The Best Mid Range Swiss Automatic Diver Duel - Glycine Combat Sub Vs Squale 1521 

It's probably my military upbringing but I love the aesthetics of the Glycine. Great video Tristano.

Tough call, TGV. Before meeting the Glycine, the Squale had me (I mean come on, that blue is mesmerizing!). However, there's something about the Glycine that just makes it snap for me. Maybe it's the crisp lume on the numerals and the curved lugs that are the siren's song.

Haven't tried a Square yet but have 3 Gylcine's ( Glee' cine, according to their website) but I will take Glycine all day long, more streamline asthetic along with the functionality as you mentioned. It's all personal preference when comparing apples to apples. Great review as always. Appreciate your time and effort to bring these watches in front of the community of watch afectionato's.

1 vote for the Glycine I'm a diving instructor and have done my trimix diving course. I've only got down to 75m, and that involved 4 tanks and hours of deompression. I'll never get to 200m. Anyway... I personally prefer the Glycine and have gone for one. I didn't factor in the x factor and style in your report because I think they're subjective... so the Glycine wins on non subjective points by 2. I actually prefer the look of the Glycine too... so it wins by a bit more to me :D I woke up the other day and misread my Seiko - so lost 1h sleep because of it. The lumed numbers on the Glycine should help stop that happening... and I'm not talking about a combat military situation where lives are at stake... I'm just talking about me getting a full nights sleep and not misreading the watch when half dozy thinking I've got to get up. PS... thanks for your reviews... I love your channel - very professional and informative. Great fun to watch, no pun intended ;D

Thanks TGV based on your reviews I just picked up a glycine combat sub and I love it! Thanks for your insights. I love learning the history of some of these time pieces! Spectacular!!

Definitely go with the Goldeneye. It's beautiful. I personally would sell the 1545 Heritage and get the Goldeneye, I think it would fill the same role in your collection. The Heritage is a really nice watch, but I think the Goldeneye is more or less the same thing, with more originality and character.

@theurbangentry You should have a duel between Glycine Combat Sub vs. Baltic Aquascaphe.

Well, a quibble about the rating scheme. All your categories are weighted equally. I would give build quality more weight as that is the more practical consideration. Putting style points on an equal basis seems very subjective. In this case, it simply did not seem that the Squale deserved to win by 2 points. When you described the build quality of the Glycine in much more glowing terms, that seems more important to me. My $.02.

I know this was done a year ago. But I just watched this awesome. I now have a glycine and a squale matic. I would agree they are super close

TGV - As a 1521 Satinato owner and follower of the Glycine I was very interested in your duel. Although I do like many of the Combat Sub's features in their own right, there is something about the 1521 that makes it more special (it's the x-factor, there's teh 2 point difference). Since I've had my 1521, nearly seven weeks of continuous wrist time, it has gained but a minute and seven seconds. I know this might change over time, but the performance has been amazing. I love it, people comment on it and I couldn't be happier. Thanks for bringing Squale to us and for the duel ... both great watches.

Great review.I have the Glycine Combat Sub in 47 mm with gray/black nato reinforced strap looks great dressed up or down.Fits easily under sleeve.Glycine's lume quality is outstanding.

You can buy a Combat Sub for less than $300 now. Hard to beat. Wears fabulously well.

You have no idea how long I have waited for video like this!!

I love your watch comparisons and I use the same system to compare watches that I want to purchase. I have the Glycine with the root beer bezel and it's just absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the video!

Hi TGV, Great comparison as usual! I have got a question regarding women's watches. I've been searching for a watch for a lady that would be (most preferably): quartz (I was trying to convince her to go for automatic, but with no result), with a simplistic but yet elegant layout and priced below 2500 Euro. Although something a bit more premium would be preferable, this watch is a good example (in terms of layout) of what we are looking for: Maurice Lacroix Eliros EL1084SS002810. I'm definitely not familiar with woman's watches-that's why I'm asking for help. Do you know any watches that are worth considering at this price point? All the best, Paul

Great duel! That was a close race. Well done bro.

First, I love this review. it was excellent. having said that, the X factor is your subjective dimension, and I completely appreciate it. I would have rated slightly differently. no offense TGV - but every time I see that Squale, It reminds me of my dogs' food bowls. I give you the win in that it is unique, but aesthetically the Glycine is more appealing. But, to be fair, the glycine doesn't have anything particularly unique about it. I think I would have given the squale a 9 and the glycine an 8. the glycine doesn't do anything particularly new, but the squale looks like a kitchen appliance. :) I agree with everything else. the squale still wins by a very small margin in my book. This whole discourse should be tempered by the knowledge that my most expensive watch is a quartz Movado. perhaps, my opinion is irrelevant. Awesome work, T, as always. I really do like your dimensional comparative measurement. its fair, but leaves room for aesthetics. you like what you like, and that is the whole point.

