[G-Shock Review] GWR-B1000-1 — Light, Stylish and Functional

I did not immediately notice the significant dimensions of the package, which differed from my traditional understanding of the packaging of watches [where usually a small square cardboard box covers 95% of Casio watch models]. “Apparently, I had to report more foam,” I thought, smiling. I am always amused by excessive attention to the packaging “security” of products under the brand G-Shock. Well, the watches are not killed by their nature, where the standard packaging is also quite strong, and the delivery services still add their additional security elements [foam plastic, air bubble film]. But so everything will be safe and sound [well, the rules are the rules] … I open the package, and there is a large beautiful package with the inscription “G-SHOCK MASTER OF G”. All right, the heartbeat has become more frequent, all thoughts are in anticipation of testing a bright new product called GWR-B1000-1.

Let’s start a little with foreplay. The GWR-B1000 series was prepared by the Japanese for the Baselworld 2019 watch exhibition, but they showed the world before the official opening [we already wrote about this: the GWR-B1000 Gravitymaster – a lot of carbon and solid body]. Basel [speech about the event] is well-known for very expensive models of luxury watch brands, where each manufacturer boasts unique materials and technological developments in watch making [for a large amount of dollars].

The Casio booth was always present, but only in the last 2-3 years it began to attract solid attention of journalists and ordinary visitors to the exhibition. The reason is simple: Casio decided to slightly change the development vector to a new premium niche for themselves, which means new experiments have begun with their favorite units G-Shock, Edifice, ProTrek, Baby-G. That is why we began to see bold solutions: a la smart watch, Rangeman, synchronization with the phone, MRG and MTG. Having added new premium materials to their existing advanced functions and technologies, the Japanese abruptly broke into the elite world of watchmaking. Yes, it is very difficult to compete with all kinds of mechanical “tourbillons”, however Casio members presented their Reason To Believe: unique functionality, perfect impact resistance, premium materials, own technologies.

So, the GWR-B1000-1 belongs to the new generation of watches G-Shock. This is the generation where cost is not critical when choosing a watch. And if we consider the GWR-B1000-1 from this point of view, then immediately you begin to find many advantages in comparison with, for example, the “Swiss Division”.

Design. The style of the GWR-B1000-1 immediately hints at its connection with the classic “mechanics”: here you have a total analog display with additional [also analog] windows, ideal and traditional roundness of the dial, convex side buttons that are a continuation of the style, not just functional complement. Unlike mechanics [even with automatic winding], the GWR-B1000 work on their own.

Yes, there is a battery in the clock, but it is always charged with two solar panels in the place of additional windows. This, by the way, is a very new development, which allows even with minimal space to receive such necessary feed.

As for the style of the dial, I didn’t see something supernatural: enlarged main hands and “strip” hour marks [like many other G]. The only element that attracts attention is the carbon bezel. He is so big and bright that sometimes I ask myself the question: “is this a G-Shock?”. I’m like a fan of the aviator direction [since the advent of the GW-3000 series], but now I feel far from recognizing the typical GRAVITYMASTER [GWR-B1000 belong to aviators]. Not surprisingly, we are moving away from the G-Shock’s narrow profile and now the GWR-B1000-1 is an example of aviation marketing rather than pilot hours [although the second one also has a place to be].

The texture of carbon layers [which are 52 according to the manufacturer]] of the bezel, as for me, is a little pretentious, but this is the GWR-B1000-1 watch chip. The watch case has a monocoque form – another technological innovation in the G-Shock model range. Now we do not have such a familiar back cover, and the module “lies” in a solid “basket” of carbon.

This design has existed in watchmaking for quite some time, it’s just the first time Casio works with it. Monocoque improves the shock-resistant characteristics of the watch and allows you to play with the design, since it somewhat simplifies the process of “packing” all the necessary components of the module [according to the official description].

So, you noticed that the two main parts of the watch are made of carbon? Why the choice fell on this material? The manufacturer calls carbon the third most important material that combines the ease of polyurethane and exceeds the strength of the metal. You understand, in terms of strength, the GWR-B1000-1 has become even more powerful (for example, they are not exactly threatened with rust), which can not fail to please fans of the philosophy of G-Shock.

