Casio G-Shock G Squad GBD-100-1 Review
The Casio G-Shock GBD-100-1 collection is Casio’s latest edition to the more fitness tracker focused – G-SHOCK MOVE line of watches.
They have added constant bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone to enable a whole range of extra functions. This is because your phone has constant GPS and accelerometer measurements which gives the watch access to distance, speed and location.
As such, this G-Shock now has the ability to calculation such things as elapsed time, distance, pace, calories burned and a step counter of course.
In many ways this is a combination between a Fitbit fitness tracker and a standard G-Shock. So, it is Casio’s way of trying to edge into that market.
Whether they have been successful or not, is up to you.
G-Shock GBD-100-1 Features
The G-Shock GBD-100-1 has many of the features you would expect in a G-Shock. However, with the fitness focus they have added a variety of smartphone enabled training options.
These are the basic specs given by Casio, but there is more when you dive deeper.
- Japanese Quartz
- Mineral Crystal
- Lightweight resin and aluminum case
- Shock Resistant
- 200mm / 660ft water resistance
- Full Time Smartphone Link
- Step tracker
- High Contrast MIP display
- Full auto LED (Super Illuminator)
- 4 alarms, Stopwatch, Timer ,Full auto calendar
- World Time (38 time zones)
- Case size: 49.3 x 17mm
- Weight: 1.8oz / 51g
Fitness Features
This is where these models are focused, and although not quite up to the latest Garmin or Fitbit in terms of functions, they will be enough for most people.
First, there is the step counter, which can be used in conjunction with goals on the watch. This is handy when using the activity tracker mode (seen below) which shows the percentage of your goal met per day of the week.
Then there is the interval timer (called “workout” on the watch) which can be used during training and is one of the main modes on the watch.
There is also an activity log (distance, steps and time) which can be recorded in up to 100 logs.
Notifications
Because this G-Shock connects with your phone via Bluetooth, you can also see various notifications on your watch. Kinda like an Apple watch.
So, things like emails, SMS, calendar, todo list etc. Not always easy to use or super practical on a watch in my opinion, but handy in some situations.
The Dial, Case & Strap
The G-Shock GBD100-1 has a very standard modern G-Shock look with thick resin protective bumpers and screws towards the lugs.
To break up the very dark look with negative display they have added some light gray elements around the edge of the dial with red accents and test throughout.
The display is large and clear and makes use of a newer, more efficient MIP (memory in pixel) LED display.
Casio has used the lower half to display the time and date. With the upper half dedicated to the fitness realm when in daily activity mode. The viewing mode can be changed with the adjust button.
For example, in the main time mode, the time is a lot larger and more central, of course.
The case is very robust as you would expect, as it’s 200m water resistant and shock resistant – like all G-shocks normally are. The hybrid case is a little lighter than some, which shows with some of the cheaper plastic on the sides. But they have to compromise on something to get it lighter for sports.
Overall, perhaps it is a little hefty at 49mm wide, and quite thick, for sports lovers. But anyone with a large wrist should be able to wear this with no problem at all.