Very nice comparison video. I've had my Glycine for a week now and I love it, a very very nice watch all round.

I have had my 1521 squale now for a couple of weeks I purchased one after watching tgv's reviews never purchased a watch without seeing up close or trying it on the wrist so it was a gamble but very pleased so far .Thanks for the excellent reviews

Years later these options are still great. I own both and if you told me I had to sell one, I'd likely sell the Glycine because my Squale looks more unique to my eye. As a watch lover and having over 100 watches, the Glycine blends into the watch box next to others while the Squale always catches my eye. I plan to keep them both and hand down to my son one day. Anyone trying to pick between the two should never second guess their decision because regardless of choice, it's a winner.

Just picked up a glycine combat sub for 430 dollars. Who wins in value now?

Both fantastic watches. I agree with the style and x- factor categories pushing the Squale slightly ahead. Love the 'je ne sais quoi' flair of the 1521. One of my absolute favorite versatile pieces - thank you for introducing the brand to me!

Probably one of your best videos on a fantastic duel that I have been anxiously awaiting. Squale owes you some profit mate, I wonder how many people bought a 1521 after this video? I sure did! been eyeing it for months but the style, value and xfactor are unrivaled and too tempting to resist, had to give in. Cheers and thanks for your always amazing content!!

I own both of these watches, actually the Glycine bronze. I prefer the Glycine. Just wears better and feels more solid. Love the Glycine.

Great watches both, but I love the Squale for the x-factor...

Really enjoyed this comparison video, I would LOVE to see a "Glycine Combat Sub vs Certina DS Action"

It's astonishing that you can now get the combat sub for under $400

Just picked up a Glycine combat sub for 400 a week ago. I'm loving it.

I just bought a "Glycine Combat Sub" 48mm all black w/ black nato strap. I love it so much so that I am getting a 2nd one. A Phanton in 42mm👍🏼

I think the Combat Sub case design is about function, but with style as well. The curved lugs, with the sweeping and dipping lines from the crown guard to the lug tip make for a great style as well. I think Glycine did a great job with what little they had to work with, being such a slim case and all. I was all about getting a Squale 1521, but the Glycine has me rethinking. I think if the Combat Sub came with a domed crystal like some of the 1521's, that would be enough to tip me. Great video TGV

They are no longer on the saltzman website. I don't believe they carry Glycine anymore.

I really enjoy these detailed and complete comparisons you do. I certainly learn a lot about both watches every time. I would suggest that you’re rating system is somewhat biased, just is anyone’s would be. As someone else has mentioned, one thing missing in these valuations is an importance multiplier for each category. In other words, overall quality might be more important than style to some. Of course, this is where a comparison like this becomes even more subjective. As a collector, I personally value style very highly, and quality, though a factor, is not as important to me. In the case of a tool watch such as these, it becomes even more so. A diver will certainly rate these watches very differently than a non-diver, such as myself. The whole thing is very relative, and is entirely based on our individual biases. I admit that while I enjoy these valuations very much, while they also frustrate me because I would evaluate very differently. Of course this is not because I would do it better than you, no matter how much I’d like to think so 🧐, but because our basic motives for collecting watches are quite different. Frustrations aside, I want to be clear that you’re doing a great job with a difficult process.👍

I really like both! I own the 1521 and I will buy a Combat Sub in the style shown here. In July 2019, you can buy the 1521 for $830 US at Gnomon. The same style Combat Sub seen in this video is now $520! So the Combat Sub is now the better value. The Squale 1545 now has a ceramic bezel and I wear the 1545 Militaire and my 1521 more often than any of my other mechanical watches.

Hello TGV, I'm a recent subscriber. I came across your channel while searching for a repair shop to send my 16610 Submariner to for an overhaul. I love the channel and it has rekindled my interst in fine timepieces, so much so, that I've purchased an Oris Aquis Blue Ceramic, an Oris Aquis Titanium Chronograph and a Blue Squale 1521, and am seriously considering a Glycine Combat Sub, which leads me to ask if you are aware of any difference between the 3908-19ATN-D9 and the 3863-19ATN-D9? Keep up the good work brother, pure class! Cheers!!

i just bought a brand new with papers for 250,GL0288 pvd all black. i love it to the bits. it feels and looks amaizing

I think this duel would have been even closer if the Glycine Combat Sub was the blue face and blue bezel version... Its gorgeous and the one I Bought... Comparing the same general colors should be more closely considered in these fun duels... Great work either way TGV! Thank you!

