G-Shock Lets You Step Up Your Performance with the GBA950-1A

Sometimes you want to track your performance, yet without all the distractions of a smart watch. The G-Shock GBA950-1A is then an interesting alternative. With its understated looks, for a G-Shock, it hides that it is quite the powerhouse, and a very pleasant daily companion. 

G-Shock kept the dial relatively sober, and that might be the key to the success of the GBA950-1A. At a glance, it looks like a simple, under-the-radar sports watch, but there is much more to it. While the large LCD screen at the bottom half of the dial might be obvious, and some will also spot the round one at nine o'clock, G-Shock has hidden two more in the design of this watch. One runs from eleven o'clock to one o'clock, while the other goes from two o'clock to four o'clock. The first one serves as a step tracker, showing you how you are doing during the day in an unintrusive way, while the second one supports your training activities by showing running measurements. 

As the GBA950-1A comes with Bluetooth connectivity, it also allows you to monitor your performance in even more detail on your phone. The G-Shock app is easy to connect with the watch and also allows you to set its extensive functions right from your phone. Of course, for the die-hard G-Shock fans, or those who prefer not to connect the watch to their phone at all, the GBA950-1A also works just as well standalone. Setting it is intuitive thanks to the four-button system of G-Shock, and operating the different functions is just as easy. It comes with five alarms, a countdown timer, a 1/100th of a second stopwatch, dual time zones, and a perpetual calendar function till the year 2099, just to name a few.

As is often the case with G-Shocks, its dimensions look enormous on paper, measuring 48.5mm in length and 43.9mm in width. However, on the wrist is the GBA950-1A not that big at all. The secret is the octagonal shape of the watch combined with the integrated strap. Made from bioresin, the whole watch also weighs a mere 53 grams, adding to the wearing comfort. The strap has plenty of louvers in it, allowing you to not only perfectly adjust the watch to your wrist, but they also let air through while you go about your day. Integrated into the design is also a button that activates the LED light. Combined with the luminous material on both the hands and the hour markers, it makes it so that the time can also be read with ease during the night. The same can unfortunately not be said of the four LCD displays, but given the price of this G-Shock, that can be forgiven. 

The case construction of the GBA950-1A is rather sophisticated, with plenty of protection for both the crystal and the buttons integrated into the design. The wearing comfort is superb, and an oversized clasp makes it easy to adjust the strap. With a 20 ATM/200 meter water resistance, this G-Shock also doesn't mind getting wet, making the enjoyment it gives rather carefree.   

Given all its functionalities, understated looks, and robust construction, the GBA950-1A has a lot to offer, especially when taking into account its retail price of $150.

For more info, visit G-Shock, here