a Cronos sub with PT5000 might be even better value during sale time.

[@WATCHingJames]

I just bought the NH35 Cronos sub and it is very very good. By the Glycine is significantly better.

[@MrBalla-pk6lr]

Hi do you think the quality being not compromised after invicta took over??

[@WATCHingJames]

I have not had hands on with any pre invicata glycines. But I have owned two newer glycines and borrowed this one. And I can say they are incredible.

[@arikcagan7123]

Yep good watch. Just got another one from Ashford. This time on a rubber strap. My Xmas present 🎁. If the Aussie Dollar 💵 on par with the USD I would…

[@WATCHingJames]

I keep going back to Ashford. They have some great value watches. I have my eye on a Mido on their site at the moment. But have bought too many watches lately and trying very hard not to buy any for a while.

[@arikcagan7123]

@@WATCHingJames which one 1️⃣?

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s not one that I think everyone will love. But it really has grabbed me. The Belluna II

[@arikcagan7123]

@@WATCHingJames will have a look I think I looked at it already..

[@BAF605]

Since the Invicta takeover large numbers of Glycine watches have ended up on the US market at crazy prices. Who'd be an AD trying to hold RRPs? Great for the consumer though.

[@WATCHingJames]

It makes me wonder if they are using the Invicta model of it cost $1000 but today only you can get it for $100. Except the watch is actually really well made. 😁

[@jkokich]

Where are Glycines made?

[@WATCHingJames]

Swiss made

[@jkokich]

@@WATCHingJames thank you!

[@franp209]

What websites that are reliable do you recommend? For the US or EU. I've been looking to buy one for a few months now but I'm a little but skeptical tu buy them off amazon or ebay

[@WATCHingJames]

Definitely Ashford.com they are always the cheapest place and I’ve always had great experiences when buying from them.

[@MyName-nx1jj]

Finally a great AutoMelic watch!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@han7902]

It has an inferior sapphire glass. I have one and it got scratched.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@witness00fleming]

These are great but I would encourage you to have a look into Glycine's returns/customer service. Since they sold to "they who shall not be named" customer service has gone out the window. Shame for such a great brand

[@WATCHingJames]

That is disappointing to hear. I have had some good experiences with Ashford.com but not sure how that would then extend to issues with the brand.

[@ssnerd583]

BEAUTIFUL!!! but its 42mm......want it in 40mm

[@WATCHingJames]

They have them in smaller sizes too. But unfortunately not at these prices. I’m keeping my eye on them hoping to find a bargain.

[@ssnerd583]

yeah....nobody wants the 42mm ones....I saw one for $174 that was quartz and nice but im OVER wearing 'too big' watches.....not buying any more too big watches.@@WATCHingJames

[@therascals8237]

Looks like a love child of Longines, Tudor, and Rolex 😅

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s a pretty good description. Hahahaha

[@arinashi2299]

Is a 60 click bezel 😎

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@HAL-xy3om]

Nice watch!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@amenhotep7704]

And the Dial is not 100% printed on the 36 that's weird and unique too

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Jeffers70]

This would be great to win. Thanks 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@moneymikz]

You know what it’s missing? A big magnifying/distorting cyclopsy blob over the date window.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha maybe.

[@amenhotep7704]

I own the rare combat sub 36 GL0338, i barely see difference between Luxury and these, people are truly buying icons out of ignorance.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are making some incredible watches.

[@amenhotep7704]

@@WATCHingJames 💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@scatterbrain9490]

That's a winner

[@WATCHingJames]

It continues to impress me.

[@tomthompson7400]

theres an orange dial that will give most things a run for their money , and at the price they cost it makes a lot of watches look overpriced too.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m still shocked how good these are. Especially at the prices that are available

[@Horizontalvertigo]

I'd rather a GL0371 personally, if we're talking Glycine, much more history and pizzazz imo

[@WATCHingJames]

They do have some fantastic models. Another one of those brands that is worth digging into.

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank Naomi.

[@adamhuntoon355]

*60 clicks no?

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes 60

[@kresimirpleic]

Jomashop has lower prices than Ashford.

[@WATCHingJames]

I do keep an eye on them too.

[@WATCHingJames]

I just had a look at jomashop and Ashford. Jomashop has subs for $319 on a nato. Ashford has subs for $309 on the bracelet.

[@davidbowie4657]

This brand is owned by Invicta. A Chinese brand not Swiss made.

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes. Like a lot of brands they were bought. But it does lot appear to have effected their watches.

[@baba98052]

Save your money and buy a better watch. 😊

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing