Side by side

Formex Essence ThirtyNinevsGlycine Combat Sub

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Some links are affiliate links — lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Some links are affiliate links — lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Formex Essence ThirtyNine

The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is praised for its impressive build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. It houses a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a tool-free strap quick-release system. A minor inconvenience noted is the specific closing order of the clasp. On balance, reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at its price point.

From video reviewers

The case suspension system enhances comfort and the COSC-certified movement is a strong feature. The bracelet exhibits noticeable rattle. Reviewers disagreed on the ideal case size, with some preferring the 39mm and others the 41mm.

Glycine Combat Sub

The Glycine Combat Sub is widely praised for its excellent value, thin case height (ranging from 10.4mm to 10.8mm), and comfortable wearability due to downward-curving lugs, with owners noting its quality and finishing punch well above its price point. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight its smooth bezel action, crisp font, and a unique aesthetic that avoids being a direct homage. However, criticisms include sub-par lume that is difficult to read in low light and an inconsistent power reserve, with some owners suggesting it may require servicing. Opinions are split on the 42mm size, with some finding it perfect and others preferring a smaller variant. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Glycine Combat Sub highly for its exceptional thinness and quality finishing at its price point.

At a glance

18 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Combat Sub36mm
Power Reserve
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Combat Sub38h
Water Resistance
Essence ThirtyNine100m
Combat Sub300m
MSRP
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390
Combat Sub$1,850

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Dress
Diver
Diameter
39mm
36mm
Thickness
10mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
Lug Width
20mm
18mm
Finish
Water Resistance
100m
300m
Caseback

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
AR Coating
Dial Color
Space Ghost
Black
Indices
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Luminous

Movement

4 specs
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
41h
38h
Jewels
0
26
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,390
$1,850
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Formex Essence ThirtyNine vs Glycine Combat Sub gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.