[G-SHOCK 2022] GM-B2100 Updates Both Appearance and Function

The new full metal G-Shock GM-B2100 is based on the GA-2100 model that was introduced in 2019. At the time, Casio was developing watches targeted at a younger age group, and this drove the creation of the new GA-2100 series, with its distinctive octagonal bezel.

While inheriting the basic DNA of the first-generation DW-5000C G-Shock, this latest addition to the series features a minimalist, more contemporary appearance, as well as a smaller and thinner case. At the design stage, the GA-2100 apparently divided opinion within Casio, so established was the iconic image of the G-Shock as a brand characterized by its rugged, sturdy design. On release, however, the revamped design proved an immediate success not only in Japan but in markets around the world. The GA-2100 was initially aimed at younger consumers. It more than met expectations, succeeding not only in attracting a new audience for the series as intended but also proving popular with long-time G-Shock enthusiasts.

All the previous full-metal G-Shock watches that have been developed so far are legacy models. Released in 2018, the GMW-B5000 was based on the very first G-Shock model, while its successor the AWM-500, released in 2020, was built on the first analogue/digital hybrid G-Shock model. The idea of a relative newcomer like the GA-2100 joining the full metal lineup so soon seems incongruous at first. Nao Inomoto, one of the team in charge of planning the project, explains the thinking behind the decision as follows.

“The GA-2100 was a model that inherited the philosophy of the first-generation G-Shock. It was a watch that attracted new consumers to the series while also finding favor with existing enthusiasts. These circumstances meant that we decided to develop metal-covered and enhanced functionality versions at an early stage, as well as a full-metal version as part of the development of the portfolio. Our hope is to develop the 2100 series into a next-generation masterpiece.”
Attention to Detail and Craftsmanship
The GM-B2100 marks the latest addition to the full-metal series. Its exterior design is practically the same as the design of the previous three models. Resin versions of the G-Shock are produced by injection molding, in which resin is injected into a metal mold. In the full metal series, however, the watches are made by pressing and forging stainless steel plates. The complex shape of the G-Shock watches means they cannot be produced in a single press, and the full metal series uses more than 10 pressing stages. Other processes, including annealing and polishing, are carried out between each pressing. These are repeated more than 10 times before the application of the final polishing process, so that the manufacture of the watch exterior takes a considerable amount of time.

The stainless steel exteriors of the full-metal G-Shock watches tend to draw most of the attention, but in fact the true value of the GM-B2100 can be seen in the elaborate attention to detail and fine craftsmanship on the dial. The GM-B2100 is the fourth model in the 2100 series, following the basic GA-2100 resin model, the metal-covered GM-2100, and the GA-B2100, which incorporated Smartphone Link and Tough Solar (solar-powered). As iterations of the same series, all four models feature a similar design in their dials, but in fact no single part is the same in any two models.

One place where the attention to detail is easy to see are the prominently raised indices, produced with a fine-ground finish. The semi-circular ring used in the inset icon dial at nine o’clock is also made from a separate part that is attached to the dial using laser melding, ensuring that it will remain firmly fixed in place even if the watch is subject to shocks or impact. The indicator on the inset dial is thicker and more prominent than in previous models, while the G-Shock logo at 12 o’clock uses metallic raised lettering, and a fine-ground finish is applied to the area around the digital display at four o’ clock, adding accents and producing an impression of strength and robustness. Takao Matsuda, who worked on the design, discusses some of the details of the craftsmanship used in the dial.

“The GM-B2100 occupies a special position at the top of the range within the 2100 series. I think if you look carefully at the details of the design, you’ll get a real sense of the different value this watch offers compared with other models. The previous model, the AWM-500, while also an analogue/digital hybrid, used a single solar module dial. The new model uses two dials, and the idea behind that was to enhance the sense of three-dimensional presence within the simple face. Probably the fact that we have produced a full-metal version of the 2100 series will draw the most attention, but in fact I think the details of the craftsmanship on the dial are where the GM-B2100 really stands out.”

When the idea of a full-metal version of the G-Shock was first raised seven years ago, Casio immediately knew that the biggest challenge would be to come up with a design that would guarantee the shock resistance expected of a G-Shock watch. In the end, Casio had to redesign the entire internal structure of the watch from scratch. Although stainless steel is more resilient to shock than the resin materials used in most G-Shock watches, its higher specific gravity means that the watch sustains a considerable shock if it is dropped.
After considerable trial and error, the company finally arrived at a fundamentally different shock resistance structure from that used in conventional resin models. Absorbent cushioning made of fine resin is set between the center case, which protects the module, and the stainless steel top bezel. This acts as a damper and protects the watch even from strong shocks if the watch is dropped. This design successfully protects the module that is the heart of the watch.

Another improvement in the full metal version of the watch involved the attachment between the case and bracelet. In resin G-Shock watches, the case and bracelet are connected by two prongs, but the full-metal model uses a new three-pronged lug structure. With the two-pronged structure, there was a risk that the connecting pipe joining the case and the bracelet might buckle under the impact of a shock if the watch were dropped. Increasing the number of prongs disperses shocks to the connecting pipes and button shafts.

The GM-B2100 incorporates the same shock resistance structure. While using the same screw-lock case back that is shared by all the full-metal G-Shock watches, by paring away flab from the center case and the inner edge of the top bezel and shrinking the clearance between the top surface of the bezel and the glass face, the design successfully gives the latest model the distinctively slim appearance and dimensions of the 2100 series. In fact, the new watch has the thinnest dimensions yet seen in the full-metal series, at just 12.8mm, just 1mm thicker than the GA-2100—eloquent testimony to the remarkable dedication shown by the design team in balancing the competing aims of shock resistance and streamlined dimensions.

Source — gshock.casio.com

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GM-B2100 Profile / Casio G-Shock
Average Amazon Price: $450 (yes, we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from our links to Amazon). Check the Price on Amazon →
Year of first release: 2022
The most distinctive specs:
— Full-metal construction (With its screw-back case, bezel and band crafted with stainless steel, the watch offers a streamlined, minimalist design while protecting the module from drops and impacts with its iconic G-SHOCK shock-resistant structure)
— Retro look (Now in a full-metal construction, this 2100-line watch features an octagonal form inherited from the DW-5000C, the very first G-SHOCK that debuted in 1983)
— Tough Solar (CASIO’s original solar-charging system converts not only sunlight but also light from fluorescent lamps and other sources into power)
— Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth(R)) (for time sync with your phone data)
— G-SHOCK Connected App (you may manage all watch settings through your phone)
— 200-meter water resistance (good for swimming but not for deep diving)
Other colors and full specs: GM-B2100 Wiki Page

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