Garmin Approach S60 Standard vs S60 Premium
There are two different models of the Garmin Approach S60 golf GPS watch: Regular (or Standard) and Premium.
Same Golf and Fitness Tracking Features
Both watches have the same golf and fitness tracking features including slope adjustment, blindshot assistance, shot and club tracking, sleep monitoring, step tracking and apps for running, swimming and cycling.
Different Bezels and Watch Bands
The main differences between the Garmin Approach S60 Standard and S60 Premium are that the S60 Standard has a silicone watch band while the S60 Premium has a better-looking leather band, the Standard has a polymer bezel while the Premium has a more scratch resistant ceramic bezel, and the Premium is 33% more expensive.
Comparison Chart – Garmin S60 Premium vs S60 Standard vs S6
| Features and Specifications |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2017 | July 2017 | August 2014 |
Best Features | |||
| Color touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overhead view of each hole displays bunkers, water hazards, etc | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Targeting (touch target on display to see the distance to that target) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slope compensated distances (PlaysLike) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic Shot Tracking except for putts and chip shots - Automatically tracks your shots, measures distance and records shot locations | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic Shot Tracking with Garmin Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (purchased separately; tracks all shots including putts and chip shots) | Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors purchased separately) | Yes | No |
| Manual Club Tracking - manually select the club used after each shot is taken | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic Club Tracking with Garmin Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (purchased separately; automatically tracks all clubs used) | Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors purchased separately) | Yes | No |
| AutoShot round analyzer - view shot distances and locations and clubs used on a 2-D overhead course map on the free-to-use Garmin Connect website. | Yes | Yes | No |
| Green View (layout and shape of the green) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Move flag location option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Step counter (Pedometer) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic daily step goal | Yes | Yes | No |
| Move bar inactivity alert | Yes | Yes | No |
| Calories burned counter | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sleep monitor | Yes | Yes | No |
| Intensity minutes tracker | Yes | Yes | No |
| Distance traveled and time elapsed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Running App | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cycling App | Yes | Yes | No |
| Swimming App | Yes | Yes | No |
| Apps for Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Skiing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Rowing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vibrating smartphone notifications and alarm | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audio tone smartphone notifications and alarm | No | No | Yes |
| PinPointer blindshot assistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Save distances for up to 5 targets per hole | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic shot distance calculator | Yes | Yes | No |
| Manual shot distance calculator | No | No | Yes |
| Digital Scorecard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stat tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Time/Date/Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Countdown Timer/Stopwatch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bezel Material | Yes (polymer bezel) | Yes (scratch-resistant ceramic bezel) | No |
| Watch band material | Yes (silicone) | Yes (black leather) | Yes (silicone) |
S60 Standard | S60 Premium | S6 |
|
Negatives | *No Heart Rate Monitoring | *No Heart Rate Monitoring | *No slope adjusted distances |
Features only available in the Garmin S60 | |||
| Shot Tracking (AutoShot Round Analyzer with Garmin Connect) - Tracks shots, measures distances for each club and records shot locations for post-round analysis and later viewing on the free-to-use Garmin Connect website. | Yes | Yes | Feature not available in the Garmin S6 |
| Slope compensation - shot distances adjusted for elevation changes on uphill and downhill shots | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fitness Tracking - inactivity move bar alerts, step counter, sleep monitor, calories-burned counter, activity intensity tracker | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multi-sport apps - Includes preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, rowing, skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing, and standup paddleboarding | Yes | Yes | No |
| QuickFit watch bands - change your stylish watch band without tools to match your activity | Yes | Yes | No |
Shot Distance Info | |||
| Hole View - Displays distances to the back, middle and front of the green; Current hole number; Par for the hole | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch-targeting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Layup and Dogleg Distance Information - View a list of layup and dogleg distances for par 4 and 5 holes. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hazard Distance Information - Tap on any hazard on the course map to get the distance information from your location which will help you determine the distance to layup or carry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Save distances to targets, such as water hazards or bunkers, not found on the course map | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shot Tracking (also known as AutoShot Round Analyzer with Garmin Connect) - AutoShot round analyzer records the distance and location of each shot for post-round analysis on Garmin Connect. | Yes | Yes | Feature not available in the Garmin S6 |
| PinPointer blindshot assistance - directional arrow to the green helps you line up your shot even if you are in the woods | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shot history for each hole - You can view the information for all of your shots for each hole on your watch | Yes | Yes | No |
