Heir to the DW-5000 and AW-500’s conceptual design frameworks, it leveraged the latest technologies to capture the essence of their identities in a new physical form. This meant nothing short of creating a new standard-bearer for g shock watch G-SHOCK, re-envisioned from the vantage point of the brand’s beginnings, now some 30 years after the AW-500’s debut. G-SHOCK have always embraced the spirit of challenge in their untiring pursuit of the ultimate toughness.
In the grand scheme of things, the Casioak is a relatively new model for the brand. It earned its cutesy nickname because of its resemblance to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. When I say “resemblance” I mean that if you happened to walk into a poorly lit room and spot a watch on the wrist of someone standing ten yards away, you might be able to mistake one model for the other. All jokes aside, there is certainly a whiff of inspiration about the Casioak that is, in my opinion, a self-/industry-aware nod to a gap in the market that Casio eventually got around to filling.
The light is positioned near the tiny digital screen. Dubbed the ‘Casioak’ due to its octagonal similarities to a Royal Oak, it looks like something Batman would have on his wrist. And he wouldn’t be worried about damaging it while fighting crime, as it’s as rugged as any Casio G-Shock in their stable. Rich blacks, lots of dial detail and an ana-digi display make this a joy to look at. But this joy is only achievable in lower light situations to those who have a good level of eyesight, or possibly their own set of night vision goggles like the Dark Knight himself.
They are aimed at women but will also appeal to anyone who wants a less bulky, beach-ready watch . One of the occasional hazards of writing about watches is desperately wanting to buy any and every timepiece that excites you. A slide lever makes it easy to attach and remove the band — a very handy feature for cleaning and other maintenance.
And perhaps that’s the most important factor of all in explaining the GA-2100’s success. Many of us harbour warm feelings towards the G-Shock because it is a watch we grew up with baby g shock – possibly, even, the first watch we ever owned. So, a G-Shock that one can wear unironically whether you’re into watches, streetwear or – as is increasingly the case – both?
In general, it has a more refined appearance than previous analog-digital G-Shock versions in the same price bracket. An octagonal bezel derived from the iconic design of the DW-5000. A commitment to delivering the slimmest, most compact form, but with all the strength of its predecessors intact — a feat achieved with the Carbon Core Guard structure as well as a new and improved module design. Inheritance of the origin to its roots while advancing further still, the GA-2100 beautifully complements today’s lifestyles. Shock-Resistant Structure and 200m Water Resistance. The shock-resistant structure protects the watch.
Complaints must be sure to describe as accurate and detailed as possible, what is wrong with the product. I truly believe one of the best partners in exploration and adventure is a fine watch. Over 30 years of collecting, my fascination with the technical capabilities of both vintage and modern timepieces has never abated and it is a privilege to be able to share this passion through writing. If it is more important to flash the brand name in a smaller, lighter package then the CasiOaks may be just the watch for you. I was excited to review two new G-Shocks and have left the process feeling rather let down by Casio. Had they rebranded the GA and GMA models as the G-Shock-X or some other alternate name I would have been fine, accepting them as G’s in name only.
I’m not so sure I’d use that term (although itseems like low-hanging fruit to do so). I think this is just something very different that remains comfortably familiar. Comparing my resin GA-2100 side-by-side with the GM-2100 is an odd experience. One looks g shock watch rugged and approachable; the other looks futuristic and strangely elegant. The GM-2100, therefore, leaps out at me as the perfect watch for a seasoned Casio collector looking for a model in the same canon that can be worn easily in more formal situations.
Finishing on the kit is also very nicely done with the same vertical brushing from the top of the bezel through to the butterfly clasp on the bracelet. The sides of the bezel are well polished, and the bezel screws are polished and all perfectly aligned and seated. Overall it’s tough to fault the quality of this kit. The 316L stainless steel case and bracelet and good finishing should be hard to get wrong, so thankfully, Jinshu didn’t!