Side by side

Glycine Combat SubvsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

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

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

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.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX series

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.

At a glance

19 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Combat Sub36mm
5 Sports SKX series38mm
Power Reserve
Combat Sub38h
5 Sports SKX series41h
Water Resistance
Combat Sub300m
5 Sports SKX series100m
MSRP
Combat Sub$1,850
5 Sports SKX series$350

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Diameter
36mm
38mm
Thickness
12mm
12.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
44.2mm
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Finish
Water Resistance
300m
100m
Caseback

Crystal & Dial

6 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Crystal Shape
AR Coating
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Lume
Luminous
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Seiko 4R36
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
38h
41h
Jewels
26
24
Complications
Date
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$350
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