Golf Course Info | |||
| Auto course recognition - Device will take 30 to 60 seconds to acquire satellite signals, calculate your location and display a list of courses nearby. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 41,000+ Preloaded Golf Course Maps and Free Lifetime Updates - You will get access to more than 40,000 courses, free lifetime course updates and there is no annual membership fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Green View - Displays the shape and layout of the putting greens. Touch the display and move the flag to match that days’ real pin location for even more accurate yardage information. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CourseView - Get full-color hole-by-hole details (preview doglegs, hazards and green shapes) for more than 40,000 courses from the course or clubhouse. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto hole advance - Automatically advances to the next hole after you are finished with the current hole. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manually advance to the next hole or go back to the previous one by pressing a button or using the touchscreen. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Lifetime Course Updates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Fees Or Subscriptions | None | None | None |
Smartphone Notifications | |||
| Bluetooth-enabled Smartphone Notifications - Displays smartphone notifications, including incoming calls, texts, emails and alerts, right on your watch. | Yes (vibrates) | Yes (vibrates) | Yes (audio) |
Scoring Features | |||
| Digital Scorecard - Keeps track of your score throughout your round. You can save, review and even use the Garmin Connect Mobile app on your smartphone to upload it online. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Handicap Scoring Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stat tracking | |||
| Stat tracking - records number of strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit and average shot distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swing Training Features | |||
| Swing Strength - Allows you to compare how hard you swing with your normal full swing. This can be used on the driving range to practice consistency or on the course if you’re preparing to take a little off your shot. | No | No | Yes |
| Swing Tempo Training - Conveys the ideal 3:1 upswing to downswing times with audible tones to which you can synchronize your swing. Re-synch your tempo on the driving range and even on the tee box. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Truswing Compatible - When paired, Garmin TruSwing golf swing sensor provides metrics to improve your swing consistency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fitness Tracking Features | |||
| move bar inactivity alerts | Yes | Yes | No |
| Step Counter | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sleep Monitor - monitors hours of sleep | Yes | Yes | No |
| Calories Burned counter | Yes | Yes | No |
| Intensity minutes tracker | Yes | Yes | No |
| Round odometer - calculates the distance traveled and total time taken | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Heart Rate Monitoring | |||
| Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitoring (available in the Garmin X40) | No | No | No |
| Heart Rate Monitoring with compatible accessory | Yes | Yes | No |
Physical Dimensions | |||
| Display Size | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.0" (25.4 mm) diameter |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels | 180 x 180 pixels |
| Color display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display type | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Product Dimensions (in inches) | 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 in 46 x 46 x 14.5 mm | 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 in 46 x 46 x 14.5 mm | 45 x 45 x 14.2 mm |
| Weight (in ounces) | standard: 1.8 oz (52 g) | premium: 2.2 oz (61 g) | 1.6 oz (46.6 g) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Running Features | |||
| Preloaded run profiles | Yes (Running, Indoor Running) | Yes (Running, Indoor Running) | No |
| GPS-based distance, time and pace | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foot pod capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Clock Features | |||
| Clock Features (includes time, date, GPS Time Sync, Automatic daylight saving time, Alarm clock, Sunrise/sunset times) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Face It watch face creator - download a watch face or upload your own photo | Yes | Yes | No |
Battery Life | |||
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 10 days | Up to 10 days | Up to 20 weeks |
| GPS mode | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
Other Watch Specifications | |||
| Memory/history | 1 GB | 1 GB | 512 MB |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Legal For Tournament Play | Yes (if slope correction feature is disabled) | Yes (if slope correction feature is disabled) | Yes |
What is the difference between Garmin s60 and s60 premium?
More Scratch-Resistant Ceramic Bezel
The Premium Garmin Approach S60 model comes with a better looking and more durable bezel than the standard Garmin S60 model. Garmin changed the bezel for the premium model of the Garmin Approach S60. The Garmin Approach S60 Premium model comes with a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel that will last longer and looks much better while the S60 Standard model has a less durable polymer bezel that is more easily scratched but weighs less and is cheaper.
Beautiful Leather Watch Band
The Garmin S60 premium model has a much nicer looking watch band than the standard Garmin S60. Garmin changed the watch band for the premium version of the Garmin S60. The Garmin S60 Standard has a regular silicone watch band found on many of today’s golf watches while the Garmin S60 Premium comes with a beautiful black leather watch strap. However, the silicone watch band makes the S60 Standard more comfortable while the S60 Premium has a leather band that is more expensive and rigid which makes the Premium harder to swing with. I think, at the start, it will be harder to play with the premium model because the leather watch band will be uncomfortable before you break it in.
