Glycine Combat Sub - The REAL (long-term) watch review

[@Slammintone]

I just got the GL0083 on the NATO strap. I also have an Omega Seamaster Pro and a Rolex Sub. So far I’m very impressed with the Glycine. It has perhaps the most robust tool watch caliber ever invented, it wears like a watch that should cost four or five times as much and it just looks MEAN! I love it. Been wanting an affordable Swiss knockabout automatic for years and this Glycine is that and more. Us older gents that have our pricier timepieces aren’t looking down our noses at this watch. I welcome it into the collection. It has a job to do.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Thank you for mentioning the notch on the bezel at the 12 o'clock. I've watched a number of reviews on this watch and you are the first person to mention it. This is the sort of detail you must noticed after owning and wearing the watch for a long time.

[@brianglade848]

I'm around alot of businesses during the day, and do most of my diving at night, hands down, this is the best dumpster diver out there, lume stays lit most of the night

[@willardhooton920]

Glycine Combat Sub is a true classic and one of the best values available.

[@gerard8174]

Great review, thank you very much for taking so much time to point out your experiences with this nice watch. I love it, the only thing I would change is the rectangular lume pip on the seconds hand; I think it should be a lollipop-style round dot instead, it would match the five-minute markers much better. I'm seriously considering purchasing the next generation of this watch, the model number GL0185. It has a 20mm lug width and the newer Glycine logo on the dial (with only the simple outline). The thin-ness of the case and the way the case shape curves are just fantastic, I love the design. I have one Glycine in my collection, the Bienne 1914, and the quality this brand gives you for the money is really remarkable. Nice brand with well made watches.

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Nice review, thorough and informative. Thank you !!!! Waiting for Glycine making case sized around 38,5 mm - 40,5 mm, as many others do too. Love the brand for years. One of my all time favourite designwise, unfortunately they produce combat subs with smallest case size of 42 mm (((. That is a no go for me. I would jump at least on 2-3 models in last 7 years, if the watch would be within "healthy" size. I still believe, that there comes a day the Glycine will start to produce smaller case versions too, in my opinion they would make a fortune. There is literally 30-40% people on the market looking for case sizes around 40 mm and less. Steinhart O1, 39mm version, were flying out of the oven right after the company mentioned the new size on stock.

[@timemeasured9137]

Well said and I agree. FYI Glycine just announced that a 39mm combat sub is coming in Spring 2022!

[@edf2953]

Very nice review. I love your Glycine Sub. So many fine features. Very thin and the crown action with its ability to turn to lock seems much easier than any of my current watches. The dial is so nice looking. I think it’s definitely a keeper! Thanks for taking the time to go over the details of this fine timepiece. Good job!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the watch/review

[@daveybphotography]

Grey bezel version with Arabic numerals, "Mercedes" hour hand and factory steel bracelet, $289 at Costco right now 8.17.19. I just got one, it ticks so many boxes on my idea of a perfect watch. Thanks for the videos! edit: I was just looking at the box for the reference number of the one I got and I saw a made in china sticker. I was wtf? until i looked closer, it actually says "Box made in China" heh The reference for mine is GL0078

[@5698max]

Picked up a used GL0083 on the NATO for 265€... Package just arrived, can't wait to unbox it once I get home!

[@kevhun1]

These are amazing and nothing under 2500 actually beat them out.

[@paulholcombe7324]

I would love one of these, if not for the size. Glycine makes a 39mm with 20mm lug width, which would be great, but that design (for some weird reason) has no crown guards.

[@burdineestep4224]

Own 3 Glycine's, 2 c/ sub 1x airman at present. Bronze sub, chronograph sub, 12 hr. Gmt subdial airman. Buying more , but old logo n.o.s.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I've got the Bronze with brown bezel & face without 24 hour markings rubber strap paid $389 us , waiting for the 39mm without 24 hour markings Black & Gilt . Good review 👍

[@mrbacchus6127]

I bought a straight end strapcode oyster bracelet for $55 works great on this watch.

[@libertylover81]

Would you mind adding the link for the bracelt in the comments section? Just bought this watch with the silicone strap, bit want to dress it up with a stainless bracelet.

[@watchesandcaps2566]

My combat sub screws in smooth as butter and the signed crown on my lines up perfectly when screwed all the way in.

[@andreykashin1729]

Same, only it stopped working completely after about 10 months :( It's the GL0185 too.

[@JeeGee114]

@@andreykashin1729 Mine also after 1.5 years.

[@alexdiaz2003]

Thanks for the great review! I own it from 2 weeks ago and love it. Now on a NATO strap but waiting for a watchmaker to put it on a bracelet since I have failed to do it myself. Thanks for the tip of the crown adjustment. It feels weird sometimes as needs quite some force and I do not want to overscrew. Best wishes from Madrid Spain!

