Previous “Triple Sensor” watches had a compass, thermometer, and pressure sensors, which are used for barometer and altimeter readings. The fourth sensor in the Mudmaster’s “Quad Sensor” is an accelerometer which senses the acceleration of gravity the same way smartphones are able to detect directions, tilts, vibrations, etc. This is used in the Mudmaster to offer a step counter which can then share data with a smartphone via a bluetooth connection (activated by the button at 3 o’clock). The smartphone connection allows for other features as well, some more useful than others depending on the wearer’s needs. However, while you might think that anything that keeps out water would easily be able to prevent mud ingress as well, the small particles in mud and dust present challenges of their own.
What people complained about on the previous models seems that was now fixed or taken rid of. From mid-2014 until today it seems that Casio returned to a somewhat traditional approach by releasing mainly analog-digital G-Shocks with a modern feel. Without any further ado I present you some of the best G-Shock models from 2016. The new models usually get released in Japan first, so they may be charging a premium because you can’t get it anywhere else. If it’s a limited edition model, they tend to cost more if it’s from Japan. Maybe they charge more because it’s more of a hassle to send something internationally.
At night the lcd-screen is a bit better when I use the light. G-Shock – or Casio – is always very proud about their Triple Sensor technique. This sensor is based behind an opening on the left side of the case. This triple sensor measures pressure, for the barometer and altimeter function, direction for the compass, and temperature.
His writing style is inspired by certain “British automotive journalists” and his own experiences growing up and living in a blue-collar society. We finished with a conversation of comparison between the watch community and the local biking community. We talked about how the watch, or the bike, is not only a tool for our passion, but also gives us a sense of pride, brings us together, or even carries the souls of us for many years to come. As I sat at a table with my friend and his watch in hand, I couldn’t help but fixate on the size of the case. The Mudmaster GG A5 definitely has a wrist presence and dwarfs almost all of the common G-Shocks that I’ve ever seen. His wrist is smaller than mine, probably by an inch, and it looks big on me.
All the hands are actually well-lumed and easy to read in the dark. There is also an Illuminator for the whole dial to charge it and see the digital part in the dark. Starting with the standard G-Shock 200m water resistance and built-in shock resistance, Casio have added mud resistance via extra seals on all those important areas.
It has a case design that looks like a cross between an aviation G-Shock and the Rangeman, giving it a tough and tactical appearance. A special vibration-resistant construction lets them stand up to wear while operating cutters, crushers, drills and other heavy machinery to clear way large obstacles. This is CASIO’s first analog watch to come with Mud Resist construction, which helps to ensure that nothing gets into the watch when down and dirty work takes you deep into the dirt and sludge.
If you look closer, the Mudmaster GG-1000 series is a smaller version of the Mudmaster GWG-1000 series, however with less features and price tag. The new G-SHOCK GWG-1000 definitely constructed and designed for a variety tough environments. The buttons are protected against the entry of mud or dust with cylindrical guard structure and the cylindrical button shafts are fitted with gasket linings. Speaking about the casing and materials it has a high-quality mineral glass window that tends to be tough and scratch resistant as opposed to the sapphire crystal that is more shock resistant.
Built-in Bluetooth allows you to pair it with your smartphone, so you can use it conjunction with the outfit’s G-Shock Connected app. It combines both digital and analog time-telling, with the option to use the digital display to show other information. Overall, the dial doesn’t depart much from the Mudmaster’s familiar aesthetic, with large indicators and hands for the analog dial and a strip of digital display at the bottom.
The button at 6 o’clock activates a surprisingly bright LED dial illuminator. The traditional resin case found on most G-SHOCK timepieces was retooled into a new shock-resistant carbon core guard structure which integrates the case. An external structure capitalizes on its toughness and lightness. These two traits are further reinforced here by carbon fiber in the bezel, providing a light weight strengthening that allows the watch to be even more resistant to damage without adding a significant amount of weight. It even matters if you wear it on the left wrist – sensor directed inwards the sleeve, so warmer – or right – sensor directed outwards to the air.
In fact, you probably wouldn’t know it even read the temperature if you didn’t read the instructions. The watch has not one, but two batteries, and neither of them are solar. This isn’t out of character for a G-Shock, but the Tough Solar tech does show up in G-Shocks at this price range. However, it’s left out of a watch that is marketed to spend its life outside and will force you to change them roughly every 2 years. The key design principle behind the earliest G-SHOCK timepiece was the idea that the watch module should “float” inside a hollow structure that would be the tough exterior watch case. This way, impacts to the watch would be absorbed by the case, and the internal timekeeping components would be a step removed from the blow.