Combat SUB 39 White Ref. GL0538

Glycine is making waves. The brand introduced the Glycine Combat Sub in a new 36mm case diameter, catering to gentlemen with smaller wrist sizes, the ladies, as well as watch enthusiasts that yearned for a vintage-sized dive watch in their collection. There were, of course, people who lamented that 36mm was too small for a dive watch. Enter the new wave of Glycine Combat Sub in - you guessed it - a 39mm case. The latest addition to the series featuring the Combat Sub Sports Unisex features more details and a whole new aesthetic to the Combat Sub series.

Glycine was founded in 1914 by the ingenious Eugène Meylan in Bienne, Switzerland. In the initial years of its founding, Glycine specialised in miniature movements, clad in precious metals and platinum cases for women. In the 1930s, Glycine started to launch its own self-winding watches, and subsequently, chronometer watches. Today, Glycine is most well known for its Airman models first launched in 1953. It was the first watch to introduce multiple time zones.

Glycine Combat SUB 39 White Ref. GL0538

However, there is another Glycine model that tends to sneak under the radar - the Glycine Combat Sub. First introduced in the 1990s, the Combat Sub range has been revived and is now one of the most in-demand watches in their price range. It is not hard to see why, as the Combat Sub combines an old-school military-type dial with the robustness of dive watches.

The Glycine Combat Sub was first reintroduced in the classic 42mm case size and was only available in that size for many years. It is a well-built watch, but of course, the 42mm diameter did not appeal to everyone. Fans of the brand have always wished that Glycine made the Combat Sub in smaller sizes so that everyone can enjoy them. To their full credit, Glycine listened and introduced 2 new case sizes. With the latest addition to list being the Glycine Combat Sub 39 White Ref. GL0537.

GL224 Swiss automatic movement

Measuring 39mm in diameter, the new Glycine Combat Sub 39 White Ref. GL0538 has a lug-to-lug of 47mm and decreased thinness of only 11.2mm! Catering to a unisex audience, this set of dimensions will surely attract watch enthusiasts of both genders that found the other case sizes underwhelming.

The case is made of 316L stainless steel and is entirely satin-brushed. In spite of its size, the Glycine Combat Sub Sport boasts a hugely impressive 300m of water resistance. That is achieved through the signed screw-down crown and case back. The watch also features a 120-click, unidirectional dive time bezel, allowing you to track dive times or even your daily commute to work. Topping that off is the flat sapphire crystal covering the dial. With 3 layers of inner anti-reflective coating, readability will not be a concern, even in harsh lighting conditions.

Unique Curved Lugs for a Comfortable Fit

The Glycine Combat Sub Sport features a white dial and stainless steel bezel. Blended with a combination of circular and baton indices used, with only the 12 o'clock index being triangular, it's held together with a black minute rehaut. This elements come together to bring out a timeless monochrome or single tone aesthetic. Complimented nicely by a vertical textured dial, bringing the watch to life. 24-hour markings can also be found next to the indices, from 13 all the way to 23 at 11 o'clock. An aptly black coloured date wheel is located at 6 o'clock, a useful complication that does not mess up the proportions of the dial. The hands stray from the usual combat sub hands but features a solid set of baton hands. Visibility at night will also not be a problem, as the Glycine Combat Sub Sport features a generous coating of Swiss C3 Superluminova.

Powering the Glycine Combat Sub Sport is the ever-reliable GL224 automatic movement. It is essentially based on the renowned ETA 2824-2 or Selita SW200-1. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH and has a power reserve of 38 hours.

C3 SuperLuminova

Moving away from the dial and case, the Glycine Glycine Combat Sub Sport comes on a 20mm oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. It is entirely brushed, adding a touch of class to a well-sized diver.  A diver's clasp rounds off the bracelet, giving the bracelet and the whole watch a sporty look while still maintaining its utilitarian purpose.

In today's watch industry, it's increasingly rare for brands to genuinely listen to their fans and create timepieces that enthusiasts truly desire. Glycine, however, breaks the mold with the Combat Sub, offering it in a variety of sizes to ensure that every collector can find the perfect fit. By prioritizing inclusivity and wearer comfort, Glycine sets itself apart from its peers as a brand that truly listens. Kudos to Glycine for embracing diversity in watch sizing and standing out in an industry that often favors a one-size-fits-all approach.

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