Review: Glycine Combat Sub 41 Ceramic

This year has been a busy one for Glycine so far. Since the beginning of the year, they have been extensively updating their dive watch lineup.

We saw them introduce a number of non-limited Sea Kraken models, as well as new versions of just about every Combat Sub size and material variants. But a new size with a ton of updates? I didn’t see that coming…

I’ve extensively covered Glycine’s history with making dive watches in my reviews of the Combat Sub 39 and the limited edition Sea Kraken, so I’ll skip that this time.

With no further ado…meet the new Combat Sub 41!

A brand new case

It’s fair to question whether reducing the case by just 1mm really justifies a new model. But the new 41mm Combat Sub is more than a simple size adjustment.

The 39mm Combat Sub was an entirely new case design with way shorter lugs, entirely different case back shape, and relatively tall flanks. The 41’s case is slightly less of a change in comparison to the long-standing staple of Glycine’s lineup, the Combat Sub 42.

The dimensions have been carefully reworked: the lug-to-lug length drops from 49.5mm to 48.6mm, while maintaining the slight bezel overhang that’s long been a Combat Sub hallmark. The lug width narrows from 22mm to 20mm, a small but meaningful change that required re-sculpting the flanks – resulting in a sleeker, more wearable profile.

The case back seems largely unchanged from the 42mm version. It might be a touch less domed, but I’m not sure. The crown and crown guards also appear nearly identical, though whether they’ve been modified or simply carried over isn’t entirely clear.

What is clearly different is the thickness. At 12.7mm, the Combat Sub 41 is noticeably taller than the 42mm’s 11.5mm profile. That increase comes down to the use of a box sapphire crystal instead of the traditional flat one.

The bezel

This may well be the most significant case upgrade introduced with the Combat Sub 41. While the Combat Sub 36, 39, and 42 all feature a steel or aluminium bezel insert, the 41 marks Glycine’s first use of ceramic.

Rather than choosing a high-gloss finish, Glycine opted for a circular-brushed treatment. This choice complements the fully brushed case and matte dial, creating a cohesive, tool-watch aesthetic. It also improves legibility: the contrast between the ceramic’s textured background and the gloss-white scale is striking, making the markings stand out more than ever.

The style of the scale is identical to that of the 42, with the exception of the marker at 0/60. Like in the 39, it doesn’t have the triangular frame, just the lume pip and a short index for the first minute.

As with the Sea Kraken, there’s no polished steel ring separating the insert from the crystal. Instead, that visual transition is handled by the “milky ring” effect of the box sapphire.

Mechanically, the bezel action is superb. It’s noticeably smoother than the 39’s, maybe even than the Sea Kraken’s – and all that without any play to it whatsoever. Having reviewed the 42mm Bronze years ago, my expectations for Glycine’s bezel engineering have remained high, and once again, the brand delivers.

The dial

Some of the dial design cues on the Combat Sub 41 trace back to last year’s quietly introduced GL048X references within the Combat Sub 42 lineup. That influence is most evident in the red “SUB 20 ATM” text and the Tudor Black Bay–style minute track.

In line with the high-contrast approach established by the new ceramic bezel, the hour markers have also seen a notable update. They’re now polished rather than matte, offering a sharp contrast against the dial’s matte surface and giving the markers a heightened sense of depth and clarity.

Another design shift is found at 12 o’clock. The marker at 12 is no longer a Submariner-style triangular one – like in the Combat Sub Bronze models made since the 2010s, it has been substituted by a rectangular one identical to the ones at 3 and 9.

Some may argue that this change reduces intuitive orientation at a glance, but thanks to the repositioned date window at 6 o’clock (as seen on the Combat Sub 39), symmetry is preserved, and readability remains unaffected.

These adjustments result in a dial that feels more balanced, streamlined, and visually harmonious.

The strap

The Combat Sub 41 is offered with either a classic Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet or a NATO-style fabric strap. The version reviewed here – reference GL0524 – comes fitted with the latter.

In terms of color, the strap complements the watch nicely, but on a practical level, it’s not quite for me. I found it a bit too thick and too stiff for comfortable daily wear.

That said, I’ve never been particularly attached to stock straps and Glycine has – typically of them – made it as easy as possible to swap out bracelets/straps. The lugs are drilled, and the strap comes attached via quick-release spring bars.

