7 Best G Shock Watches 2021
G-Shock has always been known for its range of 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 7 that in our opinion, deserves a space in everyone’s collection.
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. Functionally, it is the usual affair with the noon-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, its hard to go wrong with the GM-5600B-3DR.
G-SHOCK MUDMASTER DIGITAL QUARTZ BLACK STAINLESS-STEEL GG-1000-1A3DR GREEN RESIN STRAP MEN'S WATCH
There is a lot to like about the GG-B100. It’s a result of Casio constantly working on improving what they have done in the past. But with that said, this is a radically different watch from your run-of-the-mill G-Shocks, because of Casio’s use of carbon in the case construction to protect the watch and shave even more weight off too. The Mudmaster line has always been a field G-shock, or at least G-shock’s take on a field watch.
Casio has always placed more focus on analog-digital style dials for their higher end watches, and the same can be seen here. They’ve done a great job in combining the functionality and durability of a G-shock with the aesthetic appeal of a ‘traditional’ analog watch. Hybrid dials like this one, have been a mainstay of modern Japanese watchmaking since the 70s and they really found their stride in the 80s.
The LCD screen may be small for some, but it is highly legible and offers snappy performance too. The hands are useful when needed, and are used to display certain features that we’ll get into later. However, they are usually performing their default time-telling functions most of the time. Casio’s cutting-edge screen and ultra-lightweight carbon means that there’s virtually no compromise between functionality and style. You get the feeling of immediately wanting to fiddle with the watch the moment you hold it in your hand. Now, you can connect a smartphone to this watch with the ‘connect’ button at the 3 o’clock position and using the G-Shock app, allowing you to adjust the watch using the app if you don’t want to use the buttons. G-shocks were never meant to be ‘good-looking’ or even ‘cool’, they’re utilitarian and are meant to get the job done. But with the Mudmaster, I think that’s changing and it’s an advancement in design that really makes most modern G-shock watches now really, really nice to look at.
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.
CASIO G-SHOCK GRAVITYMASTER DIGITAL QUARTZ BRONZE STAINLESS STEEL GR-B100-1A4DR RESIN STRAP MEN'S WATCH
If the Mudmaster we looked at previously is the perfect field watch, then the Gravitymaster is certainly the perfect modern day pilot’s watch. Functionally, it has all the bells and whistles you can expect from a G-Shock watch, so stopwatch, timer, alarm, world timer, all the usual stuff. but it also has added features more oriented to travellers, with a Bluetooth link to your smartphone for time synchronization. Its design is rather eye-catching and distinct as well, featuring a bronze-coloured case in stainless steel wrapped with black resin that tapers off along the edges, giving off an almost cross shaped appearance. It’s certainly a futuristic looking piece, and certainly showcases the prowess and no-nonsense functionality that Casio is capable of with the G-Shock line-up.
CASIO G-SHOCK G-STEEL DIGITAL QUARTZ SILVER STAINLESS STEEL GST-S130C-1ADR BLACK RESIN STRAP MEN'S WATCH
G-Shock has always been known for its range of bright, resin tool watches. They’re perfect for pretty much any informal 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. These watches may be many things, but refined isn’t exactly one of them—or is it? Well, enter the G-shock G-Steel GST-S330AC-3ADR. It’s the watch that answers the question: what if someone wanted a G-shock more than for its robustness and bright colours? From a fashion standpoint, the GST-S330AC-3ADR is a handsome watch, blending the reliable toughness of G-Shocks into an aesthetic that’s much more refined and even smart, adding a nice touch of flair to anyone’s modern style. With its multi-faceted case in stainless steel and resin, a black textured Ion-plated (IP) bezel, contrasting gold fonts and hands, it’s a truly striking watch that’ll easily spruce up any outfit. In terms of functionality, the watch comes with an array of different useful functions; a 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown timer, battery level indicator, as well as a full auto calendar. All of these functions can be conveniently accessed via the ‘mode’ button at 8 O’clock. And as far as time-telling goes, like most G-shocks these days, it uses a combination of analogue and digital displays to tell the time. With the traditional hour and minute hands telling the time, the three subdials indicating the seconds, a second time display of either home/local time, month, day and date. So pretty much all the info you will ever need at a quick glance. And if you couldn’t already guess it, all the other functions stated above are displayed via the 3 sub-dials as well. Despite all these refined features however, the watch still is what it is underneath; robust, comfortable to wear and easy on the wrist. It’s still a true blue-blooded G-Shock that’s certainly worthy to be sitting in anyone’s collection. If you’re looking to add something refined, robust and stylistically unique to your wardrobe/collection, then the GST-S330AC-3ADR is certainly the watch to go for.
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 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 make 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.
Perfect Daily Tool Watches
So, there you have it, our look through 7 of the best G-Shock watches. Whether you’re looking to get your first one or to add another one into the collection, we hope that this review 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 truly excellent piece of kit that’ll definitely put a smile on your face, whenever it’s with you.