The Standard S60 model is available in more colors than the Garmin S60 Premium – The Garmin Approach S60 Premium is only available with a black leather band while the Garmin S60 Standard is available in either a white or black silicone band.
The Premium S60 model weighs more than the S60 Standard model – The Garmin S60 Premium weighs 2.2 oz (61 grams) while the Garmin S60 Standard weighs 1.8 oz (52 grams).
The Standard S60 model is more comfortable – The Garmin Approach S60 Standard is more comfortable because it weighs less since it comes with a lightweight polymer bezel and uses a more flexible silicone watch band instead of a stiff leather band.
The Garmin S60 Premium model is more expensive than the S60 Standard model – Because the Garmin Approach S60 Premium has a leather watch band that looks better than the S60 Standard’s silicone band and a ceramic bezel that is more scratch resistant than the S60 Standard’s polymer bezel, the Premium weighs a little more and adds $100 more to the suggested retail price of the Standard S60 model.
Both the standard and premium Garmin S60 models have the same battery life – Both the standard and premium Garmin S60 have a maximum 10-hour battery life in GPS mode and a maximum 10 day battery life in smart mode.
Garmin Approach S6 vs S60
The Garmin Approach S60 was released in July 2017, three years after the Garmin S6 (released in August 2014). The Garmin Approach S60 is a big upgrade over the Garmin S6 because it has a better display and more golf and fitness tracking features. The most important difference between the Garmin Approach S60 and S6 is that only the S60 has slope adjusted distances while the S6 only has straight line distances. The S60 also has a bigger touchscreen than the S6 (S60: 1.2-inch vs S6: 1.0-inch) and higher resolution (S60: 240 x 240 pixels vs S6: 180 x 180 pixels). Also only the Garmin S60 comes with automatic shot tracking (records shot locations and distances that you can view on a 2-D aerial course map on the Garmin Connect website) and manual club tracking (records club used for each shot and average shot distance for each club). Unlike the Garmin S6, the Garmin S60 has a step counter (pedometer), sleep monitor, move bar inactivity alert, vibrating smartphone notifications, and sports apps for tracking your performance in various sports including running, cycling, swimming, rowing, skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The S60 also has more memory storage (S60: 1 GB vs S6: 512 MB). The battery life for both watches is very similar with both watches giving you about 10 hours or 2 rounds on the golf course on a single charge. The only advantage that the S6 has is a cheaper price tag but it has been discontinued by Garmin so you will only be able to get a used one from eBay.
The newest Garmin golf GPS watch is the Garmin Approach S62 and it was released to the market in January 2020. Both the brand new Garmin Approach S62 and S60 have touch targeting, blind shot assistance, slope compensation, and overhead detailed map of each hole. However, the Garmin Approach S62 is better than the S60 because only the Garmin S62 comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, wind speed and direction, and virtual caddie club recommendation feature. These additional features make the Garmin S62 better than the Apple Watch 7.
Is the Garmin Approach S60 worth the money?
Yes, the Garmin S60 is worth buying because it is the only Garmin golf watch with aerial course maps (including overhead views of each hole that show you the sand bunkers and water hazards), slope adjustment, blindshot assistance and touch targeting and it comes with many more fitness tracking features than the other Garmin watches. The only negatives of the Garmin S60 are the high cost and lack of a wrist-based heart rate monitor.
