Analog-digital timekeeping comes packed into a no-nonsense simple design without sacrificing G-SHOCK level toughness. High-strength resin material, which is reinforced with carbon fibers, makes it possible to create a case that is a mere 11.8 mm thin, which is the thinnest among G-SHOCK combination models. The budget G-Shock model with an octagonal case and the latest Carbon Core Guard protection. The GA-2100 form factor resembles the first G-Shock DW-5000C, but with a pronounced octagonal shape and more streamlined corners – this way the Japanese pay tribute to the glorious past of the high-impact direction. The carbon fiber that is used in the GA-2100 case makes the watch more durable and lighter, not to mention the case thickness of 11.8 mm – the series can be called the thinnest among all G-Shock with an analogue dial.
And that is just one more reason that, as I type, one hand is currently hovering over the “Buy Now” button. And given that it is priced at $99, I think I’m going to stop writing now and stop hovering. The GA-2100 line comes in a thoroughly fashion-conscious color scheme. The G-2100’s water resistance is rated to 200 meters. Casio’s traditional four-screw stainless steel caseback is engraved with the Carbon Core Guard logo.
In the Golden Halls of Fratello HQ, there is one man whose opinion on Casio counts for more than anyone else’s. Gerard, G2, G-Pops — call him what you like, he is the Godfather of G-Shock, or, perhaps better, the G-Father. And so I told him my feelings about metal G-Shocks in advance of starting this review. Graciously, he let me borrow his recently purchased limited edition G-Shock in titanium (reference GMW-B5000TB-1).
Finishing on the kit is also very nicely done with the same vertical brushing from the top of the bezel through to the butterfly clasp on the bracelet. The sides of the bezel are well polished, and the bezel screws are polished g shock protection and all perfectly aligned and seated. Overall it’s tough to fault the quality of this kit. The 316L stainless steel case and bracelet and good finishing should be hard to get wrong, so thankfully, Jinshu didn’t!
The backlight is a dial illumination that allows you to use this watch in the dark. Over the past decade, the internet has ushered horology into pop culture. We now live in a world where Hollywood actors “talk watches” in YouTube videos, where hip hop artists rap about mechanical movements and where recherché Swiss dial names are social media g shock watch hashtags. What’s more, just as luxury fashion has nuzzled up to streetwear, so too are watchmakers chasing hypebeasts through savvy collabs, striking designs and, of course, limited edition production runs. You might have to adjust the hand zero position of your subdial. Press the a button for about 6 seconds and the screen should read “SUB”.
My model is a rather unusual unsanctioned limited edition of 50 pieces created by @lpedits. However, it gave me an insight into the wearing experience of a Casioak in resin and, I must say with my hand on my heart, I prefer it to the many G-Shock squares I own . The whole dial is protected by a mineral crystal which has no obvious AR coating and probably will scratch in time but still affords 200m of water resistance. Those who need a more legible LCD display might choose another G-Shock, but they will have to choose between an all-digital or a bigger analog-digital model. Realistically, it’s a great everyday watch, if only to tell the time.
It is possible that your order will ship sooner than stated. Once you add your item to the bag and select your shipping method, you will see the “Delivery Date” at checkout. This is the date you should expect your item to be delivered. It is possible that your order will arrive sooner. If you have multiple items in your shopping bag, the Delivery Date will default to the item with the latest date listed.
The use of the Carbon Core Guard structure allows the GA-2100 to be the slimmest G-Shock of all current models. The height and width of the watch is considered mid-size, rather than the large size of most analog G-Shock watches, and the watch wears very light and comfortably. The GA-2100 is currently the lightest analog-digital G-Shock model at 51 grams. Though the display is larger than a DW-5600, it wears very similarly, and I like to think of it as an analog-digital version of the DW-5600, but with a few more features. From an ease of conversion point of view, this is so simple it’s hard to fault it, and it’s great you can swap it back and forth so you can effectively change it to suit your mood for the day. The quality is good, and it certainly gives the GA-2100 a completely different look depending on the dial colour you use as the donor watch.
The carbon-reinforced stainless steel GM-2100 case is 44.4mm wide, 11,8mm thick, and 49.3mm from lug-to-lug. Behind that mineral crystal, you will find an LED light, luminous hour and minute hands and markers, a pointer day indicator, and a digital screen. That digital screen features a 1/100 stopwatch function , a 12/24-hour display, a timer (up to 24-hours), a world timer function, an automatic calendar, and an alarm function . You can move the hands out of the way of the digital display with a simple push of a button. Delivered on a resin strap with a metal buckle, the watch is water-resistant to 200 meters and gives the impression of being so.
By far the most distinguishing feature for the CasiOak is the octagon-shaped bezel. It’s done in a soft way that’s not too angular or awkward. The GA-2100SU-A1JF is my favorite variation with a screen-printed camouflage pattern on top of the bezel. Fueled by the hashtag, the GA A1 quickly snowballed in social media popularity. By the time that hype-train rolled to a stop, they were all sold out.
While it is definitely a distinctive bezel, it is a smaller and less obtrusive one than other G-Shock models. This gives the watch a more conservative look, while still retaining signature G-Shock elements with the case and band. The dial of the GA-2100 offers a refined style that isn’t too busy and looks both contemporary and timeless. Overall, it simply looks classier than other analog-digital G-Shock models in the same price range.