Difference between a 6 digit Sport Rolex and a GS on bracelet

[L.K Johnson]

This has probably been covered before but I was too lazy to search for the correct thread…anyway, is there anyone that owns both and can share some light on differences in finish, weight, “feeling” etc. between a 6 digit sport Rollie and a “standard” GS?

[Locust]

Series 9 gets close to feeling like a Rolex. All the others wear and feel quite different on a bracelet. Now cue the GS bracelet haters……….andddddd, go!

[JR16]

First, this is the only “Rollie” I know:




W regards to the bracelet, Rolex is heavier and more solid as well as more easily adjustable and secure.

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[arguscanis]

I find the adjustability of my Snowflake’s bracelet lacking, compared to my Rolexes.
But I added a leather strap and it’s darn near perfect now.

[Old Expat Beast]

The bracelet on my SBGT235 is the most comfortable bracelet I own, and more comfortable than the 6-digit Rolexes I have previously owned or worn. It opens and closes easier, and the clasp is thinner. Finishing is also excellent. Sizing with the shorter screws isn't a major issue either. No micro adjust but if you get the fit right you don't need it, IMO. I never used the micro on my Rolexes, and the easylink thing was just something to play with that I never used for purpose.

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The bracelet on my SBGT235 is the most comfortable bracelet I own, and more comfortable than the 6-digit Rolexes I have previously owned or worn. It opens and closes easier, and the clasp is thinner. Finishing is also excellent. Sizing with the shorter screws isn't a major issue either. No micro adjust but if you get the fit right you don't need it, IMO. I never used the micro on my Rolexes, and the easylink thing was just something to play with that I never used for purpose.

as a new GS owner, it took a little bit to get the bracelet right however when you do it wears as good as any.

[Sandpit]

This is a question I've also been pondering. I don't own a 6 digit oyster, but I do have a jubilee and I value the easylink especially living in a warmer climate. I'm seriously considering the blue four seasons (273) though.

I no longer use my Speedie bracelet as I find it very hard to get a comfortable fit. My most comfortable bracelet though is my 5 digit Sub bracelet. That thing is absolute perfection and with the added micro adjusts (not that I use it) is ideal.

Personally I think glidelock is a bit overblown. Realistically i don't believe people need as much on the fly adjustment as they think they do.

When it comes to GS though, I do feel a total lack of micro adjust in any way is less than ideal. Hopefully something they address in future watches. I guess half links do help to some extent as is a major downside of the old speedie bracelet.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

This is a question I've also been pondering. I don't own a 6 digit oyster, but I do have a jubilee and I value the easylink especially living in a warmer climate. I'm seriously considering the blue four seasons (273) though.

I no longer use my Speedie bracelet as I find it very hard to get a comfortable fit. My most comfortable bracelet though is my 5 digit Sub bracelet. That thing is absolute perfection and with the added micro adjusts (not that I use it) is ideal.

Personally I think glidelock is a bit overblown. Realistically i don't believe people need as much on the fly adjustment as they think they do.

When it comes to GS though, I do feel a total lack of micro adjust in any way is less than ideal. Hopefully something they address in future watches. I guess half links do help to some extent as is a major downside of the old speedie bracelet.

I agree with you - love the 5 digit bracelets despite what some critics say about the “rattle”. And I detest the speedy (last gen) bracelet.
I’ve never needed to use the easy link- to me it was always gimmicky. I do however use the glidelock on my sub since I very active wearing it and my wrist swells during vigorous exercise compared to rest.
The GS bracelet is extremely comfortable to me , it just takes a bit of math and a bit of self-tinkering with a screwdriver and tweezers to get the perfect fit, recognizing that the “half link” isn’t really a half link At all (there are several posts on this). For the average joe, a micro adjust on the clasp would be much easier, but I suspect would sacrifice some of the comfort and small size of the existing GS clasp.


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[Loevhagen]

Owning several 6-digit and 5-digit Rolex on both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, I have bought 3 Grand Seiko watches 2020/2021 (of which 2 is on a bracelet) - and I must honestly confess that the GS-bracelets are just perfect and super comfortable. The "lack of micro adjustment", bla, bla, bla seems blown out of proportions on various watch forums.

[L.K Johnson]

Thanks for your input guys. Any input on the case finishing, dial lettering, dial finish etc…?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Thanks for your input guys. Any input on the case finishing, dial lettering, dial finish etc…?

Most people familiar with both brands seem to agree that GS outshines Rolex in those areas.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Most people familiar with both brands seem to agree that GS outshines Rolex in those areas.

Would be inclined to agree. In fact, I think its a no contest on case and (especially) the dials.

The dial markers in particular are like nothing i've ever seen. I have a '69 45GS and the marker finishing still blows me away

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

Would be inclined to agree. In fact, I think its a no contest on case and (especially) the dials.

The dial markers in particular are like nothing i've ever seen. I have a '69 45GS and the marker finishing still blows me away

Thanks a lot guys!! Really appreciate your input on this!

[asiparks]

Agree with most of the comments re:bracelets above. I've never used the easy-link, my wrists don't noticeably vary with temperature, even when I was living in Sri Lanka. My GS bracelet has never shown any indication of being less secure than the Rolex, nor any of those on my other watches.

The case and dial are more interesting and more finely finished than the Rolex. No question, after which it just comes down to aesthetic choices- which do you find more attractive ?

[samson66]

If you get it sized right I'd say the GS bracelets are a little more comfortable just because they are lighter and much less bulky at the clasp. The key is that first bolded part which isn't always easy.

[Jackie Daytona]

Originally Posted by samson66

If you get it sized right I'd say the GS bracelets are a little more comfortable just because they are lighter and much less bulky at the clasp. The key is that first bolded part which isn't always easy.

I would agree with this! I’ve had 6 digit professional models and the bracelet is comfortable, but the GS is just a bit more so in my opinion due to the lightness.


Another thing I’m surprised no one had mentioned, is that I find the folding part of the clasp significantly better than the 6 digit Rolex clasp. For some reason the polished bit of the Rolex clasp sticks to my wrist like no other and drives me crazy. I have to readjust it more than I really should. The sort of bead blasted finish of the GS clasp folds works way better in wearability.