It's worth noting that only professional (or very serious recreational) divers are going to dive below 130 feet or so, and very very few will be diving below 600 feet, so to me the 200m is more than adequate. While having a higher depth rating is a testament to superior engineering and realizing that greater than static pressure is exerted during arm motion at depth, I don't think that the added thickness is needed for most people. To me, that's the other version of the "large diameter" trend, watches that are rated to very high depths and are very thick, even when the diameter is relatively small. Both are amazing watches though!

Great review.. I think the thinness (for me) should add points to the xfactor. Something about that thinness that really lends to the unique aesthetic of the Glycine. But indeed a personal appreciation.

Just a suggestion > what about adding a 'wear' category which would test which watch is more comfortable on the wrist

I have a combat sub 42mm two tone. For the money it’s unbeatable

I personally think the Combat Sub with the orange bezel and blue sunburst dial paired with a Colareb Roma strap in blue would be the bees knees. It's just something about the contrast of the blue and orange that grabs me. Cheers, keep it up.

Thank you for your gorgeous review! The Squale 1521 seems, to me, very similar to a Doxa vintage sub watch, I mean the 250T (but I can be wrong) a '70 watch. The case shape seems very similar, also the particular shape of the case at the crown side. Since the Squale brand, started by providing cases for swiss watch companies, also for Doxa watches, I think it is indeed possible that the case is really the "same". Very nice watch, in the future I'd like to evaluate and maybe get a sub like Squale, Doxa or B&R ones. For the moment I really like my Glycine combat sub 42mm 3863.3 "vintage" and my Black GL0096 48mm.

Another excellent video TGV, was worried the Squale was going to lose there for a moment too. The Goldeneye looks very sweet, would like to see it in the flesh. Im looking forward to getting my hands on the blasted finish 1521 soon. Keep up the great work.

Picked up a White dial brand new Glycine combat sub - in love

Squale ! The blue 1521 Squale is just so well done. Though it could be even better.

Thanks to Grobnob for intelligent and informed comments re depth ratings of diver style watches. It has been a couple of decades since I have scuba-dived and even then few would use a mechanical watch for it's purported use...all digital watches/depth gauges/decompression timers. The only thing that thousands of metres water resistance guarantees is that it won't fit under your sleeve ... 'though I remember that James Bond used his as a knuckleduster. In my rating system points would be deducted on a sliding scale after 200m W/R.

Another very comprehensive and informative review...thanks TUG. I already have some nice diving watches and I'm about to buy another in that circa 1K price range. I'm tossing up between a Squale 30 Atmos GMT Batman, a CW Trident 600 S2 blue, an Oris Aquis black deep blue, a Rado D-star 200 blue, the Deep Blue Deep Star blue or a Glycene Combat Sub in orange and blue. My existing divers are all black on black so I want to add some colour. I wouldn't have considered the Glycene but I'm a sucker for that polished coin edge bezel and that crazy impressive 10mm thinness. If the Glycene had a ceramic bezel I'd buy it for sure. I notice the one you have looks like it may already have some combat damage on the bezel? Anyway which would you or your viewers go for? I've never held a Combat Sub in my hand and I know with watches you either love it or not within thirty seconds of it hitting your your hand. It seems from your review the Combat Sub has that feel good in the metal quality. Also are you looking to review a Davosa anytime? I have two of them and I think you'd be impressed. Cheers from Oz.

That Glycine is just a tough watch and it has my vote. Thanks TGV. I see one in my near future and also a little more affordable now that they're under Invicta. 😃👍⌚

Another close duel. Great to see the now legendary Square come out on top - it was justifiably close though. I can't wait to see which Glycine you end up getting, for me it would have to be the GoldenEye. There is something about it, definitely the pick of the range. Great video as always. Thanks, G.

Gotta go with the Glycine. If you need a Diver, get a DIVER. For most of us who want a watch to handle getting wet in most if not ALL situations we might find ourselves in, but still have a comfortable EDC type watch the Glycine wins hands down between these two. I prefer the Glycine Combat Sub Golden Eye as it looks just fine on my wrist in shorts on the boat, in Camo in the field, or in a tux at a black tie event. That is what this comparison is about. Neither watch wins in a true "Diver" watch competition. That is MY X factor opinion.

