Top 6 Glycine Field Watch Models from the Combat Collection

Among the many collections created by Glycine, names such as Airman, Airpilot, Combat, and Sea Kraken each represent different sides of the brand’s long-standing watchmaking heritage. 

The Airman collection became widely recognized for its aviation roots and multi-time-zone functionality, while the Airpilot series was developed for pilots and frequent travelers with a strong focus on legibility and practicality. On the other hand, the Sea Kraken collection highlights Glycine’s diving heritage through vintage-inspired diver watches designed for underwater performance and everyday versatility.

Amid these collections, the Combat series established its own identity through rugged durability, military-inspired aesthetics, and dependable everyday functionality.

Today, the Combat collection continues to attract watch enthusiasts who appreciate sporty styling, reliable automatic movements, and functional Swiss-made design. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind the collection and explore some standout Glycine field watch models from the Combat lineup!

The Origins of the Glycine Combat Collection

The story of the Glycine Combat Collection began in 1967, a period when Glycine expanded its focus beyond aviation-inspired timepieces. 

After the success of the Airman series, which was created for pilots and frequent travelers, the brand introduced the Combat collection to honor individuals working and operating on land. This marked an important step in the evolution of the brand, as Glycine aimed to create durable watches suited for military use, outdoor activities, and active lifestyles.

Around this time, Glycine had also started using the crown logo that is still associated with the brand today. By 1967, the updated emblem appeared on most of its watches, including the early Combat models. The collection quickly became recognized for combining practicality, rugged construction, and sporty styling in a way that reflected the growing demand for reliable field-ready watches.

One of the defining features of the early Combat models was the use of an EPSA Compressor case, which improved water resistance and durability. The watches were also equipped with a hacking seconds mechanism featuring a pin positioned at 12 o’clock, allowing for more precise time-setting. These technical details helped establish the collection as a dependable choice for military personnel and adventurers alike.

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Who Are Glycine Combat Field Watches for?

The Glycine Combat collection has built a strong reputation for combining durability, practicality, and timeless military-inspired aesthetics. Here are some of the lifestyles and preferences that align well with the collection.

1. Military Personnel and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Combat collection was originally developed for people who operate in demanding environments. Because of its durable construction and practical design, a glycine field watch remains a suitable choice for adventurers, hikers, campers, and individuals who need a dependable everyday tool watch.

2. People Who Prefer Functional and Easy-to-Read Watches

One of the defining features of the Combat series is its clean and highly legible dial design. Most models feature luminous markers and simple layouts that make the watch easy to read in various lighting conditions. This makes a glycine field watch ideal for wearers who prioritize clarity, functionality, and efficiency in a timepiece.

3. Professionals Seeking Everyday Versatility

Although the Combat collection has strong military roots, its classic appearance also makes it appropriate for everyday use. The balance between ruggedness and understated styling allows the watch to work well with both casual and professional outfits, making it a practical option for daily wear.

4. Watch Collectors and Heritage Enthusiasts

As one of Glycine’s longest-running collections, the Combat series also appeals to collectors who appreciate watches with historical value and military-inspired heritage. Many enthusiasts are drawn to the collection because it successfully blends vintage field watch characteristics with modern Swiss watchmaking.

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A Review of Glycine Field Watch in the Combat Collection

Known for their durable construction, versatile styling, and dependable Swiss-made movements, the Glycine Combat collection continues to attract watch enthusiasts looking for practical yet stylish everyday timepieces. 

From classic dive-inspired models to more refined and dress-oriented designs, the collection offers a wide range of options that showcase the brand’s long-standing watchmaking heritage and functional approach to design.

To help narrow down some standout choices, several models from the Combat lineup have been carefully selected by Gnomon Watches for their strong combination of performance, wearability, and overall value. Here are some recommended glycine field watch models from the Combat collection:

1. Glycine Combat SUB 36 Grey

For those looking for a compact yet capable Glycine field watch with diving functionality, the Glycine Combat SUB 36 Grey offers a balanced combination of sporty styling and everyday versatility.

Its 36mm stainless steel case gives the watch a comfortable and wearable profile, while the slim 11mm thickness allows it to sit neatly on the wrist without feeling bulky. The overall design maintains the rugged character of the Combat collection while introducing a more refined and modern appearance.

One of the standout elements of this model is its dark grey sunburst dial, which creates subtle light reflections that add depth and texture to the watch. The hands and hour markers are coated with C3 Super-LumiNova, ensuring strong visibility in low-light environments. A date display positioned at 6 o’clock helps maintain the clean symmetry of the dial while adding practical everyday functionality.

