6 of the best Casio G-Shocks, including icons old and new

Buffy Acacia

If you asked someone to name a watch brand, it’d probably be a coin flip as to whether they answer Rolex or Casio. G-Shock especially is almost synonymous with digital watchmaking, and where else would you turn if you wanted a watch that could survive being run over? There’s no shortage of iconic models, but from adventure-ready beaters to summer-loving streetwear, Casio G-Shock has you covered. Although many of these are the black base models, feel free to look at the vast amount of references, many of which are available from the Time+Tide Shop, to find a colour that best suits your personality.

DW-5600UE-1

Cemented as a legend ever since its release in 1983, the square Casio G-Shock is the quintessential durable watch. Short of taking a hammer and nail to it, you’d have a hard time even trying to destroy one. The modern-day DW-5600UE-1 is about as close as you can get to the original, preserving the octagonal shape, the ridged shoulders, the protected pushers, and the easily legible black numeral dial. Small pops of colour around the newly-updated LED screen’s frame inject it with a bit of fun, and the full resin case and bracelet ensure its lightweight practicality. Price: US$74.95

DW-6900-1V

Loosening up the rigid lines of the ‘80s and heading into the ‘90s, the G-Shock DW-6900 series really hit its peak on the wrist of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible II. The trio of digital wheels on the dial make it look much more like a piece of spy equipment, or perhaps some kind of navigation instrument cluster. In any case, its bulky, circular silhouette is instantly recognisable and a fan-favourite for good reason. Price: US$84.95

GA-2100-1A CasiOak

The CasiOak probably needs even less of an introduction than the ubiquitous DW-5600 series, as it was one of the few G-Shocks that wound up selling for more than its RRP on the used marketplace after launching. That situation isn’t so dire anymore, but it’s still one of the best-selling G-Shocks of recent years. Taking a healthy amount of inspiration from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, it’s puts a uniquely digital twist on wristwatch street fashion while retaining all of the ruggedness and practicality we’ve come to expect. Price: US$99

GM-S5600-1

While the smaller, sleeker case of the GM-S5600-1 may have been designed with women in mind, the result is a contemporary and gender-neutral take on a vintage classic. The polished steel case and bezel being 43.8mm x 38.4mm in size does make it suitable for small wrists, or just those who prefer something less dramatic. The dial is much cleaner due to minimal printed text and the negative LED display, but it’s still packed with all of the timer and alarm functionalities you want from a G-Shock. Price: US$160

GBX-100-1

You might initially scoff at the G-Lide catalogue if you’re not a fisherman or a surfer, but tracking the tides can be useful for all walks of life. Not only that, but the GBX-100-1 also lets you know the sunrise and sunset times for your location, which is handy for anyone. The case shape is based on the same elongated octagon as the DW-5600, however its bold steel bezel gives it a much sportier look. Synchronisation with your smartphone is also a welcome feature, ensuring that the displayed time is always accurate and changing time zones or alarms is a breeze. Price: US$160

GMW-B5000GD-9

A solid gold watch certainly says a lot about a person’s confidence, if not their character. The full metal G-Shock may not be actual gold, but it carries just as much heavy bling factor as if it was. The gold DLC coating doesn’t just make it look amazing, though, because it also increases the steel case’s scratch resistance. It houses a solar-powered module with Bluetooth capabilities and a slick, negative display, as well as full LED backlighting for after-dark legibility. Price: US$600, available from the T+T Shop

Time+Tide Timeless Pick: GMW-B500CS-1 Tron

There are truly too many limited edition G-SHOCKs to choose an all-encompassing favourite, however the GMW-B500CS-1 Tron is a watch I have personally bought, sold, then bought again because I missed it too much. The grid tunnel effect that so perfectly captures the feel of 1982’s Tron was achieved by laser-etching the watch’s highly-polished black IP coating, which gave it that same liquid sheen you expect from ceramic. If you’re into sci-fi aesthetics or watches which engage in optical surrealism, this is one of the few which could also survive a war zone.