The Ultimate Guide to All G-SHOCKs — composed by Experts
It’s time to dive into the world of superior durability and functionality revealed in the new GWG-B1000-1A4. The GWG-B1000 series is the latest from MUDMASTER, which means we have something to look at and showcase to you in our traditional review.
When I first saw the GWG-B1000, I immediately recognized its traditional “mud” design. It has large dimensions, big hands, a round display, and a classic digital dial placement. Visually, there are no new elements in the GWG-B1000. If you compare it to the GWG-2000, GG-B100, and GWG-1000, you will see what I mean.
The collection has been around for years, and the Japanese continue to experiment with the materials and features. While the design has been refined, there isn’t much newness.
At least visually, while the functional part got a solid upgrade, but we’ll touch on that later.
Despite its similarities with other watches in its family, the GWG-B1000 has a unique appearance. The design is inspired by the spirit of adventure, off-roading, and survival gear, imbued with an outdoorsy vibe. This is the kind of watch that makes you want to explore the world on a motorcycle or ride through jungles. Its level of masculinity and adventurism is unparalleled.
And that’s a good thing… I like watches that make you act by just their simple presence.
Regarding the changes in appearance, the bezel design remains mostly the same, with screws and protector protrusions. However, there are some new elements on the dial. There is a rotating indicator at the 3 o’clock position and a peculiar analog indication at the 9 o’clock position.
I’ll be honest, it’s intuitively difficult to figure out how these functions work. This is where I will need the manual’s help:
- The function pointer shows the altitude above sea level or the barometric pressure difference.
- The function pointer shows the current charge level after switching to the current time mode.
- The navigation indicator shows the direction to the location you have recorded (in the destination memory).
As you can see, the dials complement the barometer and compass functions, which is cool.
If we disregard the complex functional aspect, the GWG-B1000-1A4 has a beautiful, easy-to-read display that is reminiscent of traditional watches. I emphasize the word ‘traditional’ because we currently live in an era of smart devices where the hands on watches are moved by pixels rather than mechanically. This technological shift has caused mechanical beauty to lose its value and appeal, at least in my opinion.
The GWG-B1000, on the other hand, is pure mechanical beauty [albeit quartz]: huge hour and minute hands [with a very nice outline], a beautiful and extra long seconds pointer with a fine tip, large hour markers and beautiful Arabic indexes 6 and 12.
Watching and enjoying the seconds, which fit perfectly within the second’s scale [I bet they should at this price category]. If you have eyesight problems, you will definitely see the current time with the GWG-B1000. I can’t guarantee that the digital display will be fine, but the hands should.
It’s worth noting that MUDMASTER representatives are usually quite large, and therefore should only be worn with certain types of clothing that have wide sleeves. However, there is now a trend towards more compact sizes, especially in flagship lines, and today’s featured watch is no exception. Below, you can find a table of sizes for all ana-digi watches, from newest to oldest.
As you can see, the trend is indeed positive. It’s hard to name the watch a compact one, as it wraps around my entire wrist [18 cm], but it does it beautifully.
Let’s not forget, the MUDMASTERs are built for aggressive usage, which means the size can be even bigger.
What about other features? The GWG-B1000-1A4 can be synced with your smartphone using Bluetooth and the CASIO WATCHES app. However, it is important to note that this watch does not have an MIP display. As a result, the functionalities are limited to basic settings such as the timer, stopwatch, world time, alarm clock, etc. Nevertheless, the watch is equipped with a “SMART ACCESS” button which allows you to easily adjust the settings by unscrewing and pulling out the button by one click and rotating it.
I don’t find BLUETOOTH in the GWG-B1000 watch to be very useful. However, I do appreciate the auto time synchronization feature which connects the watch to my phone to check the accuracy of its movement. This ensures that the watch always displays the correct time, which is quite impressive. For instance, my GW-B5600 always shows the same time as my laptop, right down to the seconds. That’s pretty cool!
