G-Shock watches have long been known for their toughness and durability. But with the GM-B2100AD-2A, Casio proves they can do style and smarts just as well. This blue-dialed timepiece combines rugged reliability with sleek aesthetics and modern connectivity.
Let's dive deep into what makes this watch tick. Style meets substance The GM-B2100AD-2A belongs to G-Shock's popular "CasiOak" family, named for its octagonal bezel that bears a resemblance to certain luxury sports watches. But this isn't your standard resin CasiOak .
The GM-B2100AD-2A ups the ante with a full stainless steel construction and a vibrant blue dial that sets it apart from the crowd. The blue colour is achieved through a vapor deposition process, resulting in a rich, metallic hue that catches the light beautifully. Silver-toned indices and hands provide excellent contrast, making the watch highly legible despite its fashionable looks.
In daily use, the GM-B2100AD-2A strikes an excellent balance between form and function. The blue dial adds a pop of color that works well with both casual and dressier outfits, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. The small digital display at 4 o'clock maintains the analog-digital hybrid design that CasiOak fans love.
Don't let the stylish exterior fool you – this is still very much a G-Shock at heart. The stainless steel case and bracelet give the watch a substantial feel, which is comfortable and includes a slide lever for easy adjustment. The watch weighs on a slightly higher side, weighing in at 165 grams.
It's a noticeable presence on the wrist, but not uncomfortably heavy. However, some users might find it a bit heavy compared to traditional resin G-Shocks. Also, the 49.
8mm case diameter is on the larger side, so those with smaller wrists should try it on before purchasing. The watch retains G-Shock's legendary shock resistance and 200-meter water resistance. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a swim, or navigating the urban jungle, the GM-B2100AD-2A can handle it all with ease.
Beyond the analog While the GM-B2100AD-2A look like a classic analog watch, it's packed with some serious smarts. The centerpiece is its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the watch to pair with your smartphone via the Casio Watches app. Pairing is a quite straightforward process if you are familiar with hybrid-analog Casio watches, otherwise I’ll suggest you to keep the guide at hand.
With the watch paired to your phone, it enables automatic time syncing, easy world time setting, and a handy phone finder function. Then, set up to five daily alarms or reminders directly through the app. Not just that, but you can also adjust the watch hands in the app itself.
For utmost accuracy, the GM-B2100AD-2A uses automatic time calibration. In addition to syncing with your phone, it can receive radio signals from atomic clocks, adjusting its time up to six times daily in many countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. It also has full auto calendar until 2099.
The watch’s stopwatch function measures up to 24 hours with 1/100-second precision for the first hour. There's also a countdown timer with a range of up to 60 minutes. Visibility in low-light conditions is ensured by a dual LED light system.
One LED illuminates the analog dial, while another lights up the digital display. An auto-light feature can be enabled to automatically illuminate the watch face when you tilt your wrist, making nighttime use a breeze. Those who appreciate customization, the GM-B2100AD-2A doesn't disappoint.
You can toggle between 12/24-hour format, swap the date/month display, and even choose from six languages for the day display. Asides the app, the watch's user interface is thoughtfully designed for ease of use. The watch features four buttons, each with distinct functions that make navigating its many features intuitive.
The button at 2 o'clock cycles through displays, the one at 4 o'clock provides illumination, and another one at 8 o'clock navigates modes (with a handy shortcut back to Timekeeping Mode), at last, the button at 10 o'clock is to adjust settings. Adding to this intuitive layout is the clever mode hand, which not only shows the current mode but also doubles as a battery indicator in Timekeeping Mode. The watch's Tough Solar technology is another standout feature.
A solar panel integrated into the watch face continuously charges the battery using any light source, eliminating the need for battery changes. With regular light exposure, the watch can run for about 7 months, even in total darkness. In power-saving mode, this extends to an impressive 18 months.
One minor gripe I have with the watch is it’s relatively small digital display, which can be a bit challenging to read at a glance, especially for those with less-than-perfect eyesight, like me. Though, this is a common trade-off in analog-digital hybrid designs. The bottomline The G-Shock GM-B2100AD-2A strikes an impressive balance between traditional watchmaking with modernity.
It offers the ruggedness and reliability G-Shock is known for, wrapped in a stylish package that wouldn't look out of place either in rugged adventures or more formal settings. For those who want some smart functionality without diving into full touchscreen smartwatches, the GM-B2100AD-2A hits a sweet spot. The smart features, while not as extensive as a full-fledged smartwatch, are practical and genuinely useful functionalities, all while preserving the classic charm of an analog timepiece.
The ability to check world times, set alarms, and find your phone directly from your wrist proves handy at times. At a retail price of around Rs 42,995, it's not the cheapest G-Shock out there. However, considering its premium materials, smart capabilities, and versatile style, the GM-B2100AD-2A offers solid value for those seeking a do-it-all timepiece that can handle whatever life throws at it – and look good doing it.
Our rating: 3.5/5.
