Polycarbonate Terminator
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Hmmm…not quite as threatening sounding is it? What made me start this website was my purchase of the awesome distressed full metal Gshock, reviewed here. I loved that watch and I really felt that it could survive almost anything and I wore it on many a trips hiking/biking etc. Eventually though, I have to admit that having a fairly significant amount of money locked into the watch, made it too tempting in the end and I managed to sell it a reasonable profit.
This left me ‘sans-gshock’. Not an acceptable state for a watch collector. Clearly I had to eventually source another one for my travels (localized as they sadly are at the moment). I particularly enjoy a local hike which involves a bit of scrambling over, and next to jagged rocks. I’m not quite game to wear my other watches there so a solution was needed. |
I still think the square G’s are the the ones to get, the other large round monstrosities are just trolls to my eyes. I’m very interested to see where the new design language of the G-lide will look like when (if) rolled out to the rest of the line.
So, what interested me right away was the JDM (Japan domestic market) exclusives, particularly a very cool composite bracelet, metal and resin. I put a bid through a proxy service in Japan on a pre-loved model and suddenly I’m the owner or another indestructible watch. They packaged it up carefully (for some reason, they could have just attached it to a rock and slapped a stamp on) and off it went for a journey to Australia. |
My impressions owning & wearing the watch.
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I received the watch in a cardboard box, taped to the bottom. No packaging, no manuals, no nothing. With a watch like this, that’s totally ok and it actually brought a smile to my face. As I said, you could have just slapped a stamp on it since it’s so sturdy.
Another thing I loved about unpacking this. The G has lived a life already, it was a bit banged up with some small marks on the frame and bracelet. This means that I’m not the first to do this and might sound stupid, but I’m much more comfortable with that. It’s not unlike when you buy a second hand car and find a small scratch on the door or whatever, not your fault and it’s done now so no need to worry anymore! |
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There were a few key decision for me in deciding on this particular model. I absolutely appreciate that the reversed out dial is not as legible as the standard black-on-light dial, but it’s far more aesthetically pleasing to me so that was first priority. Second priority, I have no interest in faffing around with batteries.
Tough solar is a must and the Gs manage this so well with going in to power saving mode when in a box, immediately waking up displaying the right time when brought out to play. I think it’s worth paying the extra money to get this genuinely useful feature. Since the dial is not as legible in low light, it is reasonably important that it lights up well in the dark. This model has a warm green light which you unfortunately have to activate through the tiny metal button on the top righthand side. Not easy for me with my big hands and I’d have preferred a centred button on the front but really, who cares, I just have to learn to use my finger tip. |
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The Gshocks have a mineral crystal, not sapphire or any other fancy material. This means that if you’re 100% committed to scratching it, you could but the design of the case with its large polycarbonate frame should protect it against the majority of potential crystal disasters. I could see a jagged rock be bad news for the crystal, but if that’s how you roll on your hikes, we are not talking a particularly expensive watch here so there’s always the option of getting a new one.
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The solar cells form a vaguely purple frame around the dial. I’d have preferred all black everywhere but it’s a small detail and I’m guessing coloured like this out of necessity and perhaps even the contrast makes it look purple. Other than that you’ll find the usual printed details about the capabilities of the watch. I’m not going to be detailing all those in endless paragraphs since they are universal across the Gs (see specs under miscellaneous), but I will share some details here that are unique to this model.
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Being a JDM model, it’ll pick up the multi-band 6 radio signal in the northern hemisphere which will ensure the time is always correct.
My other G had this, and also a Bluetooth connection to an app with similar functionality. This model has no Bluetooth and it’s not very obvious when you first receive it how exactly to set the time. Fear not however, this model has all time zones pre-programmed so all you have to do is find the one that corresponds with your location and "Robert is your mother’s brother". What I believe can’t be changed is the date format so you’re stuck with the US date version with month before day date. A little annoying but nothing to get upset about, particularly since I can change the watch to be 24 hour time format which is what I’d have chosen out of these two if I could only have one. |
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Turning the watch over we have the usual engravings on the metal back, held fast by 4 screws. One small surprise was the ‘Made in Thailand’ engraving, this is a well travelled watch by now.
I like the solid metal feel and it’s very comfortable on the wrist. It’s also interesting to see the sturdy bracelet supports that rest on the metal plate, keeping the bracelet from losing its structure and ensuring the watch rests easy on your wrist. |
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So this bracelet then. Was it worth the effort buying this model from Japan when really this was the main drawcard? In my opinion, yes absolutely. It’s a good looking bracelet that changes the look of the watch and makes it look unique (if you’re not in Japan). The alternating metal/resin links work together beautifully.
I had no issues with the standard Gshock bracelet but the fact that this is so flexible and unique takes the watch up a notch to me. The buckle is a two button affair and there are 4 micro adjustments. Lucky for me, since there are no spare links and I’m using the outer most hole, the wearer of this watch had the same wrist size as me. I’m extra glad that I didn’t have to resize since the bracelet contains spring bars throughout, which in my experience are particularly annoying to adjust yourself without an extra person around (to compress the spring bar whilst you slot the part in). |
Movement
Module No 3159 Strap & Bracelet
Casio Composite bracelet Metal and resin Case
Case / bezel material: Resin miscellaneous
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To fit the micro adjustments, there’s a long flat part that fits all the way in to the bracelet, should you need to use the other holes. It does not fit aesthetically with the bracelet, it’s designed more in line with the buckle. The clasp is pressed metal, not very exciting other than being blacked out (like). Finally on this aspect of the G, the buckle has a poly carbonate protrusion which also houses the G-SHOCK logo. This is a great looking detail with the added advantage of slightly protecting the rest of the metal buckle from scratches. I say slightly since my watch has plenty of scratches on the buckle, which again, I’m totally cool with. This is and always will be a beater.
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Final Words
There are other options than G-Shock for badass watches. There are the Timex, Marathon and even Garmin you could say are in a similar bracket. But to me, no other option comes close to Casio’s G-shock watches with their personality, back story and pure fun.
I think it’s quite lovely that watch fans have adopted the brand and support all the many special editions and even premium priced titanium and metal versions.
I really love the JDM options here, the cool bracelet, the green illumination and even the buying process which included trying to work out what exactly was going on by using google translate and trawling forums attempting to figure out what one can expect.
I think it’s quite lovely that watch fans have adopted the brand and support all the many special editions and even premium priced titanium and metal versions.
I really love the JDM options here, the cool bracelet, the green illumination and even the buying process which included trying to work out what exactly was going on by using google translate and trawling forums attempting to figure out what one can expect.
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Wearing this is always interesting, some people in particular are not impressed with this on the wrist. My good lady wife asks me every time I wear the Gshock if I got it out of a 2 dollar coin machine. Clearly this is unacceptable and I start a long monologue with the intention of re-educating her on the back story, but unless she's got super hearing, I'm pretty sure that her walking away whilst covering her ears means none of this sinks in.
If you’re after a tough, solar powered watch at an affordable price point, any G-Shock is a good buy. I love this model and I think you will too. Cheers, Esbjörn |
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