Continuing with the Casio G-Shock tradition of making no-holds-barred/tough-as-nails timepieces the brand has unveiled their newest collection, the Casio G-Steel Street Utility Collection. The Street Utility Collection is an interesting exploration of new materials for G-Shock, including Cordura bands lined with Tough Leather and a urethane insert for added toughness. Cordura, if you’re not familiar, is a fabric that has heavy military and outdoor applications. In addition to the strap, G-Shock has also started exploring a new bezel texture design. Meant to evoke thoughts of a knurled tool or instrument handle, they have added textured sections all around the dial separated by large screws that hold the whole assembly together.
Back to the materials, Casio has chosen to use one of the toughest textile selections possible on the straps, Cordura, and I think it’s easy to concede that this feature of the Street Utility Collection stands out exceptionally well. The straps have a padded “ramp” towards the lug end on the watch, and that geometric detail, mixed with the “canvas-y” nature of the Cordura really says, “Expedition” to me.
I think the addition of the new bezel texture has me conflicted. On one hand, I get the reference to tool-knurling, and I feel like that is pretty successful. However, the placement of it on the bezel strikes me as a little odd. I’ve always felt textures like this were better left to case sides or crowns. Additionally, this watch features G-Shock’s “Layered Guard Structure,” meaning that underneath the knurling there’s a robust steel bezel. It’s unclear if the knurling is done to the steel itself or the resin over the steel, but if it’s actually the steel that’s been knurled, I find that infinitely more interesting.
Bezel aside, one thing that G-Shock does well is incorporate a lot of function into their “Modules,” (read movements). In addition to the new bezel texture and Cordura straps, we are also given useful complications (Chronograph, Countdown Timer, World Time, and Alarms) as well as Casio’s famous solar charging technology and G-Shock’s expected robustness. The dials are also legible with Neo-Brite hands and markers, and three digital sub-dials that will display the modes and features.
When it’s all said and done, I think we know what to expect from Casio G-Shock and they don’t fail to deliver. I think this new Street Utility line, despite its name, will look at home in a duck blind, or on a backpacking trip. Cordura has always seemed outdoorsy to me, and I feel like that’s where this watch is going to find its home. I believe the knurling on this watch will be pretty divisive for its customer base – you’re either going to love it or hate it. The Casio G-Shock Street Utility Collection is available in two colors: Black (GSTS130BC-1 ) and Green (GSTS130BC-1A3) with an MSRP of $350. It’s available at standard G-Shock retailers, including select jewelers, Macy’s, and the G-Shock Soho Store. gshock.com