Overview of the Garmin S6
The Garmin Approach S6 was the best golf watch when it first came on the market in August 2014. However, in comparison to the S60, the graphics are really outdated now and it is missing a lot of fitness tracking features that many of today’s users expect to have including tracking your steps, sleep patterns, or running statistics. It is also missing a lot of great golf features that are found in the S60 including slope compensation and shot and club tracking. It also does not have a vibration feature, stopwatch, or countdown timer. There is no reason to buy the S6 instead of the S60. Garmin no longer sells the S6 so the obvious choice is to purchase the S60.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| • List of distances to Doglegs and 100, 150, 200 and 250 yard Layup markers • Smartphone Notifications • Digital Scorecard • Stat tracking |
• Discontinued by manufacturer • outdated graphics • No Fitness Tracking features • No shot or club tracking • No slope adjusted distances • Cannot track running activities or any other sports other than golf • No heart rate monitor • Short battery life • Difficult to access hazard information |
Overview of the Garmin S60 Standard model
The standard model of the Garmin S60 golf GPS watch has the best golf and fitness tracking features of any golf GPS watch. Both the Garmin S60 Standard and S60 Premium can adjust distances for slope (elevation change) and will give you fast and accurate distances to any hazard, dogleg or any other location on the course. They also come with an aerial view of each hole, step tracker, sleep monitor and running app and both come with a maximum 10-hour battery life. Unfortunately, they do not come with a wrist-based heart rate monitor. This watch has everything that a golfer would need to lower their score and enough fitness features so that you would not have to carry around a Fitbit.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fitness Tracking features – includes a step counter that tracks steps and calories burned, move bar inactivity alert, and sleep monitor • List of distances to Doglegs and 100, 150, 200 and 250 yard Layup markers • Manual Club tracking • Automatic shot tracking • Slope Adjusted Distances • Sports Apps for tracking your Running, Skiing, Snowboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Biking, and Swimming. • Smartphone Notifications • Digital Scorecard • Stat tracking |
• More expensive than any golf watch besides the superior Garmin S62 • No heart rate monitor – Neither the Garmin Approach S60 Standard or Premium models contain a wrist-based heart rate sensor. If you want to measure heart rate with this watch, you will have to buy a heart rate chest strap. • Short battery life – The battery for the Garmin S60 will last for 10 hours or 2 rounds on a single charge. The Garmin S20 can last for 15 hours on a single charge. • Difficult to access hazard information – The Garmin S20 and S40 both have a list of layup and carry distances for each hazard that you can easily access. However, the S60 requires that you tap on the front and back of the hazard on the touchscreen to get all of the hazard information which will take a little longer. • Same type of silicone watch band found in other cheaper watches • Polymer bezel that can easily be scratched |
Overview of the Garmin S60 Premium model
The Garmin Approach S60 Premium comes with upgrades to the watch band and bezel but Garmin decided to not add any additional golf and fitness tracking features. The Garmin Approach S60 Premium has the same golf and fitness features as the Garmin S60 Standard. The main differences between the Garmin S60 Standard and S60 Premium are that the S60 Standard has a silicone band while the S60 Premium has a better-looking leather strap, the Standard has a polymer bezel while the Premium has a more scratch resistant ceramic bezel, and the Premium has a sales price that costs $100 more. On the other hand, the Garmin S60 Standard model is more comfortable to swing with because the watch band is more flexible and the watch weighs less. I think the Garmin S60 Premium would make a great present for your father but if you only want to buy a watch for your golf matches, then save some money and purchase the S60 Standard instead.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| • Same fitness tracking features as the Standard model including sleep monitor and step counter • Same golf features as the Standard model including shot and club tracking and slope compensation • Same sports tracking apps as the Standard model including running, rowing, biking, and swimming • Beautiful black leather watch band • Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel |
• More expensive than the Standard model • No heart rate monitor • Short battery life • Difficult to access hazard information |
Best Features of the Garmin S60
Garmin S60 Standard
Higher Display Resolution
The Garmin S60 has a better display resolution (240 x 240 pixels) than the previous model (180 x 180 pixels)
Larger 1.2-inch diameter screen
It has a 1.2-inch diameter touchscreen which is bigger than the smaller 1.0-inch diameter touchscreen of the previous model. The bigger watch face will enable a person wearing a glove to easily interact with it.
Fitness Tracking features – Comes with a step counter, automatic daily step goal setting, move bar inactivity alert, sleep monitor and it will display the calories burned, distance traveled, and activity intensity.
Built-in Sports Apps – Tracks data for running, cycling, swimming, rowing, skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing, and standup paddleboarding
Vibrating Smartphone Notifications – It will vibrate when your watch face wants to display notifications, including calls, texts, emails or alerts, from your compatible smartphone.
Automatic Shot tracking – The S60 will automatically track each of your shots (except for putts and chip shots around the putting green) and you can view the distance and location of your shots for each hole while you are playing or after the round is over. You can purchase CT10 sensors to track your putts and chip shots.
Manual Club tracking – The Garmin S60 gives you the ability to manually enter the club you used for each of your shots. It will Keep track of clubs used as well as the average shot distance for each of these clubs. When you upload your round information to Garmin connect, it will show you where each of your shots went and shot distances for each club. You can purchase CT10 sensors to automatically track the club used for each shot.
Slope Adjusted Distances (PlaysLike Distances)
Adjusts the distances to any location on the course to account for any uphill and downhill elevation changes. This feature can be turned off to make this watch legal for tournaments.
