# Glycine Combat Sub 42 – A Thin‑Profile Swiss Diver for the Everyday Adventurer The Glycine Combat Sub 42 has been quietly carving out a reputation as one of the most approachable Swiss automatic divers on the market. Housed in a 42 mm, 10.5 mm‑thin case, it offers 200 m of water resistance, a reliable GL224 (ETA 2824‑based) movement, and a field‑inspired dial that prioritises legibility over flash. Priced well below many Swiss competitors, the watch promises a blend of professional‑grade specs and everyday comfort. In this review we’ll place the Combat Sub in Glycine’s lineage, dissect its design and engineering, and see how it behaves on the wrist and in real‑world situations. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Glycine, founded in 1914, has long been associated with aviation‑ and military‑inspired timepieces. The Combat Sub is the brand’s answer to the modern dive‑watch market, extending the legacy of the original Combat line that began in the 1970s as a rugged field watch for pilots. The “Sub” suffix signals Glycine’s entry into the diver segment, and the 42 mm version (reference GL0083) represents the current iteration of that effort. While the exact launch year for the GL0083 reference is not disclosed in the available data, the model has been on the market for several years, consistently appearing in price‑tracking sites and review archives. Glycine positions the Combat Sub as a value‑driven alternative to higher‑priced Swiss divers, targeting enthusiasts who want a professional‑grade spec sheet without the premium markup. In the brand’s hierarchy, the Combat Sub sits in Tier 3 (mid‑tier) – a step above entry‑level micro‑brands but below Glycine’s more heritage‑focused pieces like the Airman or the Airman‑Chronograph. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial ### Case - **Diameter:** 42 mm – a sweet spot that accommodates most wrist sizes while retaining a classic diver silhouette. - **Thickness:** 10.5 mm – touted as one of the thinnest 200 m automatic dive watches in production, which translates to a low‑profile feel under a shirt cuff. - **Material:** Stainless steel with a brushed finish; edges are noted to be slightly rough, a minor concession in an otherwise solid build. - **Water resistance:** 200 m (20 atm) – sufficient for recreational diving, snorkeling, and water‑sports. ### Crystal - **Type:** Domed sapphire crystal. - **Coating:** No anti‑reflective (AR) coating, which can make the surface a bit reflective in bright light. ### Bezel - Unidirectional rotating bezel with a single “pip” marker for timing. The bezel is stainless steel and matches the case finish. ### Dial - **Layout:** Field‑inspired with large orange Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, complemented by smaller minute markers. - **Hands:** Luminous hands with a hazy green glow that lasts roughly 30 minutes after UV exposure. - **Lume:** Applied on the orange indices, a pip on the bezel, and the hands. Reviewers consistently describe the lume as “weak” compared with modern diver standards. - **Finish:** Matte black background that enhances legibility; the overall aesthetic is utilitarian rather than decorative. ### Strap - The watch ships with a NATO strap that many reviewers label “garbage” – thin, mediocre stitching, and a short length that may not suit larger wrists. The strap is easily replaceable, and a wide range of aftermarket options (including leather, rubber, and higher‑quality NATO straps) are readily available. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy The Combat Sub 42 is powered by Glycine’s in‑house reference **GL224**, which is a re‑branded ETA 2824‑based (or Sellita SW‑200‑1) automatic movement. Key specifications are: | Parameter | Detail | |-----------|--------| | **Caliber** | GL224 (ETA 2824 / Sellita SW‑200‑1) | | **Type** | Automatic, 21‑jewel | | **Frequency** | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | | **Power reserve** | Approximately 38 hours (standard for the base movement) | | **Accuracy** | Within the typical ETA‑derived range of –5/+10 seconds per day, subject to regulation and wear. | | **Date function** | Yes, at 3 o’clock. | The movement is renowned for its robustness and ease of service, a major plus for a watch positioned at the $300‑$350 price point. While the GL224 is not a chronometer‑certified caliber, it delivers reliable timekeeping for everyday use. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes ### Dimensions & Fit - **Lug‑to‑lug:** Approximately 48 mm, giving the watch a balanced look on wrists ranging from 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) to 7.5 inches (19 cm). The thin 10.5 mm profile means the case sits close to the skin, reducing the “bulky” feel common in many 42 mm divers. - **Weight:** Around 120 g (estimated from stainless steel construction), light enough for all‑day wear without fatigue. ### Comfort The thin case and modest weight combine for a comfortable daily experience. The lack of a thick crown and the smooth curvature of the case back further reduce pressure points. However, the roughness on the case edges, as noted by reviewers, can be felt when the watch slides against the wrist, especially on softer fabrics. ### Strap Interaction Because the supplied NATO strap is thin and short, many owners replace it with a wider, more robust strap. A proper strap dramatically improves both comfort and the watch’s aesthetic presence. The lug width is 20 mm, a standard size that accommodates most aftermarket straps without modification. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The Combat Sub’s design is intentionally utilitarian, making it a versatile companion for a wide range of scenarios: - **Casual outings:** The orange indices and matte dial look at home with denim, t‑shirts, and outdoor gear. - **Active pursuits:** With 200 m water resistance and a reliable automatic movement, the watch handles snorkeling, sailing, and light diving without hesitation. - **Smart‑casual events:** Paired with a crisp button‑down and a leather strap, the watch can transition to a business‑casual environment, though the overtly “field‑styled” dial may draw attention in formal settings. - **Formal occasions:** The watch is not a dress watch; the large case, bright indices, and lack of polished finish make it unsuitable for black‑tie or board‑room attire. Overall, the Combat Sub shines as a weekend‑warrior piece that can be worn to work, the gym, or a weekend hike, provided the wearer embraces its rugged aesthetic. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take ### Pricing Landscape | Source | Price (USD) | Comment | |--------|-------------|---------| | **Websearch (review)** | $325 (typical market) | Reflects current dealer listings; MSRP listed at ~ $1,205 CHF (~$1,200 USD) but most watches sell far below that. | | **Brand_models** | $540 (approx.) | Represents an average retail price across various distributors. | | **MSRP (official)** | ~ 1,045 CHF (≈ $1,205 USD) | Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. | The price discrepancy illustrates the watch’s strong secondary‑market appeal: while Glycine lists the Combat Sub at a premium Swiss‑watch level, the market consistently offers it at roughly a third of that price. Even the higher $540 figure remains competitive when compared to other Swiss automatic divers that often start at $1,000 and climb upward. ### Value Assessment - **Pros:** - Thin 10.5 mm profile unusual for a 200 m diver. - Robust ETA‑derived movement offering dependable serviceability. - Excellent legibility thanks to large orange indices and simple layout. - Strong value proposition given the price‑to‑spec ratio. - **Cons:** - Lume is weak; not ideal for deep‑night diving. - No anti‑reflective coating on the sapphire crystal. - Stock NATO strap is of low quality. - Case finishing edges are a bit rough, detracting from the overall polish. ### Verdict The Glycine Combat Sub 42 delivers what it promises: a Swiss‑made, 200 m automatic diver with a thin, comfortable case and a clear, functional dial. Its shortcomings—muted lume, lack of AR coating, and a sub‑par factory strap—are noticeable but not deal‑breakers, especially given the watch’s price point. For anyone seeking a reliable, everyday diver that won’t dominate a wrist or a wallet, the Combat Sub stands out as a compelling choice. **Bottom line:** If you can overlook the modest lume and are willing to upgrade the strap, the Combat Sub 42 offers a rare combination of Swiss automatic heritage and budget‑friendly pricing that is hard to match in the current market. --- *Word count: approximately 1,530 words.*