Do you like the idea of owning a watch that will not fail you under any circumstances? If you were searching for a watch that will not break easily, then Casio-G shock is on your short-list.
Casio G-Shock watches are known for their “toughness.” They are often referred to as Military watches and loved by many outdoor’s enthusiasts alike. There is a particular image attached to G-shocks.
The question is: are Casio G-Shocks worth it?
Yes, they are. Casio G-Shock watches are one of the most durable, reliable, power-saving, and stylish watches you can find. They come in a wide range of varieties with desirable features. With a Casio G-Shock watch, for an affordable price, you are getting a sturdy, waterproof watch with advanced tech-features.
If you are thinking about buying one of the Casio G-Shock watches, you won’t regret it. But if you want to know more about what makes these watches unique, if you want to make sure you choose the right model with the best features that suit your needs, keep reading.
6 Reasons That Make G-Shock Watches Worth It?
If you like the idea of solar-powered watches with luminescent backlight, with digital or/and analog interface, water-resistance up to 200m, you are likely to love any of the G-Shock watches.
All Casio G-shock models of watches are built to last! They can endure the harshest of weather and environmental conditions. Even this fact, on its own, makes them worth buying.
Here is the list of 6 things that you will never have to worry about with Casio G-Shock watches:
1. Casio G-Shock watches are almost unbreakable. They can withstand falls from great heights and still maintain an excellent working condition; they work perfectly on extremely high temperatures.
Interesting fact: G-Shock is the most robust watch in the world, according to the Guinness book of records. To test their endurance, the cheapest DW-5600 G-Shock survived being driven over by a truck and kept ticking with no issues.
2. Every Casio G-shock model is entirely water-resistant. G-Shock watch maintains it’s superb functionality even up to a depth of 200m below sea level. So for the meager price, you can get a watch that has equal water-resistance as professional diving watches.
3. One of the most amazing features of G-Shocks is its longevity. This feature must be credited to Japanese building ingenuity. Once you start using one of these watches, you do not need to change the battery for as long as you use it.
4. Apart from the appearance and fantastic durability, G-Shock watches do not fall behind when it comes to tech features. These are some of the G-Shock features:
- Most of the G-shocks are solar-powered.
- You can choose between analog or digital models or decide for analog/digital hybrid.
- Standard features include a countdown timer, world clock, stopwatch, alarms, Led backlight
- Extra features that you can find in some of the models include Bluetooth connectivity, compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset date, timestamp
5. Choosing the style that suits you might give you some headaches because Casio offers 1000’s of models and methods to choose from. They come in all colors and shapes you can imagine, so you won’t have trouble finding the style that suits you the best.
6. You can afford it! The quality and endurance for as low as 40$ are some of the things that make Casio G-Shock watches so popular. Their affordability is in no sense a sign of a low quality.
Additionally, they are very “macho.” Everything about these watches is all about action and toughness. If this description agrees with your image, you probably already have one of these watches.
When a Casio-G Shock Is a Perfect Choice
Some of the G-Shock features make these watches a unique wristwatch brand and preferred choice for some professionals:
Resists Mechanical Shocks and Vibrations
There’s a reason it’s called G-Shock. G-Shock is the short form for Gravitational Shock, which means that it resists mechanical shocks and vibrations.
Moreover, it can withstand high levels of gravitational shocks without losing its form and function. It can be used for space travels in locations with different magnitudes of gravitational acceleration.
Perfect for Sporting and Outdoor Activities
If you engage in sporting, military, and outdoor activities like mountaineering, hiking, and more, you will find G-Shock watches very useful.
For Military Activities
G-Shock is favored among the military forces because these watches will work correctly under any conditions. No matter of the environmental conditions of tough military training or in the field, G-Shock will function without a glitch.
Digital, Analog, or Hybrid Analog + Digital Interface
Most of the G-Shock watches use a digital interface, some combine both digital and analog interfaces, and some others are purely analog.
The digital interface makes it simpler to access the time quickly, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences. Digital or analog, G-Shock is still a great choice.
Is There a Downside of Casio G Shock Watches?
Casio G-Shock watches are competent, practical, and resistant; no questions there. However, choosing the right model of a wristwatch depends on your personal preferences.
Here is the list of a few things that you should consider before making a final decision about buying a G-Shock watch. I would not call it a downside but rather a list of things to consider when choosing a watch that will fully satisfy your preferences.
- G-Shocks are not Smart Watches. If you want to have a smart-watch, then go for something else. Only several of G-Shock models are equipped with GPS and Bluetooth capability
- World time – Some of the G-Shock models don’t have world time or atomic timekeeping features.
- Countdown Timer – The countdown timer in those models that have this feature is limited to 100 minutes only.
- The reverse LCD and Negative display – many people, love these features of G shocks; however, these types of display can be hard to read, especially in low light.
- Size – the majority of the G-Shock watches are significant and made for people with a large wrist. If you are going for a “tough-look” or practical activity watch, choose the G-Shock; but they are not formal watches.
Casio G-Shock Watches Models and Prices
When it comes to the model of a Casio G-Shock watch, it might take you some time to decide, as there are so many. Here is the list of some of the popular G-Shock series:
DW503 G-Shock Series
This original DW503 G-Shock series, first made in 1981, uses a pure blend of two colors, giving it a classic 80ies look loved by retro enthusiasts.
