Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326

With the landscape of watches getting crowded with the ever-growing competition, many strong players dominate the market to overshadow brands like Glycine. Nevertheless, Glycine continues to produce a wide array of compelling watches that hold their own. Established back in 1914, Glycine was founded by Eugène Meylan in Bienne, Switzerland, a place where countless prestigious watchmakers call home. Meylan was an accomplished watch engineer who strove for perfection and nothing less. Through his strong will and determination, he brought Glycine to greater heights with the successful production of extremely precise and fine miniature movements that were encased in precious gold and platinum cases. 

Glycine Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326

Famously known for their historic Airman models from the 1960s, Glycine has put their watchmaking expertise to create new categories of robust tool watches apart from aviation timepieces. In the late 1990s, Glycine introduced the Combat SUB collection, a series of solid dive watches that have since grown to be well respected by watch lovers for its value proposition and outstanding build quality. Along the years, Glycine added a whole array of designs and colour variations to the Combat SUB line up from classic designs to fancy-looking ones, we’re definitely spoilt for choice here. 

Constructed out of solid 316L stainless steel, the Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326 is presented in the classic Combat SUB case, exhibiting the bold characteristics of a full-fledged dive watch. As the name suggests, the watch bears a 42mm case diameter that works just right as an everyday diver. The impressive slimness of 11mm coupled with the pleasing curved-down lugs allows for excellent wearability on the wrist. Paired with a lug to lug distance of 49.5mm, the case feels incredibly refined, robust and proportionate, embodying Glycine’s rich watchmaking heritage into its design. 

Applied raised hour markers

Entirely hand-finished in Switzerland, finishes on the case are executed to a high level of precision with satin brushing on the top of the lugs, as well as the side of the case. Despite the slim case profile, the watch features a capable water resistance of 200m as a result of its screw-down crown and screw-in solid case back - perfect for taking a dip in the pool. Matching the watch, the 22mm supplied Glycine black rubber strap is a fitting choice as a fully waterproof strap suited for diving.

Pairing the black 120-click unidirectional diving bezel with contrasting cream markings, the Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326 carries a matte black dial, accompanied with large and prominent gilt indices for a strong dial readability. The dial embraces a simple and clean dial layout without the usual inner 24-hour inner hour markers seen prominently on other Combat SUB models. Printed in a matching cream color, the minute track and the gilt hands establish an attractive vintage aesthetic. In the dark, the luminous paint glows brilliantly with spectacular low light visibility. Above that, the dial is protected with a flat piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with 3 layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside, a treat to see at this price point.

SuperLuminova For Superb Glow-In-The-Dark

Under the hood, the Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326 runs on Glycine’s Cal. GL224 Swiss automatic movement. Based on the ETA 2824-2/SW200-1, this 25/26 jewel movement is renowned for its reliability as a ‘workhorse’ movement with a 4Hz beat rate of 28,800 BPH and a power reserve of 38 hours. 

All things considered, the Combat SUB 42 Black Gilt Ref. GL0326 delivers incredible value for a Swiss made automatic diver with solid specifications. The sweet 42mm case, together with the versatile design makes for a perfect everyday diver, looking stunning on the wrist for many occasions. With a right blend of vintage and contemporary elements, this would be a piece that will continue to look timeless for many years to come.

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