Casio G
But don’t worry, this is a G-Shock after all, and you can still display the time on the digital screen. High-strength resin material, which is reinforced with carbon fibers, makes it possible to create a case that is a mere 11.8 mm thin, which is the thinnest among G-SHOCK combination models. I’ll never be the type of person who’s interested in wearing a G-Shock on a daily basis.
I can only assume they have managed to retain the ruggedness of what makes a G-SHOCK a G-SHOCK while reducing the dimensions through the use of what is called Carbon Core Quad. A side effect of this is that for some reason the watch doesn’t sit properly on wrist sometimes, with the lugs and strap not quite having the same snug fit to the wrist, even when pulled almost uncomfortably tight. The manufacturer calls his creation the Carbon Core Guard structure, which not only helps to improve the impact-resistant properties of the case , but also reduces the weight of the watch, and this is also important. To the right downward’s in a diamond shape is the LCD area which is hard to read at the best times. Whenever you have the misfortune of the hands sitting between 3 and 6 you’re in for a real bad time.
The GA-2100, on the other hand, with its octagonal shape, is easy and comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. The reason for this, I think, is that the top and bottom of the watch are significantly more narrow than the wide middle section. The watch feels small at the most sensitive parts of the wrist, but expands in its mid-section. It’s similar to wearing an oval watch, like a Patek Philippe Ellipse. Part of this is an illusion – the strap starts tapering almost immediately, making the horizon of the north and south poles of the GA-2100 disappear along with it. Still, that optical effect has a real impact on the wearing experience.
The “BAR” value indicates the number of atmospheres to which water resistance is ensured. Watches marked “200m” have the same water resistance as 20 BAR watches. Also critical to the enjoyment of the case is a relatively new technology now making its way into G-Shocks of all kinds, the Carbon Core Guard. Basically, this is a thin layer of strong and light carbon fiber that reinforces the traditional resin case.
Lastly, we have a digital display presented between about 3 and 6 o’clock. This digital display is integrated discreetly and blends in well with the dial. In addition, the watch has a world timer that allows you to change time zones with just a few button presses. Using the button, you can scroll through the cities and their respective time zones.
I’ve had experience with some of the affordable square-cased G-Shocks and one of my main complaints is that the buttons were hard to press, even with a fingernail. Casio has made the buttons on the CasiOak slightly longer, making them easy to press with the pad of your finger. I had no issues pressing each button and it made cycling through functions a breeze. If you have had any experience with a resin-cased G-Shock, there aren’t going to be any surprises here. The matte black case and strap have the feel of rubber but don’t feel cheap. Casio have done a nice job of making the CasiOak feel like a tool and not a toy.
There’s a reason why G-Shocks are often worn by military and law enforcement personnel. Those needing a more readable LCD display will be better off with another G-Shock, but will have to settle with either an all-digital model or a larger analog-digital one. Personally, I find the GA A1 to be a fine daily watch, but only if I’m using it for the g shock watch sole purpose of telling the time. If I need to use the digital functions or need to check the time at night a lot, then I would prefer to use another G-Shock. (Other GA-2100 models would be better suited for nighttime use than the GA A1.) For me, the GA-2100 could never be my only watch, but I’m happy to have it as part of my small collection.
Until you learn to press the light and mode buttons at the same time, momentarily moving the hands out of the way – but be careful, this can take anywhere from 5 to 15 seconds to do. The hands are poorly lumed and the hour markers are not treated. Instead, you get a LED light to illuminate the dial from an angle. The left side of the dial features a day display with a hand that points to the current day.
The case made from a robust resin material and reinforced with carbon fiber engulfs the analog-digital dial and gives the entire contraption the G-Shock level toughness. The watch is powered with a battery having a capacity of, of battery life! Firstly the watch has a very hard casing and is highly shock-resistant due to its core guard structure. The Dial is protected with mineral glass, with 200M water resistance which is good enough for a regular G-shock. There are other functions like the 31 countries’ timezone, with an accuracy of (+-)15 seconds of time accuracy. the only point that got me mesmerized was that in such a thin how could anyone add so many functions?