6 digit Submariner case lugs vs 6 digit GMT lugs

[Dtle]

A lot has been said about the 6 digit Submariner case being too big and boxy, and after owning one for several years I'm inclined to agree.

A few months ago I acquired a 126710BLNR and after some spending wrist time with both, I am amazed at how much I prefer the case of the 6 digit gmt.

The gmt lugs are slightly more slender / tapered. I had always thought about getting a 5 vintage rolex, but after getting the blnr I don't want to anymore. I feel the modern gmt case is pretty much perfect. Great wrist presence and larger than vintage but still balanced. Has anyone else noticed or appreciated the difference between the sub / gmt cases?

[Likestheshiny]

While the GMT and sub don't have exactly the same case, I think you'll find that if you stick that jubilee on your sub, you suddenly find that the lugs are slimmer.

[Dtle]

Thing is, I actually put my blnr on a glidelock bracelet pretty much as soon as I got it. So to me the cases are markedly different regardless of oyster or jubilee.

I once read that sub cases are like 1980s suits with big boxy shoulder pads....and while difference vs gmt is subtle, it's one of those things (like a scratch) that once you see You cannot unsee... At least for me.

[GMT Aviator]

Yep, the current 6 digit sub is too square. Much prefer the GMT.
I'll be surprised if Rolex don't slim down the lugs when the submariner is eventually given an overhaul.

[Nikrnic]

I like them both for their own different design cues although I have to agree the six digit Gmt case is near perfect proportions for a modern professional Rolex.

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[Cru Jones]

Glad you like your GMT, but the actual difference is measured in microns.

[thesharkfactor]

Cases are the same, the crownguards are very slightly less chunky on the GMT.

[spare]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Glad you like your GMT, but the actual difference is measured in microns.

I tend to agree. Never found the BLNR on Oyster to wear any different to my Sub. Somehow even found it visually "bigger", although I know that's not the case.

[robinmgb]

I had a sub and gmt at the same time and totally agree, it's surprising just how much better the gmt case looks, it actually put me off the sub so much that I sold it

[SS Oyster]

I think the modern sub is perfect! I also like BLRO supercase.


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[Number3]

Has anyone actually measured the dimensions of the two cases? I would love to know the exact difference.

[Dtle]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I had a sub and gmt at the same time and totally agree, it's surprising just how much better the gmt case looks, it actually put me off the sub so much that I sold it

I actually ended up doing the same thing. I knew the sub wasn't going to get wrist time anymore.

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by Number3

Has anyone actually measured the dimensions of the two cases? I would love to know the exact difference.

It's been done in here countless times. The difference is negligible. I don't know why folks think they are different because it has been proven that the difference is so slight that it's almost non existent. The CG's are very slightly chunkier on the Submariner and aside maybe microns between the lugs, that is all.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

I don't know why folks think they are different because it has been proven that the difference is so slight that it's almost non existent.

Because of the perceived visual difference. It doesn't take much to fool the brain into seeing something which isn't there. These watches being a case in point.

To me, my GMT Master 126711CHNR actually looks a bit thicker in the lugs than my 116610LV. That's probably the TT contrast playing visual tricks on me.

To the question raised by the OP. No. I don't think the 6 digit Sub/Sub date looks too square. It looks perfect to me. Or maybe that should read "for" me. What wears good on some won't on everybody. The 5 digit Subs didn't do it for me at all.

[thesharkfactor]

Yes that makes sense. Also, with the Submariner sitting a few mm's higher on your wrist due the thicker case back, this will also be adding to the perception.

[Harry-57]

[spoon-turbo]

The Jubilee bracelet can only make the watch appear slimmer..

[brandrea]

I honestly dont see much difference.

I do think the jubilee makes the GMT wear better though

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[Watchzombie]

The bigger Font on the gmt bezel make the watch looks more balance , thus proportion lugs. Experiment - Try to cover the bezel of the submariner and gmt to compare.

[Dtle]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Because of the perceived visual difference. It doesn't take much to fool the brain into seeing something which isn't there. These watches being a case in point.

To me, my GMT Master 126711CHNR actually looks a bit thicker in the lugs than my 116610LV. That's probably the TT contrast playing visual tricks on me.

To the question raised by the OP. No. I don't think the 6 digit Sub/Sub date looks too square. It looks perfect to me. Or maybe that should read "for" me. What wears good on some won't on everybody. The 5 digit Subs didn't do it for me at all.

The problem with perceived visual difference is they require the object (ie. Lugs) to be perceived differently based on their surroundings. This is why people suggest the lugs look different based on the band the watch is on (ie. Jubilee / TT). But when I had my sub I was doing an apples to apples comparison since both were on a glidelock bracelet.

The problem with perceived visual changes based on the actual height differences between Sub/gmt is that I felt the lugs look slimmer to me when the watch is being worn (when the height differences matter) or even when I am simply holding it and assessing.

It's possible that since I've come to the conclusion that the gmt lugs are slimmer that I now see what I want to see... But even if this is the case I won't miss my sub that I sold.

I tried to use the search function to find thread where the lugs were measured but couldn't find it. Googling, I found a lot of people saying the gmt lugs are actually slimmer anecdotally on websites and other forums.

[Dtle]

Originally Posted by Watchzombie

The bigger Font on the gmt bezel make the watch looks more balance , thus proportion lugs. Experiment - Try to cover the bezel of the submariner and gmt to compare.

This could make sense. To be fair, I am not suggesting the difference is HUGE. Its actually quite subtle, but small differences matter in this hobby.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Yes that makes sense. Also, with the Submariner sitting a few mm's higher on your wrist due the thicker case back, this will also be adding to the perception.

This!

The reduced caseback height of the GMT is the reason for how different the two references feel on wrist. I’d like to see a clear diagram with Mitutoyo-quality caliper proof that a difference exists with the lugs!

[Onikage]

The perceived visual difference implies the fat lugs are unwanted and people are doing their damnedest to unsee them.

[weksa]

Originally Posted by Onikage

The perceived visual difference implies the fat lugs are unwanted and people are doing their damnedest to unsee them.

I like big lugs and I cannot lie

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I honestly dont see much difference.

I do think the jubilee makes the GMT wear better though

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I really thought i was gonna be alright without this BLRO watch. I'm gonna cave. AD said "easily" by summer time. Great pics. I saved them.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I honestly dont see much difference.

I do think the jubilee makes the GMT wear better though

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Great photos Brian, especially the BLRO!

[D.P.G.]

The Submariner case looks more square then the GMT Master ll.

[EEpro]

They look the same to me.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by EEpro

They look the same to me.

The OP is talking about one of the newer GMTs...the 126710's to be exact which has a slightly different case than what was put on the LN.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchmework

Great photos Brian, especially the BLRO!

Thank you my friend. I love this reference like you do

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