However, it is worth mentioning that the GWG-B1000 model also has radio synchronization, which uses radio frequencies to ensure accuracy. However, this technology may have some downsides. Firstly, the correction may not happen frequently, and secondly, it may not work at all if you are too far away from the required “cell tower”.
By the way, the GWG-B1000 is also cool because it features two technologies that improve the movement’s accuracy simultaneously. The quartz module itself provides excellent accuracy, which is often only found in top series watches. Additionally, the watch has a safety net in case radio synchronization fails, where Bluetooth takes over.
The unique grid on the left side of the watch subtly hints at the presence of a triple sensor: compass, barometer/altimeter, and thermometer. Considering the fact that we are looking at a reliable shockproof watch and, most importantly, autonomous – such a set cannot but please [even competes with PRO TREKs].
Some people might argue that a “Chinese smart bracelet” has more features than the GWG-B1000. However, I would confidently disagree. The GWG-B1000 not only has a classic mechanical watch design, but also boasts high-level resistance to shock and water, an almost never-ending battery life thanks to its solar panel charging, and practical functionality that is both durable and reliable. If you still find this watch lacking, then it simply may not be for you. (P.S. I personally would have liked a pedometer feature, but that’s just my personal preference.)
Coming back to the triple sensor. The right-side buttons act as quick access to the compass and altimeter.
This is how the Japanese emphasize the importance of these functions in the survival process. I will not argue with them here)).
A few interesting points on how the CASIO WATCHES app works with the GWG-B1000.
I was surprised that my G-SHOCK watch asked for a software update, even though it seemed like a simple watch. I’m used to seeing updates on MIP display watches, but not on a regular G-SHOCK. Anyway, I updated it, hoping it would improve smth)).
It’s nice to be able to monitor the battery level. It is all displayed in the app.
A list of all the features that can be customized with the phone, where I paid attention to Location Point, Altitude Correction Setting and Mission Log.
Location Point
Here you set a point on the map. However, it appears that this feature only works when the phone is active, which makes it somewhat pointless. Why would I use this compass when I can simply open the phone and view the map in a more convenient format? I’m not sure if I misunderstood the purpose of this function, or if it’s just a feature that was added without much thought, similar to what CASIO does.
Mission Log
By activating the bar, you are giving your consent for the use of location data for certain functions in the watch. Please keep in mind that the Location Point feature will only work if your phone is nearby. While it is convenient not to have to reach for your phone all the time, it’s important to note that the experience may not be the same.
Altitude Correction Setting
Automatic altimeter calibration without any dancing around. So you will have a really accurate altimeter.
Other settings are simple in general, so you can see them quickly on my screenshots below.
Functions have been sorted out, and it’s a reliable set of features in a traditional look. Now, let’s move on to materials and shock resistance because these are other reasons why we can be proud of the elite MUDMASTERs.
The watch features a protective design that uses stainless steel for the bezel ring, upper and lower protectors, and front backlight button. Carbon fiber reinforced material is used to protect the side buttons.
The bezel guards are created by forging parts into the shape of the bezel. The front button guard has an intricate molded shape, achieved through metal injection molding (MIM) technology. To enhance wear resistance, the material surfaces are coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC).
As a result, we have a very well-built structure that does not flutter and seems like it will have this look forever.
The buttons have stainless steel cylindrical parts for protection, and the button shafts come with gaskets. The crown has a screw-lock mechanism to prevent contamination from dirt and dust. Moreover, the sides and bottom of the module are coated with αGEL gel to provide vibration resistance.
I really like this cylindrical solution – the buttons are pressed very softly, and the cylinder will not let you “squeeze them”.
I took the model with a red strap for review. This way the watch looks very dynamic. Red goes well with the black case.
The strap is made of a very dense [even thick “Bio-based” resin], which bends but quickly returns to its native position. The clasp with two “teeth” – all in the best traditions. The Japanese have no time for experiments here – the strap must be durable in MUDMASTER and that’s it.
Its elitism is emphasized by the sapphire crystal – incredibly clear and thin, which is protected by the large bezel protectors.
The backlight and the covering [Neobrite] are, of course, in place.