[@Wolf_K]

I really like the Glycine watches and I’m considering this very model. Thanks for the video.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback

[@--RSL--]

dont buy the new subs with the ray on the back, those are invicta... you want the original glycine with the seals on the back.

[@M3LTUP]

Reminds me more of a Sinn 104 than anything Rolex offers.

[@wadehampton1737]

Very much so!

[@Ken-gv6sb]

That is one beautiful watch! Thanks for the great review(s)!

[@woodswing57]

A little off topic but it’s always cool to see a fellow Red Rising fan

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks 👍

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Great review. The factory bracelet you now have on it is really nice. Didn't realize it was less than 11mm thick, which would be awesome to fit under a cuff if you want to dress it up.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I wouldn't wear a diver with a cuff, though many do. Anyways, thinness is great for many things besides cuffs. It's easier to do manual work with a thin than a thick watch sometimes, when you don't have to worry about your hands fitting where you're trying to stick 'em.

[@simonbailey2151]

It really is remarkably thin.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Thank you for this review , I think you do one of the best reviews I've watched , I bought the Seiko Samurai Manta Ray after watching your review . I'm considering buying a bronze version of this watch with a brown dial and brown bezel with a brown rubber strap I think it looks great $399

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the kind feedback 👍

[@surfitli]

Great review. The Combat Sub is a great watch. The thinness is great for a 200m Diver. I found the crown action very satisfying. The model I have has more of a Mercedes hour hand. While not important, I really like the caseback design wit the Seals. Yes hey really should upgrade the lume to C3 X1, C1 is weaker. C1 and C3 appear cream or slightly green in daylight. BGW9 glows blue and appears pure white is j daylight.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@markjackson1136]

Aesthetically I love this watch just wish it was 40 mm for my small wrist. I live in the london area. Nice to see someone locally with reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Perhaps I can suggest you try the Glycine Combat6 classic (36mm) or moonphase (40mm) for your wrist size? Also, glad to have a local Londoner on the channel :)

[@markjackson1136]

Thanks for your suggestion. If you need any other watches for review I have a small humble collection. Cheers

[@domf7705]

Is there a aftermarket bracelet for this? I'm looking to buy one but it only comes with the nato strap :(

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yes, I could recommend any 22mm (straight end-link) bracelet from StrapCode. I find the Oyster-style bracelet looks great with the combat sub.

[@willeam1986]

Did yours come with the all black Nato? Like on the GL0173? If so, would you part with it if it's in good condition?

[@ChessWatchesGeo]

Thank you for this review. A proper long-term review is just so insightful when researching a specific watch. I pulled the trigger on a mint 2018 Combat Sub (also GL0185) three weeks ago. Felt good about going for it after watching this. So thank you for that as well! My experience so far has been simply great. Wanted a proper, versatile, everyday watch that I could wear without being too afraid of it. I guess someone would call that a beater, but I do take care of it. I have only worn it on the bracelet so far - and I could not be happier. Much like you pointed out; it really holds it own aesthetically. I also love the way it wears. I usually tend to go a bit smaller sizewise, but the way this piece hugs the wrist, combined with the fantastic slimness of it, makes it a definate favorite for me. I got what I wanted. Put the GL0185 on a timegrapher yesterday, and it is between +3 and +5 secs per day (depending on the case angle), but it averages +1,8 secs manually measured with use. 0,0ms beat error and a healthy 297 degrees amplitude. So in its sixth year since production date, I don't see any signs of a service being needed. The only slight niggle I have with the watch is the bezel, which is a little too slim to get a proper grip on. That being said, it is still useful (and I do use it frequently), I just find myself gripping it a bit weird - using the "bump" in the bezel about 12 o'clock for better grip. Other than that, the (60 click) bezel clicks beautifully, is perfectly aligned and has no backplay at all. I also could have wished the bracelet would taper a tiny bit more, but that is an issue I seem to care less and less about. Lastly, I don't get why the are producing so many versions of this watch. To me, this only hurts the brand and waters out the quite special things about the Combat Sub. But that is another discussion. I without hesitation recommend the Combat Sub to all viewing this. I dare anyone to find a better deal on a equally good automatic wristwatch in this category (but would love to hear arguments!). Thanks again @EverydayWatchGuy and a wonderful day to all of you reading this.

[@alphonsepipo1948]

I have one like this on the rubber strap. The only thing that I do not like that much are the white hands. They should be polished like on the 0094. maybe I change them some time

[@manuel_winde]

I got the gl0089 on rubber- at first it was too rigid but I curled it round a small cup and poured boiling water in it, then after 10mins poured cold water on it. The same tactic is how you mould gumshields and it worked really well on the strap.

