First time I’ve had a look at this particular G Shock model and whilst I do have another G Shock in my collection, my post comparison Casio/Timex – refers https://watchspace.co.uk/2013/02/14/a-digital-classic/) I’ve never found them to be quite right for me. However, this one may the one to make me change my mind.
This is the G Shock Bluetooth Tough Solar version GA-B2100 model.
At first glance to me it seems like many others in the range and the strap already has me concerned, as it might be a bespoke one, so, not easily changed for a standard strap should it become brittle or damaged.
I like the fact it has many of the usual G Shock features, such as Alarms, World Time and a Perpetual Calendar and so on AND that it has analog hour and minute hands, which I understand are Luminous, though the markers are not, which I think is a mistake – with no other reference points when looking at the hands in the dark, it is possible to misread the time. It’s as simple as that.
I like the neat digital window, which Casio are masters at and the fact that the hands can be moved out of the way if obscuring the digits you need to see. The other dial shows battery life and other selected functions of the watch (it is Solar, so with light applied under normal situations, then you can basically forget about battery life). Apparently it will still work even after being left in a dark drawer for around 18 months.
I also like the fact that there is no logo in a distracting colour on the dial (another way of mis-reading time at night) – there is a back light apparently, but I prefer to read a watch at night, at a glance without pressing buttons. It also has a feature of beeping every hour on the hour, but fortunately I understand this can be silenced.
Watch accuracy is the usual -/+ 15 secs a month, though if paired with your phone using Bluetooth, then it’s arguably similar to a Radio Controlled system, though I think many folks will prefer the Radio Receiver system – not every one carries a phone (yes indeed, would you believe! and I’m one of them!)
The glass is toughened mineral and the module and case are protected by Casio’s Carbon Core Guard structure. However, one of the gripes I have with some of these “protected” watches, is the level of protection guarding the buttons or pushers. Often these are protected too well and subsequently difficult to access or operate – I have also found that with other G Shocks. In fact I have always found the protection of the Timex Anti-shock tough watches to be just as good, in firstly protecting unintended operation of buttons, but managing to still allow easy to access the pushers.
I note the watch apparently is 48.5mm lug to lug and 45.4mm diameter (across) x 11.9mm depth. My personal concern are the first two measurement, This is a large watch, albeit a light one and for me, might just be on the big side. I also noted some folks have a concern that the resin case bezel is quite thin and can be adversely affected by the warmth of wearing on the wrist (something I’ve never heard of before) – vis a vis – apparently distorting slightly from the circular where it meets the glass. How this affects the 200m Water resistance or the collection of dust in any gap (bezel to glass) – I would have to see for myself, if this is an issue or not.
BUT – I hasten to add that I have not yet been able to get one in my hands yet, so my brief look is perhaps presumptive, but does illustrate my personal concerns, especially if purchasing one online and unseen in the hand as it were.
However at around £129 it is certainly not an expensive model, but that said, it’s not the first time I’ve bought online and found a watch too big – and that can be so disappointing.
So, I reserve judgement on this model until I get one close up and personal. So – as always Watch this Space.
Watch space 