The CasiOak is slimmer and lighter than most G-Shocks available and is the thinnest G-Shock Casio currently sells. The black and white dial layout also contributes to this subdued look. The circular shape of the watch also gives it a more traditional appearance, especially at a quick glance. When you first pick up the CasiOak you will immediately notice how light it is.
The GA2100-1a1 appeared on the gram and elsewhere online and the case shape and dial just grabbed me. It looks like a stealth Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, possible a carbon off shore even. Blacked out with darkened lume, inverted LCD and that tell tale octagon bezel, it just looked stunning. I personally love the design, G-Shock has surprised with it’s a sharp and sleek design, after all, it is similar to the historical ‘Royal Oak’. But it is very important to understand in the matter of ‘Tech’ no one can beat the ‘Japanese Technology’ and in no space, they have given so many functions. I admit it is no match to the G-Shock ‘origin’ (GMW-B5000) but still it is classy and powerful.
But with that said, it also gives Casio the argument of simply reshaping and redesigning its already existing model. It’s also the home for using the various additional functions of the watch. First, the screen is just too small to coherently display all of the information you’d want to see if you were timing something, or checking another timezone. You can figure it out, sure, but it takes a second or two of additional analysis that just isn’t needed with a larger screen. The second, and larger problem, is that the screen is virtually impossible to read without the backlight, unless the dial happens to be completely bathed in direct sunlight. In daylight the dial reflects light from different facets of the multilayer structure, while at night things get a little harder to read.
photo by Watchadvice.com.au.The watch has a resin case which is black. In addition to this, Casio has also used carbon fiber for the construction. The bezel has an octagonal design, just like the Royal Oak, and the integrated bracelet further adds to its resemblance. Whilst the original G-shock also has an octangular bezel, it is also rectangular, which makes its design a bit of a stretch in terms of resemblance.
The new GA-2100 model getand updated octagon form that was also employed for the original DW-5000C. Analog-digital timekeeping comes packed into a no-nonsense simple design without sacrificing the G-SHOCK level toughness. 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 yet. There will be no parts or labor charge to you for valid warranty services. Due to the possibility of damage or loss during shipping, it is recommended when sending the product for service that you package the product securely and send it insured, return receipt requested.
And then the G-SHOCK GA-2100 series caught my eye – and fit my wrist. Thanks to its Carbon Core Guard architecture, the GA-2100 is the thinnest analog-digital G-SHOCK’s ever made. A new carbon core guard structure protects the module by enclosing it in a carbon case. The case is made of fine resin embedded with carbon fibers for outstanding strength and crack resistance. Not a small watch by any means, but it’s also significantly smaller than many popular G-Shocks, which measure closer to 50mm and have unusual geometry that can make them a tough wear.
Though the display is larger than a DW-5600, it wears very similarly, and I like to think of it as an analog-digital version of the DW-5600, but with a few more features. There is no doubt that the similarity has garnered the GA-2100 a lot of attention online, which gave it more publicity than other recent models. While it is definitely a distinctive bezel, it is a smaller and less obtrusive one than other G-Shock models. This gives the watch a more conservative look, while still retaining signature G-Shock elements with the case and band. The dial of the GA-2100 offers a refined style that isn’t too busy and looks both contemporary and timeless.
The twelve indices around the dial’s perimeter are in a slightly lighter shade than the dial’s base, and they’re raised, giving the dial a bit of depth and lending an extra touch of legibility. 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. The result is that G-Shock can build a case with a thinner layer of plastic material while still offering the same protection G-Shock is known for. If this case making technique is allowed to expand and trickle into other G-Shock lines the possibilities are nearly endless. This watch can be had for $100 from a certain large online retailer.
Still, that optical effect has a real impact on the wearing experience. The shapes along the way play with whatever light managed to enter the watch and again just looks amazing. The full watch and strap is matt black or dark grey depending on the light hitting it. The only parts in contrast are the hardware buttons, strap screws and buckle.
For me, this is the appeal of my bright red G-Shock GA-2100. See, when it comes to watches that I’m actually willing to throw down cold hard cash for, I tend more toward the conservative. Spare dials, classic designs, and diameters that wear easy. Lume the hour markers as well as the hands or make the LED cast better light across the hands too. The trip to town turned into a mini watch meetup where TheTickTockCollector, HalfWatchTuesday co-creator Jumping Jalapeno and WatchDeclan were assembled in Mappin and Webb. After playing with some high end pieces we set off to see Simon and cross his palm with silver.