Fingers-On: Casio G-Shock G-Metal GSTB400-1A Watch

We’ve mentioned earlier than at ABTW that one of many best strengths of the Casio G-Shock is its breadth of designs. The model presents watches in all kinds of costs, sizes, and kinds. Fashions in its G-Metal line sit in the course of the model’s value vary, bridging the hole between the flagship fashions that may attain 4 figures and the entry-level resin case fashions. Fashions within the G-Metal vary, after all, characteristic steel instances, however nonetheless present the acute toughness that G-Shock consumers anticipate. Additionally they provide a few of the model’s extra superior options.

Due to every thing that’s packed in, the G-Metal fashions are usually thick watches, however this GSTB400-1A breaks that mildew. Using G-Shock’s carbon core guard construction permits the model to make thinner watches that also meet its shock necessities. Regardless of having a built-in photo voltaic panel, the module thickness has additionally been decreased (module 5657 on this case). These updates make this the thinnest G-Metal mannequin but at 12.9 mm. The model says it’s over a millimeter thinner than the GSTB100 fashions that it sits subsequent to within the catalog.

Regardless of its thinner measurement, the GSTB400 remains to be waterproof to 200m. It additionally consists of acquainted high-end G-Shock options like robust photo voltaic, a super-illuminator double-LED mild, and a hand retract perform that makes it simpler to view the sub-displays. Bluetooth smartphone connectivity provides performance, comparable to automated time adjustment and a telephone finder characteristic. The G-Shock related app additionally makes it a lot simpler to make changes to the watch. House owners of standard G-Shocks will recognize this, as it may be tough to recollect the steps required to make changes through the pushers alone. The watch remains to be, nevertheless, designed to work autonomously out of your telephone when you desire to not join it.

The GSTB400 vary is offered in quite a lot of colours and finishes, together with a mannequin with a carbon fiber bezel, and a few with silver or black-coated stainless-steel bracelets. This “-1A” variant of the road is the usual and most legible mannequin. It includes a non-coated stainless-steel case, a black resin strap, and a black dial with white fingers.

The multi-piece case is a sandwich of a number of metal items surrounding carbon. An intricate bezel is affixed to the primary case with seen screws. G-Shock says it has been given 5 totally different finishes, together with a brushed high floor and polished flanks, and the wording on the bezel is recessed and crammed with black paint. Along with trying good, this means the pusher capabilities, making the watch extra user-friendly. The opposite factor that makes the pushers simpler to make use of is their massive measurement. Some G-Shock fashions are likely to have smaller buttons which might be harder to have interaction. Those on the GSTB400 are straightforward to press even for individuals with massive fingers, or whereas carrying gloves. Deep cutouts within the case nonetheless defend them from being by accident pressed or contacting your wrist.

“Ana-digi” G-Shocks all the time present a superb compromise between legibility and performance, and the GSTB400 is not any exception. Regardless of the marginally busy dial, the time might be learn at a fast look due to massive white sword-shaped fingers and enormous rectangular hour markers (all of that are crammed with Casio’s Neobrite luminous paint). These hour markers prolong into the dial through massive, textured steel indices. Grooves on their high surfaces mirror mild at sure angles, which additional aids legibility.

Steel surfaces on the dial have quite a lot of textures and are coated in darkish grey multi-layer vapor deposition. This enables them to mix into the dial higher and offers a extra mature look. Minutes are learn through vivid pink hash marks on the chapter ring, and two small digital home windows enable extra info to be displayed in comparison with a fully-analog G-shock. This consists of the date, operating seconds, and the opposite numerous timing, alarm, and world-time capabilities. On the left facet of the dial, there’s additionally a blade-like rotating multi-function show. It signifies which perform the wearer is at the moment utilizing and may also point out how a lot of the seven-month energy reserve stays (as much as 18 months if the watch enters energy save mode).

Just lately, a few of the steel G-Shock watches have been outfitted with extra intricate strap designs, and the GSTB400-1A follows go well with. Quite than a principally clean strap that house owners of older G-Shock fashions would possibly anticipate, this watch includes a distinctive sample of interlaced pyramids. This provides the watch the texture of a extra premium product. That is welcome, because the resin strap fashions typically really feel like a lower-cost product than the stainless-steel bracelet fashions. Moreover, the entire straps and bracelets within the GSTB400 vary characteristic quick-release spring bars. This makes them straightforward to swap with out having to take away screws if a purchaser have been to buy a steel bracelet or totally different shade strap from one of many different variants.

General, the “Goldilocks” method that Casio has taken with the GSTB400 sequence works effectively. The watch options quite a lot of notable upgrades from the entry-level fashions, however the value remains to be inexpensive. Consumers get quite a lot of helpful tech options and building strategies from a few of the model’s costlier watches, comparable to Bluetooth connectivity and multi-piece metal and carbon core building. The 12.9mm thickness and the well-finished steel case and bezel additionally make it extra versatile than a few of the thicker and extra brightly-colored fashions. House owners would possibly really feel snug carrying this watch in a greater diversity of conditions than a few of the model’s different fashions, and they’re getting the expertise of a premium G-shock product with out breaking the financial institution. Value for the Casio G-Shock GSTB400-1A watch is $320 USD. Be taught extra on the Casio G-Shock web site right here.