[@tynchytemper9618]

Lucky that you didn't destroy the crown when you weren't pushing it in properly before you were turning it?

[@bertomazda31986]

I have a Glycine 48mm sub combat, I hear it ticking is that normal?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

It is not uncommon to hear the beat rate (ticking of the watch) if you have it relatively close to your face. As long as the watch is keeping good time, I wouldn't worry too much :)

[@bertomazda31986]

EverydayWatchGuy thanks for the info

[@nolanolivier6791]

The dial and the bezel remind me more of the spyrotechnique...

[@ppac300]

Eyeing the Glycine Combat and the Seiko 5 Sport Land Shark. Need help with the choice. Which one of the two? Thanks.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I would go for the Glycine, which has the better automatic movement and thinner case profile, in my opinion. Cheers.

[@TZOID08]

Good review.... It would be helpful if you said what exact model this is..... They have a bunch

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

It is the reference 3863-196N, which I have these detiails in my initial review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3zWdH-Ngq6ha9E Take care

[@Pat_Fenis]

Hi, just to let you know, I think that the tube of the crown might be damaged or something. The screwing is too short in my opinion. Take a look at Random Rob's review of this watch - the crown screws normally, like in almost all diving watches. Maybe you should take your Glycine Sub to watchmaker for a check. Too short action on the crown might be dangerous for the watch if you swim or dive with it because the water might go inside.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for your insight. I will get my local watch maker to look at it, once things get back to normal

[@Jedi391]

I have an 8.25 inch wrist, do you think it would fit?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yeah, I think you can pull off the Combat Sub with a larger wrist 👍

[@stephenabm7779]

I have been researching Dive Watches for a purchase and this one looks good. Any thoughts? I am open to advise...

[@Bobsbargainbasement]

Nice piece for the money! I have eyed these before but never pulled the trigger!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks, if you can find one for under $500, I would definitely pick one up :)

[@motlay]

Me too. Waiting for the new release coming in Fall and fingers crossed for 40mm. One can wish.

[@joemother1098]

Looks great on the stock bracelet. I just bought 2 so I can put my new gl0087 on the stock bracelet for the gl0272, then I’m gonna sell or gift the 0272 with the rubber strap for hopefully not much less 😆😆

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Great job. You have ac simple, casual style. That's so nice in a KZbin world with a lot of cheezy, egomaniacs, etc. ... Good thoughts/ info too. thanks for the video.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thank you kindly for your positive feedback. All the best!

[@zillsburyy1]

the lume on my combat sub is the same on the casio duro. it sucks. i dont believe it was ever a $1000+ watch.

[@micahbartsch9084]

Hello. My name is Micah. I live in Woodstock. It’s good to see another Canadian watch reviewer. I was wondering if you still had this combat sub. I know it been two years but if so would you be interested in selling it?

[@davidcrandall4958]

This is an Invicta Glycine( No lug Holes)!

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

paperthin hymn for the intro? just saw anberlin live in seattle on a reunion tour last week. great show, great band and great band on that watch as well. thanks for the informative review.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks. Yeah, Anberlin is an incredible band. Nice that you can see them live!

[@ejames6431]

I just got two Glycine Combat Subs and they are awesome watches! 👍🏼

[@malbug]

The Glycine is a great looking watch. What’s the blue watch in the winder behind you?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks. The watch in the winder is a Seiko 5 (SNKK27), which I like to call the Speedracer

[@malbug]

EverydayWatchGuy Thanks. I have the same watch. It’s kinda funky in a retro way and I wear it more often than I thought. How big is your wrist by the way?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@malbug my wrist is just over 7.25 inches, so that Seiko 5 wears really small on me. I actually thought the dimensions were bigger when I picked it up. I'll have to do a review of the Seiko 5 in the near future.

[@marioduarte5206]

does glycine have stores/representation in Portugal?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I am unsure, I live in Canada, sorry

[@zillsburyy1]

where did you get the metal band?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I have owned a few combat subs, so I swapped the bracelet from an existing model onto this watch. Cheers

[@zillsburyy1]

@@EverydayWatchGuy your version is post invicta. too bad

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@zillsburyy1 no difference from pre-Invicta combat subs from my experience.

[@zillsburyy1]

@@EverydayWatchGuy watch "Glycine Combat Sub pre and post Invicta take over" and you will know what to look for. the guy nails it. im sorry my son.

[@douglasstrub1970]

the combat sub is a super comfortable watch for sure

[@giangvu7902]

Oh yeah this watch has nothing to do with the Rolex Submariner. This thing is a design of its own. Beautiful watch and great review!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks!

