On occasion, we receive solicitations to review products or services that are not exactly in our wheelhouse – women’s footwear, for example. On occasion, we say, “sure, send it on over.” Such was the case when Casio asked us to take a look at their 2014 G-Shock watch collection.
While we are not a watch site, go visit our friends at Hodinkee for that, we certainly do appreciate a good watch. While Rolex and Patek Philippe are all well and good, sometimes it’s the basics that matter most. Casio G-Shock watches are classics when you talk about real world watches that take a beating and are wearable for most day-to-day needs.
These are not dress or retro classic, preppy timepieces. But, they aren’t trying to be any of those things; these are beaters (but in the best of ways). They have a tactical, function-oriented feel to them and sit purposefully on your wrist. We should not that while OTC typically takes possession of the products we test and review, which allows us to really check them out to our standards, these were only review samples. Therefore, we can only speak to the design and overall look and feel of the watches. That said, we really like these timepieces for casual, everyday wear.
The Camo G-Shock is something new for the brand and will be released in two waves this Spring.
Generally, we are cautious of the whole camo-everything trend (alert: it doesn’t actually work for everything). In this case, OTC defers; we really like it. The pattern is actually muted plays to the watch’s distinctive lines. It is a nice blend of hip, “right now” and functional practicality. It also got an unusually high number of compliments from all sorts of folks.
We reviewed the oversized GDX6900CM model which has their 3D camo pattern printed case, band and plated dial in either tan or grey (our tester). The watch will retail at a reasonable US$150.00 and be available at select boutiques, jewelry stores, the G-SHOCK Soho NYC store and www.g-shock.com.
The Arabic Chronograph model is equally tough and purpose-built, but has a less functional appearance.
We reviewed two versions of this model. The anolog dial is a pleasing departure and provides a slightly more dressy look, within the context of a sports watch. It’s shock and magnetic resistant, and water resistant to 200 meters, has five daily alarms, and a world time feature. The Arabic Chrono also retails for US$150.00.
Casio always offers high-quality watches at such attractive prices, they are rugged & reliable timepieces. The G Shock series is my only choice for digital watches now. Love your pieces, honest review!