Distinguished by an octagonal case shape, Casio’s contemporary 2100 Series is one of the company’s best-selling watch collections.
For 2024 G-Shock debuted four new variations of the men’s 44.4 mm x 11.9 mm G-Steel 2100 Series watches — now equipped with Bluetooth timesyncing, solar power, and a few dial enhancements that should give the watch even more appeal.
The GBM2100-1A (black) GBM2100A-1A2 (light blue), and GBM2100A-1A3 (green) references are available with a multi-finish stainless steel exterior at select G-Shock dealers, and the GBM2100B-7A which has a black IP stainless steel exterior with a black dial is a GShock.com exclusive.
This review focuses on the G-Steel G-Shock GBM2100A-1A2, which features an all-new light blue metallic dial, with a new grid pattern dial and luminous applied indices. The previous metal-covered GM2100 Series dials are less intricate and only treated with lume on the analog hour and minute hands, not the indices.
To allow light in through the dial to power the movement, the dial must be partially translucent this necessitates some compromises. Still, Casio was able to create a sophisticated grid pattern, which also has a circular hairline finish, that elevates the aesthetic without sacrificing the light gathering needs.
Underneath the one-piece forged metal top of case/bezel, is a bio-based resin that’s eco-friendly and in line with using solar-powered rechargeable batteries versus old-school batteries that need to be replaced frequently.
Solar power is especially beneficial considering it also allows you to activate the on-demand white double LED light without worrying about draining the battery since it’s automatically charging anytime there’s artificial or natural light entering the dial — with no input and work required. Additionally, there’s a Power Saving mode, where the display automatically goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark, but is still keeping time in the background.
At 11.9 mm in thickness, weighing under 72 grams on the black bio-based resin strap, and with a flat mineral crystal that sits ever so slightly under the plane of the bezel, the watch sits comfortably on my 7″ wrist and doesn’t feel cumbersome over extended wear thanks to its ergonomics and lightness.
In addition to the new Bluetooth and solar-powered functionality, Casio’s GBM2100 watches have the standard set of G-Shock features such as high shock resistance and 200 meters of water resistance. There are 5 Daily Alarms, there’s a 1/100th of a second stopwatch, a countdown timer, a 38-city world time function, an hourly time signal, a button tone on/off, and a full auto calendar. The modes are neatly displayed in a dedicated indicator at 9 o’clock, which also shows the battery level (L/M/H).
Further accessibility is provided via the Casio Watches app, with auto time adjustment, easy watch setting, world time extends to 300 cities, home and world time swapping, time stamp, reminder function, and a phone finder if you misplace your smartphone.
With movement module 5729, there are two analog hands that indicate hours and minutes (the minute hand moves every 20 seconds to conserve energy). The digital LCD display can be configured in multiple ways and can show hours, minutes, seconds, am/pm, month, day, and date (above it’s pictured with daylight saving time DST, a running seconds counter, and the day and date). The watch’s accuracy is rated to -15/+15 seconds per month with no mobile link function, and it shows nearly perfect accuracy when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Verdict
Casio has taken a popular model, made it more versatile with Bluetooth and solar, and added three new attractive dial variations (light blue, black, green), plus one black IP stainless steel top case/bezel with a black dial and a white bio-based resin strap (this model carries a slight premium and is available only at GShock.com).
Considering the popularity of the 2100 Series, it might be a good idea to add a third size, in addition to the two current sizes: men’s (44.4 mm) and women’s (40.4 mm). And it’s worth noting, the women’s 40.4 mm watches also fit well on some men’s wrists.
The GBM2100 wears comfortably, however, if I could change anything, I would give the watch a more supple strap. Some G-Shocks come with a firmer strap, others have a softer strap. I’m not sure what determines which model gets what type of strap but I’d like it to be more pliable, though firmer straps may result in higher durability.
The addition of Bluetooth and solar makes the watch more versatile than the GM2100 which does not have these modern conveniences. What surprised me the most, is how much I like the rectangle grid pattern applied to the dial via transparent printing and its circular metallic hairline finish — it evokes a sense of refinement.
The GBM2100A-1A2 is available now for a retail price of $250.
SPECIFICATIONS:
G-Shock GBM2100A-1A
Reference: GBM2100A-1A
Year: 2024
Total Weight: 71.25 grams (72 grams stated)
Case Material: carbon/bio-based resin/stainless steel
Case Diameter: 44.4 mm
Case Thickness: 11.9 mm
Lug-to-lug: 49.3 mm
Crown Diameter: no crown
Glass: mineral crystal (slightly armored)
Movement: Japanese Quartz Module 5729
Depth Rating: 200 meters
Strap: Black resin strap with pin buckle 25.5 mm/20.5 mm
