[G-Shock Review] GWG-1000-1A3ER – Size and Functions are at the Same Level

Hello, guys, it’s time to show the “heavy artillery” of Casio watches – that’s what I call any representatives with a price tag of $ 1000. So, the year 2019 has become a landmark for us in this regard, since we have never intervened in this segment. Fortunately, proven stores [our partners] allow you to expand the boundaries of the Casio model range [on our blog]. Let’s start with the model GWG-1000-1A3ER, which definitely deserves close attention.

Yes, the GWG-1000 series is far from new [2015], but as I remember it, its first appearance at the Baselworld.

The fact that the watches are on the exhibition of world significance already speaks volumes [where the technology is above all], and the Japanese manufactory is definitely not willing to fall into the dirt in front of other famous brands.

The GWG-1000 was a continuation of the mud-resistant Mudman direction, which has now slightly changed its naming towards Mudmaster.

Professionals of the business – this is how the Japanese hint at us to perceive any member of the “Master” family [here also includes aviators called Gravitymaster]. The watch improved the tightness of the case and other elements to such an extent that they can really be used in a swamp, desert, and are not afraid for hitting small grains under sapphire glass.

Honestly, I don’t know how good they are precisely in terms of impact-resistant characteristics compared to the very simple DW-5600. Any shocks are durable to the limit [as for me], so even the most aggressive improvement in the structure of the hull does not seem so progressive [to the average inhabitant of the planet Earth]. Everyone has become accustomed to this state of affairs and perceive the G-Shock brand as a synonym for truly durable things. Of course, it is always nice to know that someone on your wrist is better than the average relative in the shop, but such an audience can be counted on the fingers of two hands.

GWG-1000-1A3ER take another: design, functions and materials. Go over each item …

Design. The appearance of the series is not just beautiful, it amazes all traditional watchmakers. It turns out that it was also possible … The style of the shooter, yellow accents, a large digital panel – all this is very harmoniously combined with an aggressive and massive body that protects the module under the watchful rim of the polyurethane structure. If we also take into account the fact that the switch format as a whole is rather fragile, the Japanese managed to make a breakthrough in this matter.

Size is another thing. What what, but of such dimensions [59.5 × 56.1 × 18.0 mm] I did not expect to see in real life. Photos on the Internet is one thing, but when you see your not very big wrist [18 cm] under the pressure of a massive case, you start to forget about the convenience of using watches with a golf, shirt or other garment with a long and narrow sleeve.

Therefore, consider the dimension when buying [if it seems to you that they are large, then this is true]. On the other hand, the watch does not want to be thrown away because of its size; I just want to wear it with other appropriate clothes. I don’t know what will emphasize your style and image even better than the GWG-1000-1A3ER model. Especially with a t-shirt, sportswear or the traditional “casual” style.

These watches are exactly suitable for those people who want to surprise with their gadget. The model is definitely impossible not to notice on the hand, and the quality of the series itself will not cause any doubts. Well, let’s not forget about the military environment, other aggressive areas of activity – there the size is not a problem at all, and the shock-resistant characteristics are the main advantage. You understand, the clock will suit many, here is just a matter of your own preferences and goals.

Functions. In terms of the functional part, the GWG-1000 turned out to collect all the best from ProTrek and G-Shock. Yes, there is also a compass, a barometer / altimeter, a thermometer, radio synchronization [automatic correction of the clock accuracy by radio signals], solar power [the solar panel under the main display that charges the battery], world time, stopwatch, timer, calendar and other standard electronic opportunities.

How does world time work? Despite the presence of an electronic window, where, it would seem, you can embed a digital time display in different time zones, Casio decided to take a more complicated path, namely, an arrow. That is, in the world time mode you do NOT switch between different zones using the buttons [within the digital window], you need to specify the desired time zone with a second hand.

It sounds a bit incomprehensible, but the principle of operation is quite simple: we unscrew the smart crown [it is Smart Access technology] until it rotates freely, then pull it towards us one click – in this position the second hand acts as a pointer of cities [their abbreviated names see around the bezel: lon = london]. Choose a city, latch the head and the arrows immediately take the correct position for this city. And on the electronic display you will see the time in your hometown, which is very convenient. The watch remembers this belt, so you can easily switch to the current time display mode, or return to the “London”. Eh, it’s nice to describe this function, but soon all the clocks will probably work in conjunction with a smartphone, where such a need will simply be unnecessary. However, everything is very simple and convenient.

In compass mode, the second hand acts as a direction indicator, but you still see the digital value in electronic format. Temperature, barometer and altimeter are displayed only in the electronic scoreboard, which makes the use of functions very convenient. We have already described every possibility of a triple sensor as part of individual materials on the blog [compass, altimeter, thermometer], so I will not discuss this topic for a long time.

The key conclusions on the functions are the following: the smart head Smart Access simplifies the use of the functionality many times [it’s important to deal with it once], the triple sensor makes the shocks very tourist [still, the watch got all the properties of the neighboring ProTrek unit], the solar battery helps out the voracious sensor, the function Hand Shift automatically removes the arrows to neutral positions, so that you can see the necessary information without interference. All this makes the GWG-1000-1A3ER model very practical, the only question is whether you will use the full potential of the swamp professional, or just enjoy their appearance [which also has a place to be]. Please also pay attention to the absence of a separate charger. Hell, no matter how new it is, but with the era of smart watches, we already have to remind about it.

Buttons. I really liked the performance of the side [and front] buttons in the GWG-1000. If in a recent review [DW-D5500BB-1ER – very masculine, almost a watch for the terminator] I spoke about hard pressing, then in today’s hero the buttons cause particular delight.

