Watch Evaluation: Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A

2023 marks 40 years for the reason that beginning of the unique Casio G-Shock, and over the course of the final 4 many years, the Japanese model’s beloved, ultra-capable collection has spawned designs to match almost each model conceivable (besides gown functions). Though there are many easy, utilitarian G-Shock designs within the model’s lineup, G-Shock is arguably at its most attention-grabbing when it combines the road’s signature mix of functionality and sturdiness with a wild, vibrant power that few different manufacturers can match – even when this extra dynamic method tends to be divisive. To have a good time 30 years of the G-Shock Frogman sub-line, Casio has created one of many wildest G-Shock iterations in current reminiscence, that includes a number of distinctive supplies and finishes paired to a set of hardcore diving-focused issues. Impressed by the coloring and texture of South American poison dart frogs, the brand new Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A brings the venomously vibrant hues and power of the Amazon jungle to a design that ought to be capable to sort out any surroundings.

First issues first: The Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A isn’t a small watch. Even by G-Shock requirements, this can be a hefty design, measuring in at a chunky 51.7mm-wide by 19.7mm-thick. Though the carbon composite and resin case building does assist to maintain the burden down and the sporting expertise snug, that is merely not a look ahead to formal events or lengthy sleeves. Nevertheless, the Frogman GWFA1000APF1A excels at sporty visible spectacle, with a lot of distinctive materials touches that flip the amount of this design as much as 11. On the coronary heart of this vibrant visible method sits the laminated carbon and fiberglass bezel. Layered carbon has turn out to be a standard fixture in higher-end G-Shock collections, however Casio’s use of coloration right here makes this a right away standout. Slightly than stacking layers vertically, the model orients its carbon and fiberglass layers side-by-side to create a collection of vertical stripes working from 12 o’clock to six o’clock. Though the intense scarlet and electrical blue fiberglass layers clearly entice the attention at first look, this poisonously vivid show of coloration is tempered barely by the nuanced grey and black carbon fiber layers in between.

As with a number of different current Frogman fashions (together with 2020’s Frogman “Borneo Rainbow Toad”), Casio ratchets up the visible spectacle of this bezel even additional with a set of asymmetrical bezel guards in clear resin. It isn’t simply the bezel guards which might be asymmetrical, nonetheless. The complete primary case physique is shifted in the direction of the 9 o’clock aspect relative to the hooded lug meeting. Along with additional including to the funky general look, this shift works to guard the three o’clock aspect of the case – together with the crown, the backlight activation pusher, and the all-important chronograph begin/cease pusher at 4 o’clock — from influence or unintended activation throughout heavy use. That is one in all many design particulars Casio provides to this watch with critical diving use in thoughts, and it helps to set the Frogman other than the broader household of extra general-purpose G-Shock fashions. Apparently, regardless of this specific aquatic focus, the G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A boasts the identical 200 meters of water resistance as the remainder of the G-Shock household. Nevertheless, the Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A does meet the ISO 6425 commonplace for dive watches, whereas many different G-Shock choices don’t. Casio completes this case with an engraved stable caseback that includes a particular Thirtieth-anniversary rendition of the Frogman line’s cartoon mascot.

Casio continues the colourful, amphibian-inspired coloration palette of the G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A’s case with its dial. Each the primary sword-and-arrow handset and the arrow-tipped multifunction subdial hand at 3 o’clock echo the colourful blue of the bezel and pushers, whereas the sloping faceted indices, central seconds hand, and chosen dial textual content add an aggressively contrasting crimson into the combo. Whereas not as advanced as among the model’s current upper-echelon choices within the MT-G collection, the Frogman GWFA1000APF1A does break up its matte black primary dial floor with the usage of texture. The deeply grooved wedge stretching from 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock provides to the punchy, eclectic look of the general format, whereas azurage parts surrounding the multifunction subdials at 3 o’clock and eight o’clock impart a subtler sense of element general. As with many trendy analog G-Shocks, Casio delivers an simply legible format right here, regardless of the array of subdials and issues on show. With that stated, this format isn’t with out its drawbacks, even past the subjective and sure divisive allure of its brightly coloured uneven format. There’s a vocal subset of the fanatic group that can’t abide date home windows at 4:30, and this watch’s execution is unlikely to alter any minds on that entrance. Likewise, the ending on the indices is noticeably plasticky on the wrist, and whereas this works properly in additional reasonably priced G-Shock strains, it does stick out at this value level.

Casio equips the G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A with its in-house Module 5623 solar-powered quartz motion. In true G-Shock vogue, the Module 5623 is an immensely succesful motion with a broad vary of issues. Due to its radio-controlled time calibration sign system, the watch is kind of completely correct in day-to-day operation, however even with out this automated adjustment each 4 hours, the Module 5623 offers a stable +15/-15 seconds per thirty days in accuracy. This motion additionally offers the same old suite of G-Shock issues, together with a world timer, a perpetual calendar, a 24-hour chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, and an LED backlight, however Casio provides to this listing with a collection of diving-focused capabilities. The Module 5623 provides divers a tide chart, pairing with the G-Shock Linked cell app to trace as much as 30 dives in a dive log, and most impressively, a devoted diving mode. When this mode is activated, the watch tracks dive increments as much as two hours, and as soon as the wearer has surfaced, it tracks floor time as much as 24 hours to assist unfold out dive intervals and stop harmful nitrogen buildup within the bloodstream.

To finish the poison dart frog-inspired look, the Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A is fitted with an uneven fluoroelastomer rubber strap sprayed with a polarized color-shift paint. Though this dramatic “harlequin” paint approach has seen restricted use within the customized automotive world for many years, it’s virtually unprecedented in watchmaking, and the outcomes are hanging. In apply, this provides the black strap a speckled, shiny look, however a more in-depth look reveals the flecks of paint shifting from magenta to vivid blue relying on the viewing angle. It’s a novel, dynamic means of visually translating the shiny, iridescent pores and skin of the poison dart frog to the constraints of a watch. Whereas this unsubtle contact could discover problem increasing into the broader world of watch design, it enhances the already-flamboyant look of the Frogman GWFA1000AFP1A properly on the wrist. However, that is an especially lengthy strap, and until wearers resort to reducing off the surplus, most wrists will expertise a critical overhang that stands proud past the case in regular put on.

Though its unapologetic, vibrant appears and brawny proportions will seemingly show divisive amongst lovers, the Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A resides proof that the wild, experimental aspect of G-Shock is a hotbed of visible creativity and immense technical functionality. Casio lists the G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A as a “restricted mannequin,” and whereas there isn’t a strictly restricted variety of items, it’s virtually sure that this mannequin can be retired as soon as the Thirtieth anniversary of the Frogman line expires on the finish of 2023. The Casio G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A is accessible now by means of choose licensed retailers and the model’s e-commerce platform. MSRP for this watch stands at $1,100 USD as of press time. For extra info, please go to the model’s web site.

Essential Information
>Model: Casio
>Mannequin: G-Shock Frogman GWFA1000APF1A
>Worth: $1,100 USD
>Dimension: 51.7mm-wide, 19.7mm-thick
>When reviewer would personally put on it: When climbing or diving, or as a vivid assertion piece alongside a streetwear-inspired outfit.
>Good friend we’d advocate it to first: G-Shock followers on the lookout for a really wild flagship for his or her collections; dive watch lovers on the lookout for one thing really completely different.
>Finest attribute of watch: Vibrant striped carbon bezel, hanging color-shift polarized strap, immense sturdiness and functionality.
>Worst attribute of watch: Hefty dimensions even for a G-Shock; intentionally loud styling is not going to swimsuit all tastes.