[Baby-G Review] MSG-S200-4A — feminine, durable and simply beautiful watch

The tendency toward a decrease in the corps of the Casio is visible very clearly. The first “bells and whistles” began when the then generation of G-Steel [GST-W100 / 110 series] was replaced with almost identical W300 / 310, only with a smaller body. This year, an hour-long exhibition in Basel dotted the “and”, where the Japanese showed the PRW-60 travel series and women’s MSG-W200. Everything would be fine, but the manufacturer made the emphasis on compact sizes, which means this factor should become fundamental for future models of watches of the Japanese manufacturer. Today we will look at the MSG-S200-4A – a model from the aforementioned female series with a small case and other interesting features.

To begin with, I will clarify why S200 is the only difference – it is explained only by different sales markets and the presence of radio time synchronization for the W200 modification. The Japanese still consider this opportunity unclaimed on our continent, and therefore such troubles. Otherwise, these are absolutely identical cases both in appearance and in function.

Frankly, my wife liked the MSG-S200 as soon as she saw them. She already has experience in using baby girls [BGA-160 and BGA-190], so there is nothing to compare with. MSG is much smaller and more compact, and this can be seen with the naked eye – from the dial, buttons and ending with the width and thickness of the strap. If it weren’t for such a solid look, I would definitely recommend them to the children [although the girls are suitable]. After the MSG-400 I thought, where is it already less? And now I realized – there is where.

Even with the dimensions of the 400s [45.6 × 41 × 13.5 mm], these with a small difference [47.5 × 38.4 × 12.3 mm] look even smaller. Here, the width of the case played a big role, where 2.5 mm is already substantial and noticeable. Do not forget, this watch belongs to the range of shock-resistant, where usually massiveness is expressed as a measure of security and durability. Then due to which it was possible to maintain impact resistance at such dimensions? Only one thing comes to mind – a competent reorganization of parts inside the case, namely their denser placement.

The dial is not affected at all by the increase in density – all hour markers and hands are well readable, and the small round window at the 6 o’clock position fits perfectly into the overall round concept of appearance. There was even the effect of a 3D dial [marks are recessed inward], despite such an insignificant thickness of the case.

The first thing that immediately catches your eye – MSG-S200 shines. No, not like ordinary metal cases [like G-Steel], but they shimmer and sparkle from any light source. So I smoothly approached the most important thing, to which the female half draws attention – design and processing of materials.

The bezel edge and the side of the case are processed according to special. technology in which metal is pressed under ultrahigh pressure. Of course, I don’t understand such things, but polishing looks gorgeous – if the watch was a little larger, it could be used as a mini mirror. Everything has been done so high quality that there is simply nothing to complain about. The front part of the metal received a matte finish.

Although steel predominates in the case, there is still a polyurethane layer. There is no way without it, because in this case it serves as a good damper between two layers of metal during impacts and falls – polyurethane is flexible, and therefore takes on itself the lion’s share of the load. So that you understand, that light gray part of the case that goes around the buttons is this layer. I never would have thought that rubber can be so visually faked for metal. By the way, if the watch suddenly bumps into something sideways, you probably won’t touch steel, because the rubber layer rises above it literally half a millimeter [this is enough to protect from dents and other injuries].

The buttons are also well covered and from strokes, and at the same time from accidental clicks. Do not even think about trying to set the watch with male hands – these buttons lend themselves only to elegant and thin female fingers.

It is worth mentioning separately about the strap. The surface of the polyurethane is covered with something very similar to a laminated film. I think this solution makes the strap more resistant to abrasion and absorption of moisture, dirt, etc. Owners of watches with a light case / strap will understand me – over time, the surface darkens or turns yellow, and it is quite difficult to restore the original look. Here, in theory, this should not be, but it all depends on the conditions of use.

The fastening of the strap fixes it only in two positions – in a fully extended form or completely bent. Thus, the strap wraps around the wrist even better and prevents the watch from freely “walking” on the arm. It unbends completely and is in the same plane with the case [unlike the “stepped” ones, where it is problematic to fix the clock in a horizontal position, for example, on a table].

The back cover sticks out a little, adding a couple of millimeters in thickness to the watch. The step is most likely justified, because the thin body must also be made waterproof. Between the cover and the polyurethane layer of the body is another gasket in white, responsible for water resistance.

The MSG-S200 is powered by a solar battery. There are no charge indicators on the dial, but there is a separate mode in which this charge can be checked. This mode immediately follows the current time, and is indicated by the HI [high] or MID [medium] indicators. If none of these inscriptions is visible, then the battery needs to be charged [we put the clock on the windowsill in the sun].

“Specifications of GM-5600”]

• Case / bezel material: Resin / Stainless steel
• Resin Band
• Neobrite
• Shock Resistant
• Mineral Glass
• 100-meter water resistance

• Tough Solar (Solar powered)
• LED light (Super Illuminator)
  Afterglow
• World time
  31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, Home city/World time city swapping
• 1/100-second stopwatch
  Measuring capacity: 59’59.99”
  Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
• Countdown timer
  Measuring unit: 1 second
  Countdown range: 60 minutes
  Countdown start time setting range: 1 to 60 minutes (1-minute increments)
• Daily alarm
• Hourly time signal
• Battery level indicator
• Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
• 12/24-hour format
• Button operation tone on/off
• Regular timekeeping
  Analog: 2 hands (hour, minute (hand moves every 20 seconds))
  Digital: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
• Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month
• Approx. battery operating time:
  11 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge)
  20 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge) Size of case : 47.5×38.4×12.3mm
• Total weight : 39g

While the stopwatch is in operation, there is room for only 4 digits in the digital window – two for minutes and two for seconds. Milliseconds will only appear if you pause the countdown. I think girls do not pay attention to such trifles. The rest of the functionality is standard for a digital clock – timer, alarm clock, world clock, calendar.

I don’t know how the Japanese achieved this, the backlight illuminates perfectly both the analog zone and digital windows. It looks something like this:

Water resistance is 100 meters, mineral glass – you can end there.

Conclusion

The MSG-S200-4A is primarily designed for everyday use. Someone calls them female G-Steel, someone compares with the classic Sheen line, and in the end everyone will be right in their own way – in this watch, the Japanese have brought together the impact-resistant properties of Baby-G with Sheen’s elegance and sophistication. A lot of attention is paid to the dimensions of the case, to make it as convenient and suitable as possible for even the thinnest female wrist. Design, material processing, solar power, and pink pastel colors in this case emphasize the fragile nature of the fair sex.

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Firstly published, but we carefully translated into English.