Great comparison video. Could you just imagine the Glycine in "Squale blue". Now that would be some watch!

How did the Glycine price go down to $400s from $1400s? Was is super overpriced to start with?

I have the Squale 1521 and just purchsed the Glycine.I have to say though I love my Squale.Also looking forward to the Glycine.

Love the reviews! Learning so much, I only wish I found your reviews sooner. Thanks!

You should do a duel between the combat sub vs the Sinn 104

Great review! I have to make a little remark about the price: at least here in Europe you can get a Combat Sub for less than what's the cost of the Squale 1521. Prices for the Squale start at 789 euros (sales tax included) while you can buy a Combat Sub starting at around 600 euros (sales tax included). Outside of the Combat Sub range and the Airman SST GMT Chrono that I own I would pick an Airman Vintage 1953 or an Airman World Timer 39mm.

I think you need to revisit this one. Combat subs are half the price of Squale 1521s now (on Evine, etc.)

Bought the Glycine Combat Sub a week ago .... I am so very impressed with it. Im watching this review very closely but which ever wins they are both great watches and certainly a fantastic edition to any collection in my view.

Now you gave me hard time with this review! :) I was already considering buying the Glycine Sub Combat (the one with blue dial and golden crown -it still has the Glycine logo on the dial), but after seeing your Squale related videos I am just not that sure anymore. I am starting to like the Squale 1521, the more I see the Ocean blaster Blue version, the more I like it. Both are similar in a way, but so different...unfortunately I do not have any plan to buy them (as they both are diver's watch). Keep up the good work!

I just have to say that I’m getting ready to buy a glycine combat so I found this to be of great help! But on the squale it has SQUALE engraved on the side of the case....... isn’t that one reason my invictas take so much heat for? I’m not comparing quality between invicta and squale but but the fact is when you look at the watch to me it looks good enscribed on the side. It’s funny when everyone rips on my invicta now all I have to say is look at the squale lol but great review on these two great watches!!

In your opinion, is there a better value watch in compared to the Glycine Combat Sub with metal bracelet at USD 669? I am aware of Squale. Personally, I don't fancy the design and style. Anything? It does not have to be a diver.

Hey Gent, I'm new to your channel and while I'm not the biggest fan of wrist watches I would like to get in to pocket watches. Do you have any knowledge on them?

The glycine wins if you get it cheap on mass drop. Unbelievable prices.

A very close call. My 1521 hasn't arrived yet, Santa Claus has it, but that blue does it for me every time. The golden eye is a beauty, it's that bezel, I'm a sucker for a coloured bezel.

Costco has the combat sub for $280.00. Great video!

Did I hear you right? The Glycene has illuminated numerals? That is cool! And what ETA movement does it have?

Sorry maybe it's a stupid question but I love watches, although I'm new in them.. Is Glycine Combat shock resistant or not!?

My pick would be the Aquascope, that can often be bought for around $600 at Ashford or the Ocean 500 Titanium (€500). Diver watches aren't my thing, though.

I'm torn between the Goldeneye and the 3908.19b-tba8 with the blue bezel and black face. And how it looks with the blue nylon strap. U could really have fun pushing the envelope with the straps on this one since it is so understated.

I bought the Glycine Combat Sub (White dial w/Blue bezel). The bezel has a lot of play compare to my Squale 30 ATMOS. I realize the Glycine Combat Subs carry a 60 click bezel vs the 120 click bezel on the Squales. This should be a factor in your comparison I would think. No?

At 2:08 in the screen there is the beautiful Victory Monument of Bolzano, Italy, my city. 😍 P.S: I love the Squale, and your channel, Buon lavoro, continua così! 👌🏻

The X factor probably has to do with one's lifestyle. For example, since I am joining the military, the glycine appeals to me more. And as you said the squale is good for taking to the beach or with contemporary lively style. Excellent video tristano 👍🏻

I don't usually care for such duels because it is too subjective. However, in this case kudos to you. You did an excellent and fair review. I also agree with your conclusion. These two time pieces are among my favorites and I recommend them to anyone who is considering adding one or both to their collection.

I’m so glad I never pulled the trigger on glycine when pricing was that high because I was able to buy a combat sub a combat chronograph and a Pvd airman new for $250 or less for each that’s 3 watches for half the retail price of 1 combat sub That’s crazy! I was immediately impressed by the quality and the movement for that little money is great value any I’m glad I did because I probably would have never experienced one and the price now is skyrocketing

what do you think about invicta owning glycine now ?