Designed with diving performance in mind, the watch features a 120-click unidirectional bezel with an aluminum insert and a luminous marker at the 12 o’clock position for easier underwater orientation. Its screw-down crown and 300-meter water resistance further reinforce its capability as a reliable sports watch suitable for swimming, diving, and outdoor activities.

Protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal enhanced with anti-reflective coating, improving readability under bright lighting conditions. Inside the case, the watch runs on the GL224 Swiss automatic movement, which is known for its dependable performance and smooth operation. Based on the SW200-1 caliber, the movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers approximately 38 hours of power reserve.

Completing the watch is an 18mm stainless steel bracelet featuring brushed outer links and polished center links, creating a balanced mix of sporty and refined aesthetics. Thanks to its wearable dimensions, durable construction, and versatile styling, the Combat SUB 36 Grey stands out as a practical option for anyone interested in a dependable Glycine field watch with compact proportions.

2. Glycine Combat SUB 39 Gilt

With a 39mm stainless steel case measuring only 11.2mm thick, the watch maintains a slim and comfortable presence on the wrist while still offering the durability expected from a professional-style sports watch.

One of the most appealing aspects of the design can be seen in the Glycine Combat SUB 39 Gilt itself, particularly through its clean black dial and classic gilt-inspired detailing. The dial uses a combination of circular and baton-shaped hour markers, while the triangular marker at 12 o’clock adds a traditional dive watch character. Alongside the standard hour markers, the watch also includes subtle 24-hour indicators positioned around the inner section of the dial, providing additional practicality without making the display feel crowded.

To preserve the balanced proportions of the dial, the date window is neatly placed at 6 o’clock and designed to blend naturally with the surrounding indices. The signature Combat SUB handset also contributes to the watch’s highly legible appearance, making time reading simple and efficient in both daytime and low-light environments. Generous application of Swiss C3 Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers further improves nighttime visibility.

Built for active use, the watch features a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, aluminum bezel, and an impressive 300-meter water resistance rating. These features reinforce its capability as a dependable sports and diving watch suitable for various outdoor activities. The watch is equipped with the GL224 automatic movement, a reliable Swiss caliber recognized for its durability and consistent performance.

Finished with a stainless steel bracelet and versatile overall styling, this model works equally well as a daily timepiece or as part of a growing watch collection. Its blend of vintage aesthetics, practical functionality, and wearable proportions makes it an appealing option for anyone searching for a reliable Glycine field watch with strong diving heritage.

3. Glycine Combat Classic 40 “Moon Phase” Black

Blending elegant styling with practical everyday functionality, this moon phase watch presents a more refined side of the Glycine Combat collection. 

The 40mm stainless steel case features a combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes, creating a sophisticated contrast that enhances the watch’s dress-oriented appearance without losing its sporty character. Its balanced proportions and 12.2mm thickness also allow the watch to wear comfortably across different occasions, from formal settings to daily use.

The black dial gives the watch a clean and timeless look, while the moon phase complication adds an extra layer of visual interest and mechanical charm. A date display positioned at 3 o’clock helps maintain practicality without disrupting the overall symmetry of the dial. Protecting the display is a sapphire crystal, offering strong resistance against scratches and preserving the watch’s refined appearance over time.

Complementing the case is a 22mm leather strap with an alligator-style pattern, paired with a stainless steel tang buckle for a classic finishing touch. The combination of polished surfaces, textured leather, and understated dial details gives the watch an elegant personality that differs from the more tool-oriented models within the Combat lineup.

The watch operates using the GL280 Swiss automatic movement, a dependable caliber based on the SW280 architecture. Known for its durability and reliable everyday performance, the movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The movement can also be viewed through the display case back, allowing wearers to appreciate the mechanical details from the rear of the watch.

Despite its dress-inspired design, the watch still offers 100 meters of water resistance, adding a practical level of durability for daily wear. Combining refined finishing, reliable Swiss mechanics, and a classic moon phase display, the collection delivers a sophisticated alternative through the Glycine Combat Classic 40 “Moon Phase” Black.

4. Glycine Combat SUB 41 Ceramic Blue

Combining sporty aesthetics with practical diving functionality, this model delivers a modern interpretation of the classic Glycine Combat SUB design. Built from solid 316L stainless steel, the watch features a robust construction that reflects the bold character expected from a professional-style dive watch while still maintaining comfortable everyday wearability.

The 41mm case size strikes a balanced middle ground within the Combat SUB lineup, offering a slightly more compact profile compared to larger traditional diver models. Its relatively slim 12.75mm thickness, curved lugs, and well-proportioned 48.5mm lug-to-lug measurement help the watch sit naturally on the wrist, making it suitable for extended daily use without feeling overly bulky.

