Casio G-Shock GA-2100

When shopping for bang for buck EDC watches, very specific brands and models come to mind. And at the very top of the list is the humble Casio G-Shock. Though Casio have developed premium lines for their other models, you could always count on the affordability (and basic feature set) of their general releases. But little by little Casio are leveling up their watches, giving even their most modest models upgrades in all the right places. The new analog-digital GA-2100 does just that and more with Casio’s rock-solid new case technology, while also sporting a retro-inspired design that fits right at home on a modern watch.

Rather than the basic resin case most budget G-Shocks have used for decades, Casio’s new Carbon Core Guard technology is giving a tough new life to their classic designs. The carbon fiber-reinforced resin case allows some of the best resilience you can get from a watch, reflected in the GA-2100’s surprising 200-meter water resistance, a figure usually reserved for higher-end dive watches. The tech, while stronger, also allows for a thinner case, which means you get a stronger material without adding on the bulk, reflected in the GA-2100’s more manageable 45 mm case size.

Casio G-SHOCK GA-2100

Purchase

Key Features

Retro Ana-Digi Display

Shock Resistance

200m Water Resistance

Stopwatch/Timer/Alarms

Specifications

Thinness

11.8 mm

Weight

51 g

Movement

Jpn Quartz

Material

Carbon Core

Reviews

13 reviews

Price

$$

But speaking of the case, this is where it sets itself apart from other G-Shocks. Rather than a big, blocky, overbuilt style, its octagonal shape gives it a more distinguished look (a “royal” inspiration, if you will), which ties in well with its ana-digi design. Its face features large indices and contrasting hands, while its date complication is represented with a subdial at the 9 o'clock position rather than as part of its digital display. Said display is in a sleeker angled window at the 4 o'clock position. Another upgrade the GA-2100 gets is a dual LED system, one that lights up the lumed hands (and indices on the other colors), and a backlight for the digital display window.

Last but not least, the GA-2100’s resin band is slimmer and more traditionally shaped to suit its retro style, but unlike even modern G-Shocks comes with a quick-release system for replacement or repair. All of that adds up to only 1.8 ounces despite being one of the toughest watches you can wear for EDC right now.

The Casio G-Shock GA-2100 is both a blast from the past as well as a peek into the future of tough everyday watches. Pick one up from Amazon (and be sure to check out the other colorways) at the link below.

Check It Out