[@MaestroJericho]

I think it looks too militant to be like a sub, like how the Chris Ward has a more modern look that I think younger people could pull off more.

[@bruh_oly1370]

@@EverydayWatchGuy I take it you prefer this watch over the Steinhart vintage red you pitted it against?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@bruh_oly1370 both are great watches, but I tend to enjoy wearing the Combat sub a bit more

[@bruh_oly1370]

@@EverydayWatchGuy thanks for replying much appreciated

[@Ktc99999-b]

this is nicer than the sub

[@thermionic1234567]

How on earth did you get the metal band!? Been looking for one for years!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I got the bracelet from a local watch trader. I believe he picked it up direct from Glycine

[@randyporter3491]

EverydayWatchGuy Which you explained in detail, in the video. But, being the good guy you are, you happily repeat the explanation lol! Great review. I own every larger case Airman model and bern looking for one of these. But, I would like to fine a pre-Invicta model if possible. Revue Thommen makes a similar diver as well. Would love to see a side-by- side. Thanks again for the great information !

[@mrlume9475]

Thanks for a real world review of this watch. I was considering it for my collection. After warching your post im going to pull the trigger and get one. Thanks again.👍

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Congrats, I don't think you will be disappointed :)

[@--RSL--]

gumball watches are better at keeping time than rolex.... everyone knows that. I have the grey/black 48mm... that 42 looks the exact same size as mine. What size is your wrist?? I just bought the one you have, but on a nato, which i will swap out for a nice borealis rubber strap... i wanted to get yours bc it doesnt have numbers and also bc its a glycine... anything without the seals on the back and has 120 click bezel is now an invicta. i've heard the new ones already have bezel alignment issues.... will only go down from here unfortunately.

[@davidcrandall4958]

You're misinformed This watch doesn't have lug Holes! It's an Invicta Glycine,Which is a wonderfull watch!

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I thought that's how all threaded crowns work :D Certainly all of mine do.

[@JMGeranimo]

This or a san martin?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Depends on your taste, but I would go with the Glycine👍

[@DennisBible]

does your bezel wobble?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Nope, there is no wobble to the bezel :)

[@DennisBible]

@@EverydayWatchGuy mine has a little wobble. I understand from looking on some forums that it is common for them to have some. Good video btw

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@DennisBible Thanks for the feedback

[@watchesandcaps2566]

@@DennisBible I have zero wobble in mine, it's actually one of the more sturdy bezels in my entire collection.

[@csharpewalls]

Nice review just picked up the GL0076 from Costco for $299 US can’t wait to get it on wrist.

[@russellalfonso2962]

Seeing your watch books in the background, I am reminded of my own copies of those very same books

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Nice👍

[@LuisLanza-w4u]

Not homages at all got their own personality.

[@anthonydevono8833]

50mm luv to lug is to much for me can get away with a 42mm just about wish they offered a 39mm like steinhart

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Perhaps I could suggest you try their Combat6 classic (36mm) watch. It wears really nice for the size.

[@zach7128]

The lugs are curved downwards so it actually wears a lot smaller

[@steve69chevy]

Hands are cool. .,Field watchy Like 1990’s victorinox garrison. But also , the off color 24 hour markers ., not so cool .

[@UCZ15]

How big is your wrist?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Around 18cm. Cheers

[@Jeff_1349]

Subbed. New Glycine fan. Long time James S.A. Corey fan

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback and sub👍

[@DavidBrown-in8hi]

Glycine owned by Invicta

[@panorama4526]

Does it really hurt so much to say the name properly?!

[@stefanfluck3988]

Better than rolex:)

[@deegxpert]

just another pricey rolex knock off with a different dial

[@YZFMANIAC08]

It has a Swiss ETA movement

[@burdineestep4224]

Sorry but, #1 prize for most annoying music intro in the universe.

[@lucymellace2906]

Junk, another false advertised watch by Invicta Junk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@burdineestep4224]

HERE'S LUCY !!! Malice in every troll comment. Doubt that ? She ?? Evry owned or held a Glycine.

[@lucymellace2906]

@@burdineestep4224 it's owned and managed by invicta, nothing else has to be said.

[@burdineestep4224]

@@lucymellace2906 and sales of Glycines are up, and the factory workers of long standing still have jobs. I'd say that's a plus. Fans & owners, past and future will be able to purchase new watches from Glycine in the coming years- also a plus. Q= have you ever owned/ seen / held a Glycine or for that matter a Invicta? Why the hate?

[@lucymellace2906]

@@burdineestep4224 no, I don't hold junk!

[@burdineestep4224]

@@lucymellace2906 just talk it.