Visually, the blue dial gives the watch a clean and refreshing appearance, while the ceramic bezel adds a premium touch alongside improved scratch resistance. The combination of luminous hands and hour markers coated with Super-LumiNova ensures excellent visibility in darker conditions, reinforcing the watch’s practical diving capabilities. A date display positioned at 6 o’clock further enhances functionality while preserving the balanced symmetry of the dial.

Protected by a sapphire crystal and supported by a screw-down crown, the watch offers 200 meters of water resistance, making it dependable for swimming, recreational diving, and various outdoor activities. Supporting its everyday functionality is the GL224 Swiss automatic movement, a caliber known for dependable operation and lasting reliability.

Another appealing aspect of the model is its versatility in strap options. Buyers can choose between a Glycine Combat SUB 41 Ceramic Blue Stainless Steel Bracelet for a more refined and substantial look or a Glycine Combat SUB 41 Ceramic Blue Nylon Strap for a lighter and sportier feel. 

5. Glycine Combat SUB 42

Built with the bold appearance expected from a modern dive watch, the Glycine Combat SUB 42 combines sporty functionality with versatile everyday styling. Its stainless steel construction gives the watch a durable and robust feel, while the overall design maintains the clean and highly legible aesthetic that has become closely associated with the Combat SUB lineup.

The blue dial adds a vibrant yet balanced visual character to the watch, helping Glycine Combat SUB 42 Blue stand out without appearing overly flashy. A date display positioned at 3 o’clock provides additional practicality for daily wear, while the simple dial arrangement keeps readability clear and efficient. Protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, helping preserve the watch’s appearance during regular use.

Equipped with a screw-down crown, the watch reinforces its sporty and water-ready character while maintaining dependable durability for active lifestyles. The Combat SUB 42 is powered by the GL224 Swiss automatic movement, a reliable caliber appreciated for its stable performance and dependable everyday operation. Combined with the strong build quality of the collection, the movement helps support the watch’s reputation as a practical and versatile sports timepiece.

Another appealing aspect of the Combat SUB 42 series is the variety of strap options available across different models. While some versions are paired with a classic stainless steel bracelet for a more traditional dive watch appearance, other variants offer different personalities through alternative strap materials. 

The Glycine Combat SUB 42 Titian, for example, is available with a nylon leather strap that gives the watch a more rugged and casual character. Meanwhile, the Glycine Combat SUB 42 Green comes with a rubber strap that enhances comfort and sporty functionality, especially for active outdoor use. For those who prefer a more vintage-inspired style, the Glycine SUB 42 Vintage Blue is paired with a leather strap that adds a warmer and more classic appearance to the overall design.

Thanks to its combination of reliable Swiss mechanics, durable construction, and versatile strap variations, the Combat SUB 42 collection offers multiple options for individuals looking for a sporty and dependable Glycine field watch with distinct styling choices.

6. Glycine Combat 6 L Blue

Powered by the GL224 Swiss automatic movement, the Glycine Combat 6 L Blue delivers the reliable performance and durability that have become closely associated with the Glycine Combat collection. The movement is recognized for its dependable everyday operation, making the watch a practical choice for wearers who appreciate straightforward Swiss mechanical watchmaking with long-term reliability.

Shifting away from the more tool-oriented appearance of the Combat SUB series, the Combat 6 collection explores a cleaner and more refined design direction. The watch features a compact 36mm stainless steel case with a slim 9.7mm thickness, allowing it to wear comfortably while maintaining an elegant and understated profile. Its balanced dimensions also make it versatile enough for both casual and dress-oriented occasions.

One of the key highlights of the watch is its striking blue dial, enhanced by a subtle spiral-textured pattern that adds depth and character without overwhelming the overall design. Slim rose gold-tone leaf-shaped hands and applied numeral hour markers contribute to the watch’s highly legible layout while giving the dial a more sophisticated visual appeal. A date display positioned at 3 o’clock further adds practicality for everyday use.

Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating underneath, helping improve clarity and reducing glare under bright lighting conditions. The watch also features a screw-down crown and 50 meters of water resistance, offering enough durability for daily wear while preserving its refined aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

The Glycine Combat collection continues to stand out as one of the brand’s most versatile and enduring lineups, offering a strong balance between military-inspired functionality, reliable Swiss craftsmanship, and everyday wearability. From rugged dive-oriented models like the Combat SUB series to more refined options such as the Combat Classic and Combat 6, the collection showcases a wide variety of designs suited for different lifestyles and preferences.

Whether you are looking for a dependable glycine field watch for outdoor activities, a sporty everyday companion, or a more elegant mechanical timepiece, the Combat lineup offers a range of options that continue to reflect the practical spirit and heritage established by Glycine since 1967.

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