View entire scorecard, past rounds, player statistics and shot history on the watch face – View previously saved rounds, entire scorecard, player statistics and shot history on your watch. For other golf watches, you will have to upload the information to view it on a computer.
Interchangeable QuickFit watch bands – change your stylish watch band without tools to match your activity
Customizable watch face – Download custom watch faces or customize your watch face with any photo
3rd Party Apps – Download 3rd party apps, including golf, tennis, running and Uber, to your watch from the Connect IQ store
Garmin S6 uses outdated hardware technology from August 2014 – The S60 was released to market in June 2017 and uses hardware that will allow it to display more accurate distances and readings while the S6 uses outdated technology from August 2014.
Common features found in the Garmin S60 Premium, S60 Standard and S6
Color maps – All three come with color course maps that display all fairways, putting greens, sand bunkers and water hazards
Touch Targeting – Touch any point on the screen and get the distance information to that point from your current location.
Green View – Displays the true shape and layout of the putting green for the hole you are playing
Manual Pin Positioning – You can move the pin location on your screen to match the flag location for the hole that day
Swing Tempo Training – This feature will help you develop a more consistent swing. The device measures and displays your backswing time and downswing time. The device also displays your swing tempo. Swing tempo is the ratio of backswing time divided by the downswing time. A 3 to 1 ratio, or 3.0, is the ideal swing tempo based on studies of professional golfers. The S6 uses three audible tones that continuously repeat the correct tempo to which you can synchronize your swing. Instead of audible tones, the S60 uses vibrations.
PinPointer blind shot assistance – Compass that provides directional assistance when you are unable to see the putting green
Save locations of hazards not found on course map – save up to five locations not shown on the map for each hole
Digital Scorecard – Keeps track of your score throughout your round.
Stat tracking for each hole – Track stats including strokes, putts per round, greens in regulation and fairways hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Garmin s60 monitor your heart rate without a heart rate strap?
No. Since the Garmin S60 does not come with a wrist-based heart rate sensor, like the one in the Garmin Approach X40, the S60 cannot monitor your heart rate without a heart rate strap. However, if you buy a compatible heart rate strap, you can use this watch to monitor your heart rate.
Where can I get the best price for the Garmin Approach S60 Premium?
The best prices can be found online. There are always good deals to be had on different websites. You will have to compare the prices for different sites before you find the best price.
Are there any good sales for the Garmin Approach S60 Premium?
The best sales occur online during Cyber Monday. The best offline sales day is Black Friday.
Why should you buy the Garmin Approach S60 Standard model?
Suggested retail price for the Garmin S60 Premium model is more expensive – The suggested retail price for the premium model is much higher than the suggested retail price for the standard model. However, there are retail websites that deeply discount the price so the price difference might end up being a lot smaller.
What is the best shot tracking golf watch?
The TomTom Golfer 2 does the best job of tracking shots. You can wear it on either wrist and it will do a good job of recording all of your shots including putts. If it does not properly record a shot, you can just put your palm on your watch to add a stroke to your score.
Which Garmin golf watch would make the best Christmas gift for a golfer?
For a Christmas gift, you should probably purchase the Garmin Approach S60 Premium model because it has a lot of great golfing and fitness tracking features and it comes with a beautiful leather strap and scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. The Garmin S60 premium model costs more than the standard Garmin S60 but there are situations where the price is deeply discounted and the price difference becomes a lot smaller. However, I think, at any price, it would be the ideal birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift for a golfer.
Which Garmin golf watch is the lightest and most comfortable to wear while swinging a golf club?
TThese are several watches that look and work like a Fitbit. They only weigh about an ounce. The Garmin S60 Standard model is lighter and more comfortable than the S60 Premium model. The Garmin S60 Standard model weighs a little less and it uses a silicone band instead of a leather band so the Standard model will feel a little more comfortable on your wrist while you are swinging your golf club.
Is the Certified Refurbished standard version of the Garmin S60 worth purchasing?
Certified Refurbished products are professionally inspected and tested to look and work like new. They come with a minimum 90-day warranty. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, professional inspection, and repackaging. This product will ship with a generic box and the relevant accessories. Only sellers with a high-performance bar are allowed to sell Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
Video Overview of the Features for the Garmin S60
This video discusses the basic functions of the Garmin S60 and shows you how to use the watch. The video shows you how the watch finds nearby courses and talks about the hole view, green view, zooming in on the course map, playslike distance feature for uphill and downhills shots, touch targeting and automatic shot tracking (autoshot).