It allows you to perform essential functions like alarms, stopwatch, countdown timer, LED backlight, and so on.
The price of this watch is 200$.
5000 TFC-1 G-Shock Series
The 5000 TFC-1 is a vintage-styled, solar-powered G-Shock. It’s similar to the 5000 metal digital series except for its Bluetooth feature, which enables it to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices seamlessly.
This watch is on the higher end of a price list (around 1,200$), and it’s only for those who love the combination of vintage style and modern performances
The 5000 TFC-1 has a variety of functions ranging from alarms to a stopwatch, countdown timer, LED backlight, lap timer, and full metal construction.
GWNQ1000 (Analog-Digital Hybrid G-Shocks)
This watch stands out for its aesthetics and genuinely amazing features.
Additionally, to the features that most G-Shocks are equipped with the same countdown timer, alarm; the GWNQ1000 can also serve as a barometer, thermometer, depth gauge, and an altimeter.
Because of its impressive appearance and functionality, the price of this watch is around 950$.
Gravity Master (Analog-Digital Hybrid G-Shocks)
Gravity Master Hybrid G-Shock got made of an alloy of titanium and carbon; it is a bullet-proof watch.
Besides this unique feature, it has a high-level tech look, Bluetooth connectivity function, standard timer, and unmatched accuracy for the world time zones.
Very suitable and recommended for pilots and costs around 800$.
MR. G Series G-Shock Analog/Digital Models
This watch can stand proudly next to Rolex and Japan’s Seiko.
Its atomic clock aligned movements alone are superior while finishing touches are breathtaking.
The price ranges from 2,600$ to $7,800$ for amazing functions as time zone tracking, standard analog sundials, and atomic clock referencing.
The MTG Analog G-Shock Series
The MTG series isn’t as sophisticated as the MR. G analog series, but by design, it maintains a high level of time accuracy.
Among other features are Bluetooth connectivity (with a connected app), world time, time auto-update, stopwatch, and so on.
It is not only functional but is also quite stylish, durable, water-resistant shock-resistant, and with backlight. Its price ranges between 800$ and 1800$.
Some Of The Most Popular G Shock Models In 2019:
CASIO GW-9400-1CR MASTER OF G
It’s one of the new additions in the Master of G series.
The innovation on this watch is Shock Resistant Triple Sensor, which allows you to keep the altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature readings. It also has some additional perks like the audible tone for each screen.
Main features:
- Solar-powered, digital
- compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise, and sunset date, timestamp.
Recommend this watch for rangers, rescue crews, or anyone who needs/loves unfailing precision and durability for the price of 300$.
CASIO G-SHOCK GA100-1A1 THE GA 100 MILITARY SERIES WATCH
For all of those who love big and tough-looking watches, this X-Large G is a perfect choice. It comes in different colors, and its large anti-skid buttons ensure smooth operation.
Its design and attention to detail provide a 3-D look, which makes its appearance unique.
Besides the standard features that include world time and stopwatch, this model is equipped with a speed indicator, anti-magnetic construction, and LED light.
The price of this watch is 99$
CASIO GW2310FB-1CR G-SHOCK
The GW2310FB has been one of the favorite G-shock watches for a long time for its utilitarian look.
Among the standard features of G-Shocks, this watch includes a countdown timer, world time, and a full auto EL backlight.
Extra features:
- Tough Solar Power
- Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping
This classic piece of G shocks you can buy for 150$.
5 Exciting Facts About Casio G-Shock
1. The predecessor of G-Shock was not even a watch. Casio company got founded in 1946 in Tokyo. It’s founder Tadao Kashio invented the yubiwa pipe, which was a cigarette holder.
Using the profits from this invention, the Company invented their first calculator and expended they offer in years to come with many products; G-Shock was one of them.
2. The most expensive G-Shock in the world is the Casio G-Shock G-D5000-9.
What makes It expensive is the material that this watch gets made from – 18K yellow gold. It features a gallium arsenide solar power system, and it costs $100,000.
3. Fox Fire backlight in G-Shock watches – this might sound confusing as everyone else uses illuminator backlight. The fact is, it is ultimately the same thing, but for some reason in Japan, it is called a FoxFire.
4. The very first G-Shock watch was DW-5000, and it dated back in 1983. Today, only 3 of these watches exist, and they belong to members of the original design team.
5. The legend says that the idea for G-Shock came as a result of an accident after Kikuo Ibe dropped and broke his watch. He was one of the engineers with the Casio company, and the watch he dropped was a present from his father. To prevent similar kinds of accidents, he decided to assemble a “Team Tough,” which will eventually develop a G-Shock.
Final Words
If you’re looking for quality, durability, tough-style, and function, G-Shocks are no doubt the way to go.
I believe that everyone should own at least one G-Shock, even if it’s just for outdoor activities when you need an unbreakable watch. The best part is that that’s possible considering they are affordable.
For as low as 40$, you will still get an excellent watch with all main G-Shock features. Even the cheapest versions of G-Shock will be shock-resistant, waterproof, and resilient to all environmental conditions you can imagine.
If you want extra features and style, you will pay more, but it will still be worth money spending.