The latest generation of the famous Frogman watch with its lopsided case has an all-analog display, and Casio is really excited about it. Atomic clock referencing for time-zone alignment and the most accurate timekeeping on Earth, these G-SHOCKS may look more basic but hold some of today’s most advanced watch technology. With a more stripped-down dial and a mid-sized case, this model is aiming for a little less on purpose. It won’t dominate your outfit, but will bring the high-tech vibe of a G-Shock nonetheless.
Thankfully, Casio seems to provide a steady supply of these less expensive models, so you can readily snag one. Let’s contemplate the following two G-Shocks, just to get a sense of the breadth available. The first is the $380 Mudmaster from the Master of G series, an enormous battle-ready analog/digital hybrid badass with more capability than your smartphone.
The subtle tie-in of color from the dial to the inner strap, along with toned down contrast across the watch make for a understated affair. Like their GAS cousins below, these models exude a perhaps unintentional driving motif , while providing street-ready style, as well. The alternative dial layout is the kind of thing the G-Shockers will fuss over on g shock watch the forums, but you can go with your gut and let the kids do the arguing. It’s slightly busier than the GA-400, and for this reason, Casio is pushing this as “Street Fashion”-oriented. What we see is more of an automotive vibe coming in with the perforated hands on many models that suggest both old-school steering wheels and perforated driving gloves.
Casio released the G-Shock in April 1983, to fill the demand for durable watches. In order to promote the G-Shock worldwide, the American division of Casio released a commercial in which an ice hockey player used the DW-5000C as a hockey puck to demonstrate the toughness of the watch. The commercial gained negative publicity and Casio was accused of false advertising. A TV news channel then set out to conduct live tests on the DW-5000C to check whether it was as tough and durable as advertised.
This watch marks the first time the G-STEEL connected series came out with a model that has a carbon bezel. The ultralight carbon bezel is fashion-forward and rugged, complementing the functionality of the watch. This 200-meter water-resistant G-SHOCK is solar-powered and has a mobile link function via Bluetooth. It’s also highly scratch-resistant thanks to a clear sapphire glass and provides you with dual dial World Time. If you’re looking for a watch with the strength of a tank that doesn’t skip out on style, this one is a noteworthy choice. Inspired by the DW5000C, which is the first-ever G-SHOCK model, this modern take on the classic retains the original’s silhouette.
I’m not about to dual-wield this thing with an Apple Watch, after all. That’s why Google essentially abandoned it with Wear OS 3, which lifts features from Samsung’s much better Tizen-based watches. Casio’s customizations work well enough by themselves, but I know what I’d rather have running behind the scenes. There’s no word from Casio on whether this watch will get an update, and I wouldn’t bank on it. So much of your interaction with this watch is through Casio’s own custom software, and if that’s what you’re buying it for, the underlying OS isn’t quite as important as it might be with a Wear OS Michael Kors. Even battery life concerns are mitigated somewhat because of the dual-layer screen — I got a couple of days’ use out of this watch easily in dual-layer mode.
The idea for the G-SHOCK line was conceptualized in 1981 when Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe dropped the pocket watch he received from his father accidentally. A trio dubbed “team tough” was chosen to create a timepiece that was rugged enough for everyday dings and drops. Ibe was enlightened to learn g shock protection that a rubber ball’s center doesn’t suffer a shock when the ball is bounced, leading him to incorporate that idea into the first-ever G-SHOCK timepiece. He also wanted to make the watch water-resistant up to 102 meters, fall-resistant up to 10 feet, and have a battery life of one decade.