In 2021, Casio introduced a stunning black and gold version of the G-Shock GSTB100, which is part of the larger G-Steel sub-collection. In G-Steel, you will find many mid-range G-Shock models that combine the appeal of entry-level models with higher-end technologies and materials. The price range for these mid-range G-Shock models is typically between $350 and $600.
The GSTB100GC-1A is one of the most stylish among the GSTB100 models with an all-black steel case with IP coating and yellow gold accents, including screws and buttons on the dial, as well as case elements like the hands and markers. Most of the 53.8 mm wide case is made of steel, the lower part is resin, and the back cover is gold-colored IP-coated steel. The 14.1 mm thick case has hinged lugs that help wrap the case for comfortable wear. Like most other G-Shock watches, the GSTB100 is water-resistant to 200 meters, and a flat mineral glass is located above the dial. On the wrist, the watch is very comfortable, and it looks and feels like higher-end Casio G-Shock products, considering that most of what your eyes see is processed metal.
Inside the watch is the modular Casio 5513 movement, which has many pleasant modern features. This is one of Casio's "Tough Solar" movements, which means not only charging the battery from light hitting the dial but also high shock resistance of the movement, which can even automatically adjust the position of the hands if they go off track. The movement also connects via Bluetooth to your mobile phone.
These are not smartwatches, but rather modern Casio watches that allow you to update the time and set various watch functions using the Casio G-Shock app. For me, this functionality has been revolutionary in using G-Shock watches, as I can finally use features like the alarm and world time, given the ease of access to them through the app, rather than trying to remember which buttons to press on the case.
Moreover, the watch does not have to be connected via Bluetooth, and you can enjoy this watch without any problems if you have never paired it with a phone. However, I recommend that people purchasing modern G-Shock watches take advantage of the G-Shock mobile app and see what it does for them. At the very least, it provides continuous updates and time accuracy on the watch.
The G-Steel GSTB100 dial is interesting because it seems inspired by the layout of traditional three-register mechanical chronograph watches, and one of the sub-dials resembles a rotating turbine. In fact, there is a button on the watch case that appears to be mainly used to simply rotate this little gold turbine. Hold the button down, and the turbine spins. In fact, I'm not even sure if the turbine has any utilitarian function other than being something fun to play with or fidget with. This is one of the rare situations where a Casio watch has a mechanical feature that might simply be intended for entertainment.
Besides the main time on the dial, the GSTB100 also has a sub-dial with two time zones (in 12-hour format), a small AM/PM indicator dial for the second time zone, a date, and another dial that by default shows the day of the week. It is also used as a function selection indicator when switching to stopwatch, timer, and alarm modes. Although the hour and minute hands are coated with a luminescent material, these fully analog Casio G-Shock watches are also equipped with a bright white LED backlight (Casio Super Illuminator) that illuminates the dial on command.
In my opinion, the GSTB100GC-1A is the most attractive G-Shock G-Steel GSTB100 watch to date. The color combination looks mature, sophisticated, and technical, yet it has a bit of fun. The price is $420 USD. Learn more on the G-Shock website.
