Not Just For Surfers: Hands-On with the G-Shock G-Lide GBX100S-1

When G-Shock creates a watch, it usually caters to a specific sport or scene. The G-Lide lineup is no different, as it offers a wide array of functions and functionality aimed at the surfing community. While they probably enjoy wearing this watch, I was curious if I would too, as I haven't ever even stood on a surfboard. In a sense, that is quite ironic as I live close to the beach. 

One of the first surprises that the G-Lide GBX100S-1 offers is that it has Bluetooth connectivity. Once set up, it links automatically with the G-Shock app on your phone, allowing you to set a wide variety of functions. While the G-Lide GBX100S-1 is very intuitive to set with just the buttons alone, it has so many functions that you will appreciate the app. The key element is the extensive tide graph, and around 3,300 locations around the world are programmed into this watch. While surfers probably get even more use out of this function, I enjoyed knowing, for my walk on the beach, what tide it was. G-Shock combines this with extensive information about the moon, but also a sunrise and sunset display for the selected location.

This is not offered to you in just one format, but rather in a variety of formats, each emphasizing a different feature of the watch. For example, you can select a display with a detailed graph of the tides and how they are going to develop and when, with the time shown at the bottom, but you can also have the display focus on the time in a bold font. Despite being a negative display, which some think is harder to read than a positive display, is all the information, even when smaller in size, quite easy to read on the memory-in-pixel (MIP) LCD screen. In low light conditions, this is aided by the built-in LED, which can be activated automatically when you either twist your wrist to check the display or manually when you push the button at six o'clock.

Being a G-Shock means that the G-Lide GBX100S-1 also has extensive additional functions, such as a perpetual calendar programmed till 2099, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and world time, to name a few. As a watch aimed towards the surfing community, it is also not afraid of water, with a water resistance of 20ATM/200 meters. The case is a combination of a stainless steel bezel with a (bio-based) resin case and strap. It also keeps the weight of this G-Shock at a pleasant 66 grams, despite still being generous in size. 

The combination of all these functions means that even when you don't use them to the fullest, the G-Lide GBX100S-1 is a very enjoyable watch to wear. It is so light that you sometimes forget it is on your wrist, but as it is so robust, you don't have to worry about it. With a retail price of $190, it doesn't break the bank, while its specific functions offer a lot of fun, even when you don't surf or are involved in other activities in which tide information is invaluable. No wonder the G-Lide has become one of the pillars of the G-Shock collection.

For more info, visit G-Shock, here