In Steel: A Closer Look at the G-SHOCK Full Metal GMB2100 "CasiOak"
Perhaps one of the most praised champions of versatility in the watch industry, Casio G-Shock is rare to falter when it comes to new additions to its catalog. Many different iterations of G-SHOCK watches have been introduced over the years, from OG digital editions and modernly-focused analog styles, to an array of unique case shapes, colors, and materials across its range.
The G-SHOCK Full-Metal line was first introduced in 2018 with the debut of the GMW-B5000, which was the first G-SHOCK to exclusively use steel in all of its main components. Since this launch, the series has evolved with different case shapes, colors, materials, and advancements in technology, and it consistently eschews any external resin elements. One of the latest additions to the collection, introduced this previous summer, is the Full Metal GMB2100, aka the Full Metal "CasiOak." The watch is the first full-metal addition to the continually evolving GA2100 line and embodies a metalized variation of its predecessor's DNA, famed octagonal bezel and all.
The GMB2100 case is made of steel with a three-step surface-finishing technique. The result is a distinct, three-dimensional appearance on both the case and bezel. Notably, the top surfaces of the watch have a circular brushed finish, while the sides opt for a vertical brushing, and the remaining areas make use of a polished style. The multifaceted result is further complemented by sharp detailing on the index and inner dial, achieved by the brand via a vapor deposition treatment. The watch is available in three case finishes: classic steel (GMB2100D-1A), black IP-coated steel (GMB2100BD-1A), and copper IP-coated steel (GMB2100GD-5A).
While as elevated in quality and finishing as previous Full Metal editions, this latest G-SHOCK does wear slightly slimmer on the wrist compared to its predecessors, measuring 12.8mm in height, which like other previous "CasiOak" styles wears large but still proportional in context to its 44.4mm diameter and 49.8mm length. Featuring the same general style as the GA-2100 before it, the dial of the GMB2100 features a fusion of analog and digital components. Specifically, the dial includes a multi-functional digital window spanning from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock, and a function-indicating subdial at 9 o’clock, in addition to a central pair of analog hour and minute hands.
Powering the GMB2100 is the Module 5691 quartz. The watch utilizes Tough Solar Technology that allows the watch to convert power from even the weakest light sources and also offers a power-saving mode. All three versions of the new Full Metal watch come equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology, including features like a 24-hour stopwatch, a 60-minute countdown timer, a hand shift feature, date/month display swapping, and a multilingual day of the week display. Like all G-Shocks, the watch is excellently shock-resistant and features a water-resistance up to 200m.
Like other Full Metal models from the brand, the new GMB2100 also has Bluetooth capabilities with built-in Smartphone Link functions via the G-SHOCK Connected app, permitting the watches to connect to a smartphone for automatic time updates, simple watch setting, timestamp with location, calendar reminders, and a unique phone finder function.
Between the GMB2100’s octagonal bezel and ana-digi dial display, the watch as mentioned joins the fan-favorite line of "CasiOak" watches, the nickname in reference to the iconic Royal Oak which shares a sporty style and geometric silhouette and the look long exalted via the now classic GA2100 design. Like previous iterations of the design family, the new Full Metal models serve a modern luxury aesthetic alongside a significantly more approachable price tag— arguably better exemplifying the intent of the original "CasiOak" models. Further, the launch of the editions marks a continued effort by G-Shock to grow its luxury-focused offerings, which in context to an already impressive range of serial and limited releases in its larger Full Metal and MR-G series is sure to be welcomed and encouraged by fans of the brand.
The GMB2100D-1A will retail for $550, while the GMB2100BD-1A and GMB2100GD-5A will retail for $600 each. All three designs are available now via authorized retailers and online directly through the brand.
To learn more, visit G-SHOCK here.