Despite the rather noticeable dimensions [50.1 × 46.4 × 16.9], I was surprised at the ease of the watch [72 grams]. It is very comfortable to wear them, even the body seems “soft” because of the very delicate surface of the monocoque. Yeah, this is not a heavy GW-3000.

Since there is no back cover, you can only get to the “heart” through the bezel.

You can’t say for sure that the four bezeli screws are made just for beauty. They perform the real role of a bundle of two main particles and this makes the soul even more pleasant. Buttons. In the GWR-B1000 series, the side buttons perform not only a functional role, but also a stylistic one [as I wrote earlier].

The right side trio stands out significantly and even resembles a similar bunch in many sports and not only chronographs [of different brands]. In G-Shock, the buttons were always under the protection of special hull projections that prevented this tight spot from being squeezed.

Now an illusion of lack of any protection is created, but it is not. The buttons received protective protrusions that have a similar round shape and are a continuation of the beautiful design.

Only the crown without protection, which is also a hoax. The crown is made according to the technology “Smart Access”, which must first be unscrewed, and only then used in functional terms. By default, this is a heavy-duty “cork”.

The backlight button is located under the 6-hour mark, which is quite convenient. I planned to describe the functionality of each button, but changed my mind. Why all feel and understand, if the clock GWR-B1000-1 can be controlled using the phone.

Functions. Download the G-Shock Connected App and find our series from the list.

I did not know exactly how to activate synchronization in the clock, but the hint on the phone immediately helped.

You only need to find each other, as the application immediately sends the correct and accurate information about the time zone and the exact time. I can not disagree with all the exact settings, so I press “YES”.

Before looking at the GWR-B1000 settings themselves, the manufacturer immediately warns about the operation of the route logging function:

[you yourself see the text above, but the point is that it does not work everywhere]

. Strangely, they don’t write about it anywhere in the official description, but as soon as you install the application, you immediately face the harsh reality)). In fact, the warning is not critical.

Consider the work of the dial, depending on the mode of operation. By default, the clock is set to display the time in a different time zone. It is not the main dial that is responsible for it, but an additional window at the 6 o’clock position. In principle, it is very convenient: the main arrows are your main time, the compact window is secondary. You do not like this situation on the display? Not a question, hold down the upper right button for 3 seconds and you have already made a “castling”: the secondary time became the main one, and the main thing went to the extra window. Perhaps I repeat, but this is a very convenient feature. Not once had to change the time zone and understanding of the work of world time in the watch Casio always helped [to monitor the situation at home, for example]. You understand, once again squeezed for 3 seconds and the time again fell into place. Fans of travel, you check out this opportunity for sure.

Another surprise is the versatility of buttons in modern G. I’m saying that one button can perform up to 4 different actions. So for example, the upper right button, in addition to the “castling”, can also start a stopwatch [quick double tap]. The bottom right button is the most powerful:

1. quick press – displays the success of synchronization with the radio frequencies of the exact time [MultiBand 6 function];
2. hold for 0.5 seconds – your time correction takes place according to the phone. If the phone is not near, then MultiBand 6 correction is activated;
3. 2.5 seconds – connect with the phone to control the clock;
4. 5 seconds – activate the mode “Search for phone”, where the phone starts to make a sound [so that it is found].

The stopwatch works quite primitively: the second main hand is responsible for seconds [in stopwatch mode], and the additional window at the 6 o’clock position – for the minutes and hours of the stopwatch. A sad sight, because there are no milliseconds, and you just watch the normal course of time. The fact that the stopwatch is still better is his absence.

With the timer, the situation is very similar to the work of the stopwatch: the main second hand counts the seconds of the timer, and the additional window has hours and minutes. I really liked the reverse second hand)) [counterclockwise]. A very interesting sight … FLIGHT LOG. Logging route. A very strange opportunity [as for me], but for some reason marketers are betting on it. The Japanese immediately describe this feature in a series of three text messages:

The logic of the work is the following: we hold down the lower right button for 0.5 seconds and information about your location is written to the application [along with forced time correction]. Only this is a signal from the watch, so that the phone “reads” information about the current location and makes itself a mark. It is important to understand – there is no GPS in the clock itself. The phone takes over all the marks, which means you must have GPS enabled on your phone. Even taking into account all these “ifs”, I doubtfully imagine the practical value of logging.

