G-Shock is capitalizing on the GA2100 series’ unofficial “CasiOak” moniker with a trio of full-metal models.
The nickname was bestowed by watch fans who noted the GA2100 series’ octagonal bezel, a shape that calls the otherwise incomparable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak to mind, as Gear Patrol notes. Now the two have even more in common, as Casio’s rugged bauble brand is implementing a premium metal makeover in the GMB2100 subseries.
The upscale look is achieved by a three-step surface-finishing technique, which adds dimensional depth to the case and bezel. Horizontal and vertical hairline finishes are applied to the top and top and side surfaces, while the bezel’s treatment shines with mirror-like finish.
With a 12.8mm thickness, the GMB2100s are the slimmest of all full-metal G-Shocks. But designers ensured that they don’t appear insubstantial by accentuating the indexes and inner-dials with vapor deposition coating, which both protects those surfaces and emboldens detail. There’s also a layer of fine resin between the bezel and inner-case to aid in shock absorption.
Highlighted technical features include Tough Solar (aka solar power), smartphone-connecting Bluetooth capability, a phone finding tracker, and this standard suite of G-Shock tech:
- Shock Resistance
- 200M Water Resistance
- Double LED (Super Illuminator) light
- 5 Alarms + Hourly Time Signal
- 1/100Stopwatch (24 Hr)
- Countdown Timer (60 Min)
- Full Auto Calendar
- World Time (38TZ, 38Cities+UTC) up to 300 with the app
- Hand shift feature
- Date/month display swapping
- Multi-lingual day of week display (En, Es, Fr, Ge, It and Ru)
Three colorways are available at two different prices: Silver goes for $550, while Dark Gray and Copper cost $600. All are available this August at select retailers and gshock.com.