7 years later. GL0083 Combat Subs are all over the net at $250ish, and even Costco just blew out pallet loads at under $300. Quite a drop from paying a grand for one at Saltzman's, isn't it?

Will you produce a video about sub $500 moonphase watches and sub $1,000 repeaters?

hey govna. do any manufacturers still make the regatta yacht timer?

Interesting comparo, TGV. Now, you have to match up the Squale against the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600 (the new one, not the original). I think the Chr Ward would give the 1521 a real run for it's money (it has an additional 100 meters depth rating on the Squale).

This was an awesome dual. It actually had me in suspense lol. You didn't mention the movements of each specifically : /. All in all, great dual.

I am looking at the Bronze version of this watch and it is so beautiful off the wrist, but, I am not sure about how it will look on the wrist, especially after it oxidizes. Also, I doubt if it will be a strap monster.

Great video as always TGV! I too would pick the Squale 1521 over the Glycine. There's just something with its beautiful design and size. Maybe they should bump up the price a little to address the build issues you mentioned. I hope one day you can get an Oris 65 to review. I think it's an absolute killer at the $1000 price point. Would love to see it up against the reigning champ.

Nice duel video TGV! I've seen the glycine golden eye and I really like it. But for your collection; I think it will be a bit overlapping with your squale 1545 heritage in terms of the colour. But if you really like it just go for it, it is a nice piece.

Close call there ;-) I still prefer the 1521 but the Golden Eye is a pretty watch. Great comparison TGV and really liked your responses on why you rated each category.

I will admit that I winced when you knocked on the watch! XD

Hi TGV , watching your channel with a great plesure ! Very nice, classical and understandable english language;) You got very nice watch collection , but one question appers : why you have no any gold-plated timepiece ?

Well i am a Glycine fan so that is the winner for me. Funny the picture of van Gogh, i like his paintings very much, I frequently walk my dog where he has painted.

I have the GL0093, GL0171 and GL0265. Love Glycine. Next on the list is Squale 1545 and 1521. And maybe a Glycine Aquarius Sub... Onwards to glory!

Hello again! :) Great video as usually! For me the "winner" is Glycine. I don't underestimate Squale 1521, but I personally like Glycine most. Why? Well, for my taste this is THE watch. Cheers!

Hey TGV did you ever get a Glycine?, i'm seriously thinking of getting a combat sub, can be bought in U.K. for around £600.

Great review! I always enjoy not keeping a tally in my head just to get that little surprise at the end.

Great duel; however, a two point difference? Still want them both! I always enjoy how each watch rates in your categories, I usually agree as well! Thanks TGV.

Glycine should get huge props for being the thinnest real diver accessible by the common man. And it's not flashy.

Hi, Thank you for your reply:-) Have you seen the last Squale blue without numbers on the bezel? Keep up the good work. Regards

I was looking for an affordable automatic GMT watch (I'm moving abroad to study) and the glycine airman was the best option I could find, however I didn't know anything about the brand, after this video I guess I'm getting myself my first GMT and my first Glycine :)

I'm so glad I found this channel, I really feel that your content and presentation is excellent, very well done. I do have a question from someone who is so versed in the watch world. I'm looking for a watch of this style, I love the look of the "Coin edged?" Bezel variations, especially on the Squale. Another watch that shares this look/style is some of the new Seamasters and even a tag or 2 I think. 1. Is there a certain name for this coin edged bezel look/style for search purposes? 2. I prefer case diameters between 36-39mm without crown, 40 if it wears smaller and a thickness of 10-12mm(thin). I'm looking for something used in the $400-1,100 range. What other brands/models should I be looking out for? I prefer Swiss. Thank you for any info you can provide. Keep up the great work!

Whewwwww! I'm glad the Squale won! LOL! However TGV let me ask you your opinion. I believe what does it for me is that the Squale's dial appears to be "set in" just a tad deeper? I understand you like how thin the Glycine is but for some reason the sense of "depth" on the Squale just does it for me & probably does lend to the fact that it's a bit thicker or taller of a watch. What do you think?

I have to say they glycine really impressed me. the blackness of the bezel is very nice. I have not watched your review, work has been eating into my watching time, but is it's bezel ceramic? That is literally the only reason I do not own a squale. That and the fact I need to buy a Watch that isn't a diver... Also that Navitimer is looking amazing. Nice purchase. Take care, Ron

Thanks for the great video. I was wondering if Squale should be pronounced without the e ? I am assuming this due to the fact that "Squale" is used in French to designate some sharks hence the logo on the watch.

Great video, enjoyed viewing it. Cheers.