That said, you can swap out the stock strap or bracelet for whatever you please, with a minimum of effort. Given the lug width of 20mm, you’ll never be short on options.

The movement

As expected, the movement powering the Combat Sub 41 is the Sellita SW200, aka GL224. I won’t delve into the technical details here, as I’ve covered this movement extensively in past reviews, and you’ll find a breakdown in the technical specifications at the end of this article.

What’s worth highlighting, however, is the performance of the particular unit in this watch. Straight out of the box, it’s running at a very respectable +5 seconds per day. That’s a really good result, and aligns with my consistently positive experience with Glycine’s regulation of Sellita calibers.

Interestingly, Sellita now lists the power reserve of the SW200-1 A at 41 hours, which is slightly higher than the 38 hours traditionally quoted for the original SW200 or the ETA 2824 on which it is based.

Whether this reflects an actual technical upgrade or revised testing standards isn’t entirely clear. Sellita has made similar enhancements to the SW330 series recently, so it’s certainly possible the SW200 has received some quiet refinements as well.

If anyone has concrete information on this update, feel free to share it in the comments. I’d love to know more.

Other versions

The Combat Sub 41 – dubbed the Combat Sub Box by Glycine in reference to its distinctive crystal – comes in three different colours: black, blue, and grey. However, the total amount of colourways available is 4, as the grey model also comes in a unique “ghost dial” variation with a gold-on-grey scheme, but only for the steel bracelet version.

Whether you prefer bold tones or more understated shades, the Combat Sub 41 lineup offers a versatile selection to suit a range of tastes.

Pricing and availability

Finally, let’s address the price. At Glycine Store Europe, the Combat Sub 41 is priced at €775 on a strap and €825 on the steel bracelet.

This is a noticeable increase compared to the standard 39mm and 42mm Combat Subs, but it’s important to consider the significant material and finishing upgrades that justify the premium.

While it may not be a bargain in absolute terms, the Combat Sub 41 offers excellent value when compared to dive watches from brands like Seiko or Sellita-powered models from Oris.

Final thoughts

I think the Combat Sub 41 is just a great, effortlessly cool and versatile dive watch that can easily be one’s daily driver. It blends some vintage design cues with the overall modern feel that’s typical of Combat Subs.

It isn’t excessively avant-garde, and it doesn’t try to look vintage. It’s all about combining all the good stuff from across the Combat Sub range with upgrades to finishing, materials, and wearability.

For anyone familiar with previous Combat Subs, the 41 will likely come as a pleasant surprise from the moment you open the box – certainly it did for me.

What I love is that while this watch is very utilitarian in nature with its all-brushed case, satin/brushed ceramic bezel, and matte dial, it has an amazing depth to it.

The polished hour markers, beautifully faceted date window, intricate applied logo, and gloss bezel scale really stand out, while the finishing and the subtle, silver print of the dial keep it subtle.

And then there’s that little touch of red in the dial text to make it all more lively. The shade of blue used in this version also does a lot for it – in some lighting conditions, it’s very vibrant, while for the most part, it feels more subdued.

While the Combat Sub 41 isn’t a small watch, Glycine’s design and engineering make it remarkably wearable. Despite the added thickness of the box sapphire crystal, the watch remains streamlined and slender, featuring strongly curved-down lugs and a case back that sits comfortably on the wrist. Together with its low center of gravity, this makes the Combat Sub 41 exceptionally comfortable to wear.

Glycine has described the Combat Sub 41 as a “great summer companion” in one of their Instagram reels, and I wholeheartedly agree. But I’d go further and say it’s a reliable, stylish companion for every season – truly an everyday watch that rises to the occasion no matter the setting.

You can get yours at the Glycine Store Europe.

Technical specs – ref. GL0524

• Diameter: 41mm (bezel)
• Lug to lug: 48.6mm
• Thickness: 12.7mm (including crystal)
• Lug width: 20mm
• Water resistance: 200m/20ATM
• Case material: 316L stainless steel, ceramic bezel insert
• Crystal: Box sapphire with ARC on the underside
• Movement: Sellita SW200-1 A – bi-directional rotor automatic, 28800 A/h, 26 jewels, date, hacking seconds + hand-winding, power reserve circa 41h (as stated by Sellita)
• Strap: NATO-style nylon attached via quick-release spring bars
• Price: 775 euros (at Glycine Store Europe)

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What do you think of the Glycine Combat Sub 41 Ceramic? Let me know in the comments below.