Despite its size, the watch looks very stylish on the wrist.
I haven’t mentioned many other features such as DLC bezel coating, sunset and sunrise time function, power saving mode, etc., but this is already a “base” in a watch of this level. And it’s high time to summarize my review.
Conclusions
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the colorful GWG-B1000-1A4 watch. If you appreciate traditional hands, reliability, and basic electronic functions, the GWG-B1000 is a watch that will leave you impressed and deserve a place of honor on your wrist. The watch is made of high-quality materials and has excellent build quality, which is expected from the flagship G-SHOCK line to which this MUDMASTER belongs. The watch is designed for survival, with features such as solar power, an ABC sensor, and improved shock resistance technology. It also has modern features like BLUETOOTH, bright colors, and a stylish design. While it is quite expensive at $1150, it is up to you to decide if you want to invest in such eternal beauty or something else.
| New features in GWG-B1000 *in comparison with previous series |
|---|
| The first MUDMASTER with Bluetooth & Solar Power |
| The first ANA-DIGI MUDMSATER to use Bio-based materials (bezel, case, and band) |
| The first MUDMASTER with Location Indicator in an additional dial |
| The first MUDMASTER with significantly oversized buttons |
| The first MUDMSATER with Guarding Structure (built with metal components) |
| The smallest MUDMASTER in the GWG line |
| What we like in GWG-B1000 *by casiofanmag editors with 10+ years of experience writing about CASIO watches |
|---|
| Large stylish hands (provide essential readability). |
| Great contrast display and dial |
| Compact dimensions (58.7 × 52.1 × 16.2 mm VS 61.2 × 54.4 × 16.1 mm in the previous series GWG-2000) |
| Tough Solar / Solar powered. It’s an ideal solution for a reliable watch. There is no need to recharge it with the cable. |
| ABC Sensor (Digital compass, Altimeter/Barometer, Thermometer). |
| Location indicator (can use phone GPS to navigate waypoints via the watch) |
| Dual accuracy correction (via Bluetooth & MultiBand6 (Radio-controlled) technology. Perfect accuracy all the time) |
| Pressure/altitude difference indicator at 9 o’clock position (a new way to monitor the needed data) |
| Carbon Core Guard structure (makes the watch slimmer, compact with a comfortable fit, and even more shock resistant) |
| App Connectivity Features (you can manage your watch via a dedicated app) |
| Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating (scratch resistant, very clear and transparent) |
| Screw Lock Crown (for more convenient functions management. You can scroll some function up & down) |
| Neobrite on hands and core numbers (great “natural” illumination without battery consumption) |
| Sunrise, sunset time display (for specific dates as well) |
| Stopwatch (1/100-second, 23:59’59.99) |
| Countdown timer (60 minutes) |
| Hand shift feature (Hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of digital display contents.) |
| Hourly time signal (a primitive feature, but we like it) |
| Double auto LED light (for the face & for the digital display) |
| Auto calibrates altimeter based on phone GPS |
| Can use phone GPS to navigate waypoints via the watch |
| Can store GPS locations via the watch and review them on the phone |
| STN negative (very legible compared to a typical negative display) |
| What we don’t like in GWG-B1000 *by casiofanmag editors with 10+ years of experience writing about CASIO watches |
|---|
| Location indicator feature relies on the phone (it doesn’t work without it) |
| No in-built GPS (total dependency on the phone for navigation) |
| Missing 3 and 9 indicators (may spoil readability for some users) |
| The face looks too busy |
| The sensors functions are not very convenient to use |
Dealing with CASIO watches has been a part of my life since childhood. It all started during my school years, which was 25 years ago, where I enjoyed the CASIO Calculator watch. Since then, I have continued to explore and own new timepieces from CASIO. I am a proud owner of GW-3000, GW-B5600, PRW-3000, MTP-4700, and MTP-S100. My primary duty on the site is to review all recent releases and describe my emotions. Write for casioblog.com & casiofanmag.com.
Other G-SHOCK listings GWG-B1000 is in!
*you may find similar watches there
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