Pressed smoothly, it is impossible to make a mistake, even a large-sized finger will feel comfortable in controlling the model. The front button of the backlight is identical to the side one and this makes the clock truly harmonious. Still, plus a large size is also possible to provide the watch with large buttons. Material – metal, and with a corrugated [tooth] surface.

Backlight. A double LED is responsible for lighting: one for the electronic window, the second for the arrows. The light spreads evenly over the entire dial. Illumination is sufficient for comfortable reading of information. Even enough to highlight the keyhole. I just did not find the activation of the automatic triggering [clamped the backlight button for 5 seconds, but nothing worked]. Maybe I missed something.

Strap. I have not seen such a high-quality strap. Yes, it is all the same polyurethane, but it differs significantly from the representatives of the cheaper segment. The inscription on the strap PUR 860 F11 [recorded to check the inscriptions in other premium models].

Very tight and durable. The strap is not wooden, but rather soft and comfortable to lie on the wrist. Wrapping links make the “puck” not so uncomfortable. I did not feel any discomfort at all.

The premium segment is also distinguished by the metal strap holder with the “Protection G-Shock WR20BAR” engraved.

Conclusion

GWG-1000-1A3ER were the first of the representatives of the elite segment over $ 1000, which I happened to hold and touch. Can I notice differences from the average G-Shock? I would like to say NO, but I can not. Differences in material quality are significant. Starting from the strap and ending with sapphire crystal [almost invisible]. The functionality and technologies are also practically the best, which can be in shocks, so the cost is definitely not taken from the ceiling. However, the GWG-1000 is not suitable for everyone and it’s not just the price. Sorry, but such dimensions force the consumer to make a conscious choice: to buy and not to wear [because it is inconvenient for cuffs], or to buy because you are sure that the watch will become your faithful friend in an aggressive environment, or a stylish accessory that emphasizes your image with a huge internal potential.

Firstly published, but we carefully translated into English.

Some FAQ moments about G-Shock GWG-1000 Series

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GWG-1000 Profile / Casio G-Shock
Average Amazon Price: $560 (yes, we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from our links to Amazon). Check the Price on Amazon →
Year of first release: 2015
Best for: Top in G-Shock Lookbooks
Lineup: MUDMASTER (Strength and functionality Lineup to survive the extremes. Mud Resist construction helps to ensure that nothing gets into the watch when down and dirty work takes you deep into the dirt and sludge. Multiple gaskets are used on the pipes that guide buttons and shafts, which keeps mud out. These pipes not only act to protect buttons from impact, they also enhance button operation.) All G-Shock Mudmaster Watches →
Best for: Military, Army and Police Use, Big Wrists
The most distinctive specs:
– 200-meter water resistance (good for swimming but not for deep diving)
– Mud Resistant (helps to ensure that nothing gets into the watch when down and dirty work takes you deep into the dirt and sludge)
– Vibration Resistant (lets to stand up to wear while operating cutters, crushers, drills and other heavy machinery to clear way large obstacles)
– Tough Solar (CASIO’s original solar-charging system converts not only sunlight but also light from fluorescent lamps and other sources into power)
– Radio-controlled Watch; Multi band 6 (additional way for time sync. This watch receives time calibration radio signals that keep the displayed time accurate)
– Digital compass (measures and displays direction as one of 16 points)
– Thermometer (can measure and display the outside temperature in a range from -10 C to 60 C)
– Barometer (measures the air pressures and displays tendencies in the weather)
– Altimeter (The electronic mechanism “estimates” the altitude based on the air pressure)
– Smart Access (the system for analogue movements achieves multi-functionality and easy operability simultaneously through a combination of multiple motors and an electronic crown)
– Tough Movement (A CASIO-original thin analog movement made possible by hybrid mounting protects against damage and enables auto home position correction that helps keep you on time all the time)
Other colors and full specs: GWG-1000 Wiki Page
Only Limited Editions: GWG-1000 Limited Editions

G-Shock GWG-1000 Rating System

Size	★★★
Weight	★★
Functions	★★★★★
Materials	★★★★
Price	★★★

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New features in GWG-1000 *in comparison with previous series
The first ANA-DIGI MUDMASTER with such an aggressive Military Look
The first MUDMASTER with Cylindrical guard structure
The first MUDMASTER with Dual mud-resistant structures (screw-lock and button guard structure)
The first ANA-DIGI MUDMASTER with Alpha Gel (vibration-resistant structure)
The first ANA-DIGI MUDMASTER with Triple Sensor V3

What we like in GWG-1000 *by casiofanmag editors with 10+ years of experience writing about CASIO watches
Tough Solar / Solar powered. It’s an ideal solution for a reliable watch. There is no need to recharge it with the cable.
Radio-controlled Watch / Multiband 6 (ideal time accuracy. The watch adjusts the time automatically)
ABC Sensor (Digital compass, Altimeter/Barometer, Thermometer).
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating (scratch-resistant, very clear, and transparent)
Neobrite on hands and core numbers (excellent “natural” illumination without battery consumption)
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 & the digital display)
Screw Lock Crown (for more convenient functions management. You can scroll some functions up & down)
Hand shift feature (Hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of digital display contents.)
It is the most versatile for changing straps

What we don’t like in GWG-1000 *by casiofanmag editors with 10+ years of experience writing about CASIO watches
The watch is large (56.7 × 56.1 × 18 mm vs traditional 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm in DW-5600)
The LCD data is challenging to read (you need to have either a good light or activate the illumination)
No Vibration alarm (which is a must if you work on a noisy work)
Outdated functions (no bluetooth, steptracker, etc)
It is still quite expensive