Casio G
It isn’t good at everything, but it comes through when it counts. Ever since the first DW-5000C went on sale back in 1983, G-SHOCK has continued to push the limits of timekeeping toughness while creating new and original designs. These new models embody these efforts in an attractively thin configuration. The GA-2100’s g shock watch slimmer case profile is matched by a strap that has been streamlined to match the rest of the watch’s proportions. This, in one sense, is a subtle difference, but changing up anything on a watch that has direct contact with your body will tend to have major consequences when it comes to real world wearability.
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. But with that said, it also gives Casio the argument of simply reshaping and redesigning its already existing model. So how does this sub-$100 watch manage to charm like the best of them? To start, it’s the thinnest G-Shock currently in production. The case is 11.8mm tall, and even more, it wraps around the wrist in a way that makes it feel even thinner.
At 2 o’clock, it has the ”light”, at 4 o’clock ”start”, at 8 o’clock ”Mode”, and at 10 o’clock ”Adjust”. That way, you’ll know immediately which button does what. Analog hands Easy to Read, digital windows are small but light button works and is bright. Zach is a native of New Hampshire, and he has been interested in watches since the age of 13, when he walked into Macy’s and bought a gaudy, quartz, two-tone Citizen chronograph with his hard earned Bar Mitzvah money. It was lost in a move years ago, but he continues to hunt for a similar piece on eBay. Zach loves a wide variety of watches, but leans toward classic designs and proportions that have stood the test of time.
The only parts in contrast are the hardware buttons, strap screws and buckle. This sounds good but I’d actually far prefer they were all PVD or DLC black too similar to what I have on my RedOut edition from last year. The first thing you notice about the watch is that its dark – real dark! In fact in anything but ideal light you’ve got yourself an expensive rubber bracelet. This isn’t a deal breaker as when there is light, or when you manage to set the LED to display for more than 3 milliseconds, you can kinda tell the time, ish.
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. The hour g shock watch markers are large and clear rectangles with easy to read hour and minute hands. Of course, there is no second hand as this is taken care of by the digital display. That is done using a unique angled screen between 3 and 6 o’clock and helps you control all the other functions.
That in itself is a neat touch, and it’s these less traditional features that lend this piece fizz. It isn’t a cheap Royal Oak wannabe, it’s unmistakably a G-Shock – and it works as a watch on its own terms. If you were at school in the 1990s, you’ll remember G-Shock-wearing classmates slamming their watches on the ground to prove their indestructibility. We have been wearing the CasiOak this past fortnight and it has that same hard-as-nails quality. The hands have luminescence applied to them to help with legibility in the dark, and this is a good thing since it also means you save battery as you won’t have to turn on the light every time you just want to read the time.
But the so called CasiOak takes it a step further, blending not just the dial but it’s associated furniture into the same hunk of red plastic. So what we’re left with in terms of real world use on the dial is a pretty functional two-hander. The sword shaped hour and minute hands are the only components of the GA-2100 that are not red, thanks to some lume that could be g shock protection stronger, so they stand out quite well. 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. The GA-2100 has already been dubbed the “CasiOak” all over the watch internet, and other similar mashup nicknames are out there as well.