In late 2021, the Japanese company Casio steps up its game with some of the popular octagonal-case watches that debuted in the Casio G-Shock GA2100 collection. Now, the “Casio-Oak (Casioak)” watches, which were previously released in resin, are available in a full-metal case, taking a small step closer to challenging the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (which features a similar octagonal bezel design). After debuting in a resin case, Casio decided to release a metal-case version, which belongs to the GM2100 collection for men and the GMS2100 for women. In this article, I will review each of them in detail.
While the watches feature a metal case (with nice polishing, I might add), they are expected to be as tough and shock-resistant as G-Shock watches with resin cases - though they are a bit heavier as a result of the metal case construction. The external metal case actually sits over an inner case reinforced with fiberglass, which protects the proprietary Casio quartz time module.
With these watches, Casio aims for maximum style and grace, using a relatively thin case and profile that is not as bulky as many G-Shock watches we already know and love. The steel case of the GM2100 measures 44.4 mm in width, 11.8 mm in thickness, and has a lug-to-lug distance of 49.3 meters. The cases are water-resistant up to 200 meters, and the dials are covered with mineral-grade glass. The dial design is simple compared to many G-Shock watches, but Casio intentionally aims for a fashionably minimalist design (Casio-style minimalism, of course).
The GMS2100 is more than just a downsized version of the GM2100. Visually, they are very similar, but these men's and women's watch collections also have different mechanisms. The GM2100 has a more functional mechanism, as it includes an additional subdial hand and a corresponding day of the week scale. Both the GM2100 and GMS2100 have easily readable analog hour and minute hands on the main dial, as well as small LCD screens (negative color LCD screen in men's models) displaying additional data. Besides the time, the GM2100 watch features a full calendar, stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms, and a world timer function for 48 cities. The dial also features a bright LED backlight (two LEDs on the dial, according to Casio) - for reading in the dark.
Apart from the very good design of the octagonal bezel and matching case, the dial of the GM2100 (and its related product) is quite impressive. There is a deep flange ring descending to the dial, with matching applied hour markers. The design is modern, but not overly decorated or distracting. The Japanese have taken a lesson from Swiss watch designers, focusing on colors, shapes, and textures rather than simply adding more and more “gadgets” to each design. I really enjoy seeing Casio develop and constantly improve.
Currently, the Casio G-Shock GM2100 watches are available in four versions, all featuring steel cases and textured resin straps. This GM2100-1A model has a “bare” polished steel case and matching gray dial. It is beautiful and comfortable on the strap, but in my view, such a design begs for a matching metal bracelet. Casio subtly hints that such a bracelet will be available soon. The GM2100 collection includes another version with a solid IP coating in blue or gray. Note that GM2100 versions with case coating have a slight price premium of $20.
The GMS2100 model (here as reference GMS21000PG1A4) is a very similar model with a slightly smaller case (4 mm narrower) and a simpler dial (one less hand). The movement has more basic functions, but these are not the G-Shock watches to get for women seeking maximum practicality. Nonetheless, these are some of the most beautiful and fashionable analog-digital women's watches from Casio, and in this rose-gold color (or other options), I do not see Casio having major problems promoting these little beauties.
Thin, wearable, and very “Royal Oaky” (alongside an affordable price), the Casio G-Shock GM2100 and GMS2100 will be popular products for Casio in 2021 and beyond. While it might be worth waiting for a version of these watches with a metal bracelet (no guarantee it will happen), it is hard to resist the overall enjoyment and affordable price. After all, Casio makes the world’s most versatile watches for utilitarian purposes. Now the brand is simply adding more high-style options to its diverse list of practical daily wear pieces.
The retail price for both Casio G-Shock GM2100 and GMS2100PG1A4 models is $200. Learn more or order on the Casio G-Shock website.