Casio Unveils Its First G
For the most part, everyone has been working on making devices that out-“smart” one another — in some cases even working to build SDKs and app stores for downloadable software. In the meantime, Japanese manufacturer Casio has been lurking in the background, plotting how to sell its more traditional designs in this emerging market. You see, Casio got into the smart watch game early on with its Data Bank devices in the 80s, but in recent years it hasn’t been quite the innovator it once was. Even so, its G-Shock line of ruggedized plastic watches have seen a big resurgence in popularity since the mid-2000s, owing to their retro look, durability, low price, and cachet among the streetwear crowd.
This watch is equipped with a world-time feature, as well as a stopwatch and countdown timer. “We combined that analog movement with a G-Shock shell, which gave us the ability to reach more users globally and to raise the price,” he said. The spinning test uses what looks like a D.J.’s turntable. And, of course, the water pressure, water resistance and mud tests. A G-Shock watch being tested for mud and water resistance. Two-tone construction defines a sporty, shock-resistant watch featuring tide graphs as well as world time, multiple alarms, stopwatch and automatic calendar functions on a rugged dial.
My feeling is that by not having any graphics there, the watch is more serious, and therefore could be worn in situations that you might not think would call for a 6900 G-Shock. Perhaps the biggest standout feature on the GB-6900 is Find Me, which makes your misplaced phone ring and buzz wildly for about 15 seconds, temporarily overriding your device’s volume setting. Bluetooth only has a 50-foot range, which could be a problem if you live in a larger house, but I didn’t have any problems locating the phone in my modestly-sized apartment. Since both the iPhone 4S and new iPad have Bluetooth 4.0, I pressed to see if Casio was considering moving into iOS territory, but the company declined to comment. Our complete guide of G-Shock watches includes Solar Powered G-Shocks. If you see Tough Solar option or tag #G-Shock-Solar — it means that the watch is Solar Powered.
Shock-resistant construction that stands up to dropping and other rough treatment plus 200-meter plus water resistance. Another factor in their favor is that, while these watches are undoubtedly bulky, big and eye-catching, they’re not ostentatious. Where a Rolex or Audemars telegraphs luxury, a G-Shock, despite its size, sends a much more low-key message. They’re inexpensive watches, but their functionality keeps them from feeling cheap like some quartz watches do. And while they’ve been popular forever, G-Shocks feel especially suited for right now. That’s because they fit in with the trend for all things military-inspired and utilitarian.
The con if you want to choose this option though, is that its durability makes it bulky, and somewhat underwhelming in terms of appeal. I have the GW6900, which is the slightly thicker “round” version of the GW5610, a DW6900 with 6-band radio sync and solar power added. I consider it nearly indestructible other than putting the watch head on an anvil or hardened concrete surface, and taking a sledge hammer to it. It’s the reason these and their battery powered DW6900 and DW5600 ancestors have been the favorites of US military personnel for decades now.
hi, i have been looking through various sites over the last 3 days until i came across ur article, i had a Casio Illuminator series for almost 13 years before it gave me problems. I am basically looking at a big, rugged, water and shock proof solar powered watch that’s digital. I would like one that offers a pedometer, can u suggest the best choice for me? Yeah there seemed to be a very limited supply of GWF-D1000 watches in America as well. It’s not available on ShopCasio.com or Macys.com anymore, and we’re not seeing any discounted prices from third-party sellers.
You can set a stopwatch, countdown timer and multifunction alarm. The display shows a digital readout of the time, g shock watch including seconds, the day and the date. G-Shock’s high standard of toughness remains strong in the G-Steel model.