The best bang for your buck
G-Shock has always been known for its range of affordable, bright, resin tool watches. They’re perfect for pretty much any casual occasion. Whether you’re looking to add a dollop of colour and personality to your outfit or if you really need a reliable timekeeper in the field, there’s always something for everybody in the G-Shock line-up.
Having made digital/analogue tool watches for a good part of 35 years, it should go without saying that Casio has gotten pretty damn good at making these watches. Iconic and instantly recognizable, G-Shocks are in a league of their own when it comes to tough, reliable, functional and aesthetically striking digital tool watches. Whether you’re a professional in the front lines needing a rugged and dependable tool to rely on or just someone looking for a bold and striking daily tool watch, you can’t go wrong with a G-Shock. That being said, with over hundreds of variations in their collection, finding the right one for you can be rather dizzying. So, we’ve shortlisted 4 that in our opinion, are some of the best value bang for buck G-Shocks out there.
CASIO G-SHOCK ORIGIN GM-5600B-3DR MEN'S WATCH
A great testament to how great a watch’s design is comes from how it continues to look good, no matter what colour way it’s in, even after decades. Whether you’re rocking the vibes of the 80s in Rasta or denim, or the 90s with teal and purple, or even a modern military style urban camo, there’s certainly a watch for you in this line-up. The one we picked today is one that we think should be a staple in every collection, a special edition with a case finished in black PVD stainless steel instead of resin paired with a military style olive green resin strap. The GM-5600B-3DR is a great modernization of a timeless design that would look just at home in the 90s as it would today. The metallic camo finishing along the periphery of the dial gives off a touch of flair and refinement too. Functionally, it is the usual affair with the non-specialized G-Shock watches, with a world timer, stopwatch, alarm, and timer functions all easily accessible with the buttons along the sides of the case. Overall, if it is a versatile, cool and rather unique G-Shock that you’re looking for, it’s hard to go wrong with the metal flake GM-5600B-3DR.
CASIO G-SHOCK SPECIAL COLOUR GA-2110SU-3ADR MEN’S WATCH
The GA-2110 line, fondly known as the Casioak (A not so subtle abbreviation of its design resembling the ever-iconic and unattainable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.) The public generally accepted these affordable and functional Royal Oak homages and the rest is history. The GA2100 and GA2110 series have been selling like hot cakes since their release, and its small wonder why. For one thing, they’re still pure blue-blooded G-shocks, despite their much slimmer and svelte appearances may lead you to believe. Functionally, they’re identical as well with the usual, world timer, stopwatch, alarm and timer. But it’s the looks that we always go back to for this piece. Whether you’re a fan of G-Shocks or not, there’s no denying that the GA-2110 is a staggeringly good-looking watch. And this one, in an olive-green resin case and strap with a matching black dial and bezel, is certainly one of our favourites of the bunch. Whether you’re looking for a stunning and practical daily watch, or a serious tool watch, or just really like the Royal Oak’s aesthetics and are looking for a decent affordable homage, the GA-2110SU-3ADR is certainly hard to beat.
CASIO G-SHOCK SPECIAL COLOUR GA-2000SU-1ADR MEN’S WATCH
From a modern design to something a bit more futuristic, the GA-2000 line-up is a much tamer yet distinct design in the G-Shock line-up. And coming in at a much more wearable 48.3mm in diameter, it’s a welcome update on a downsized but equally tough and functional G-Shock. With a rounded case matched with textured oversized buttons, a relatively minimal and uncluttered dial paired with that distinctly cool and eye-catching spinning ‘wheel’ mode indicator displaying what function the watch is at. So, time telling, stopwatch, timer, alarm, UTC and the usual lot. All of this, wrapped in a stealthy black resin case and strap set against an olive-green military camo style dial. It’s a pretty badass looking and genuinely functional and practical daily watch that anyone can wear and pull off effortlessly.
CASIO G-SHOCK G-SQUAD GBD-800-1DR MEN’S WATCH
The GBD series is Casio’s take on what a tough smartwatch can and should be. With all that incredible technology packed into the rugged, distinct and ever recognizable G-Shock resin case, it’s a recipe for success. And surprise, surprise, it’s a great entry level smartwatch that’s not just functional, but really great looking as well. With the usual slew of G-shock functionalities paired with a simple to use UI and some basic smartwatch features, the GBD-800-1DR is a fantastic daily companion. Whether you’re taking it for a day out, or to the gym, or even to the forest, its functionality and toughness will capably keep you out of the weeds. With Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone and a built in GPS, it’s the perfect smartwatch for the rough and tough sportsman in all of us.
The perfect value tool watches
So, there you have it, our look through 4 of the best value G-Shock watches. Whether you’re looking to get your first one or to add another one into the collection, we hope that this article did at least help you find one that you will really like, or at the very list, shortlist a few potential candidates to get. Whichever one you get though, you can be rest assured that you’ll be getting a properly brilliant piece of kit that’s gonna give you the best bang for your buck. Whether you’re looking for a proper tool watch to use, or a functional daily statement piece/beater, these watches certainly punch way higher than their prices would suggest.