Remove skepticism, when you have several such points, you can see your movement on the map. I wanted to synchronize my location, but for some reason the clock only adjusted the time. No points appeared in the application ((. Probably stupid … UPD. Yes, I was stupid, with the GPS turned off on the phone, the function will not work [logically))]. Turned on the GPS and the location was preserved. You can even make a note about this point. If we take into account the fact that the watch is like for pilots, or for avid travelers, then FLIGHT LOG can even be useful. It is up to you to decide how to use or not use the internal capabilities of the watch.

The function of world time has not been canceled, therefore I will describe it in a few words.

Select the city of the second time zone and send the information to the clock. That’s all, now you know that the additional window is responsible for the time in London.

Alarm clock and timer as simple as wood. No additional settings, just a clumsy option for choosing the time and duration of operation.

The backlight consists of one, but very bright LED. It covers the whole space, so there are no problems with it. Only the lack of automatic activation is confusing, depending on the viewing angle.

The strap is not simple, but with a carbon insert, so this material in the GWR-B1000-1 is more than enough. All created for increased strength.

The format of the wrapping links surprised – I have not seen such an option yet. With the replacement of the strap, you will surely have problems, since for their removal it is necessary to have a special hexagon. I also want to mention the sapphire crystal, water resistance and many other functions that probably did not fall into the overview of my story. The watch is so powerful that it is difficult to describe all the possible subtleties.

Conclusion

GWR-B1000-1 confirmed its dominance in the model range of G-Shock. These are completely different G, which, although they adhere to the fundamental principles of the brand, but at the same time involve a completely different audience. An audience that loves expensive materials, functional and exciting features in the clock. GWR-B1000 exactly meet these expectations and requirements.

Read Quick News on GWR-B1000:

• G-Shock GWR-B1000 PROs & CONs from users and experts
• [G-Shock Comparison] GR-B200 VS GWR-B1000 VS GR-B100
• G-Shock GWR-B1000 User Manual / Casio Module 5588
• [G-Shock Review] GWR-B1000-1 — Light, Stylish and Functional

All News on GWR-B1000 →

Firstly published, but we carefully translated into English.

Some FAQ moments about G-Shock GWR-B1000 Series

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GWR-B1000 Profile / Casio G-Shock
Average Amazon Price: $730 (yes, we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from our links to Amazon). Check the Price on Amazon →
Year of first release: 2019
Lineup: GRAVITYMASTER (Developed in response to pilots’ needs, these tough watches offer improved accuracy, strength and practicality. Famous for unique and beautiful aviation design (usually analog) and advanced technologies.) All G-Shock Gravitymaster Watches →
Best for: Office and Formal Wear, Pilots and Travel, Top in G-Shock Lookbooks
The most distinctive specs:
– 200-meter water resistance (good for swimming but not for deep diving)
– Carbon Monocoque Case (single carbon Monocoque unit that protects the module from external shock and makes it possible to eliminate carbon guard parts from the buttons on the sides of the case)
– Rust-resistant structure (Buttons, button pipes, case internal fixing rings, and other metal parts exposed to outside air are made of strong, lightweight, and highly rust resistant titanium alloy)
– TRIPLE G RESIST (Shock resistant, Centrifugal force resistant, Vibration resistant)
– G-SHOCK Connected App (you may manage all watch settings through your phone)
– Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth(R)) (for time sync with your phone data)
– Radio-controlled Watch; Multi band 6 (additional way for time sync. This watch receives time calibration radio signals that keep the displayed time accurate)
– Tough Solar (CASIO’s original solar-charging system converts not only sunlight but also light from fluorescent lamps and other sources into power)
Other colors and full specs: GWR-B1000 Wiki Page
Only Limited Editions: GWR-B1000 Limited Editions

G-Shock GWR-B1000 Rating System

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