I used to travel a lot for work and when I started collecting watches (not so long ago), I was always intrigued by a GMT complication, but most of them were out of my budget. I also liked Glycine Combat Subs but I was kind of intimidated by the size. Then I discovered that they released the Glycine Combat Sub GMT version and I was even more intrigued, but never pulled the trigger until I found a great deal. It was one of those, what the hell just add to cart moments and I am so glad I did!

Glycine has become one of the most underrated and overlooked watch brands in the last few years. Especially since the brand was acquired by Invicta, but still remains a great brand with rich history that manufactures great quality – swiss made – timepieces at great value in the entry-level segment.

A lot has been said about the new Seiko SSK GMT that was released recently, but right under our noses we have overlooked a gem that very few have mentioned that in my opinion outperforms their Seiko counterpart. And please, don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to bash on Seiko, I think that is a great step forward for the affordable watch market, and especially the doors that will open up for microbrands, but Glycine offers a compelling case here.

The Glycine Combat Sub GMT is 42mm in diameter, 11mm thick, 50mm lug to lug, flat sapphire crystal with a date magnifier, open case back, Swiss Made movement GL293 based on Sellita SW330 (4hz), bracelet tappers down from 22mm to 20mm, solid links and end-links, milled scissor clasp and pressed outer clasp with 4 micro adjustments, 48 click bi-directional aluminum bezel insert with lume pip, GMT complication and date complication

The Glycine Combat Sub GMT has a tool watch aesthetic as it has a brushed finish and the size is standard for a dive watch, but the thinness and GMT bezel insert helps give it a more versatile style as well. The bracelet is an oyster style with female end links, so even though it has a long lug to lug, the lugs are downturned so it wears better than it seems and hugs the wrist very nicely.

I’m really impressed with how thin this is for an automatic GMT watch! 11mm is remarkable for the price and this makes it a big differentiator from its competition! Even a simpler 3 hand automatic watch is hard to find at his price, let alone with an additional GMT complication! This is why I think Glycine is underrated. The Glycine Combat Sub GMT has been out for a couple of years now, and there’s little attention to these watches on social media. There are very few options under $1K and let’s not even think about how much Traveler’s GMTs are going for. Other options that compete with the Glycine offering are at least 2mm thicker and even more expensive with arguably similar quality. With the hype that Seiko is getting with their new GMTs, this is a better option in my opinion. For a little more you get a better built case, better bracelet, sapphire crystal, thinner case and better movement, 200-meter water resistance, signed screw down crown and better bezel action. Overall a better watch!

Glycine needs to do a better job on marketing, because the Glycine Combat Sub GMT is not as easy to find. Only a few authorized retailers are available and if you don’t look hard enough, you may find these at a higher price. If you look hard enough, you can get a good deal! I was able to purchase this model for around $550 + tax with a couple of discount codes.

Overall, I think this is a beautiful watch, a great GMT option, and even could be the best at its price point. It really packs a punch and brings a lot of value! Perfect for travel, can take a beating, swim with it, and still look good in a business casual setting as well. A very versatile timepiece that I can highly recommend.