VIDEO: G-Shock’s next evolution of the CasiOak and more

Fergus Nash

Casio’s G-Shock are one of the most quietly prolific brands out there. The catalogue is massive, and there’s no point in making a big deal out of a single release when so many hits come flying one after the other. That said, their lack of pushy advertising does mean that the cult of G-Shock can be a fantastic community to belong to, and it makes finding the model that’s right for you a little bit easier. Let’s jump into some highlights from their recent ranges: some old, some new.

The GM5600-1D and the GM5600B-1D are evolutions of the indisputably iconic original square G-Shock from 1983, but incorporating a few decades worth of technological upgrades and styling changes. The case exterior is now presented in stainless steel, either in its natural silver or a black IP-coating and varying polished and brushed finishes. The negative displays have slightly fattened bubble fonts, which ensure their ease of legibility in darker environments without needing to use the backlight.

The GMD-B800-4 is part of the G-Squad series, focusing on health and fitness activities through the lens of high-tech summer styles. Intended for smaller wrists in a more compact size, the pink tones counteract the intense case design and smooth things out for a less aggressive look. It features Bluetooth connectivity which will enhance workouts when linked with the G-Shock Connected app, with functions such as step counting, calorie calculation, lap counting and more.

A big brother to the previous model is the GBA900-1A, in both size, style, and functionality. It has all of the same features as the other G-Squad watch, however it can also use its accelerometer to calculate distance and lap times after connecting with a smartphone’s GPS. It’s definitely a chunkier beast on the wrist, and the jet-black colour doesn’t shy away at all from its sci-fi helmet look.

The GMA-S2100-1A and -4A2 are offspring of one of G-Shock’s most hyped watches ever, the CasiOak. Its octagonal bezel knows exactly what it’s paying homage to, however the dial channels pure G-Shock DNA from start to end. The compact and comfortable design has been shrunk down from 45.4mm to 42.9mm in diameter, which is still large, but the short lugs and integrated resin straps wouldn’t have been featured on the watches for nearly 40 years if they didn’t do their job. The hot pink model is definitely a statement piece, whereas the black version with rose-gold hands and hour markers plays it cool with subtle class.

Speaking of the CasiOak, and the GA2100-1A1 is what really started it all. The murdered-out black appearance is the perfect accompaniment to the sporty octagonal shape that brings a touch of luxury to the affordable resin world. It’s easy to see why these sold out so quickly in 2019 when they were first released, as their affordability and unanimously loved style gives most people no excuse not to own one.

For those who were intrigued by the CasiOak, but felt the need for something a little stranger, or even just wanted multiple versions of the same watch, the GA2100SKE-7A came along with Casio’s Transparent Pack Series that took some of their best-sellers and made them see-through. It’s quite fun to be able to see the resin core that protects the digital movement, and it also reduces the visual bulk significantly.

Up next, we have the GMS5600-1D and it’s rose gold counterpart. These watches are marketed towards women, but really they can be for anyone who just wants a metallic square G-Shock with a smaller footprint. It still has the same 200m water resistance and all the same digital module functionality, but just in a compact 38.5mm diameter.

Saving possibly the weirdest design for last is another entry into the G-Squad series in the GBA900-4A, which has the exact same feature set as the previously mentioned -1A, albeit in an eye-blasting shade that can only be described as the middle point between lava red, flamingo pink, and sherbet orange. G-Shock watches are supposed to be bold, and this watch dares you to take it one step further.