In addition to the full set of ABC triple sensors, the GW9400 has a range of other features that you’ll find in most G-Shock watches. Nevertheless there are improvements and additions. Did you know that the chronograph (stopwatch) now measures up to about 1000 hours? The watch also contains a sunrise/sunset feature that I love and frequently find useful. The watch uses your current timezone location along with your latitude (that you can set manually), as well as the current date to know the precise sunrise and sunset time where you are. You can also travel back and forward in time with the push of a button to know the sunrise/sunset times for future or past dates. Without having to list the full range of features in the Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman, I’ll just offer up Casio’s specs for the watch:

GW9400 Tech specs from Casio

– Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan, China)
– Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
– Auto receive function (up to 6 times per day/up to 5 times per day for China)
– Manual receive function
– Signal: US WWVB, UK MSF, Germany DCF77, Japan JJY40/JJY60, China BPC
– Frequency: US 60kHz, UK 60kHz, Germany 77.5kHz, Japan 40/60kHz, BPC 68.5kHz
– Tough Solar Power
– Shock Resistant
– Mud Resistant
– Case & buttons are sealed to prevent mud, dirt and dust from getting into the watch
– 200M Water Resistant
– Low Temperature Resistant (-10 C / 14 F)
– Triple Sensor w/Direct Access Button
– Altimeter
– Measuring range: -700 to 10,000 m (-2,300 to 32,800 ft)
– Measuring unit: 1 m (5ft)
– Manual memory measurements: up to 40 records (shared storage with date/time, bearing, and barometric pressure/temperature records)
– Historical Altitude Values: High altitude, Low altitude, cumulative ascent, cumulative decent
– Others: Reference altitude setting, Altitude differential, Altitude auto reading interval (0’05 or 2’00)
– Digital Compass
– Measures and displays direction as one of 16 points
– Measuring range: 0 to 359 degrees
– Measuring unit: 1 degree
– 60 seconds continuous measurement
– Graphic direction pointer
– Bidirectional calibration
– Magnetic declination correction
– Bearing memory: up to 40 records (shared storage with date/time, bearing, and barometric pressure/temperature records)
– Barometer
– Display range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg)
– Display unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg)
– Atmospheric pressure tendency graph
– Atmospheric pressure differential graphic
– Atmospheric pressure change indicator
– Manual memory measurements: up to 40 records (shared storage with date/time, bearing, and barometric pressure/temperature records)
– Thermometer
– Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F)
– Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F)
– Full Auto LED (Super Illuminator) Backlight with Afterglow
– World Time
– 31 time zones (48 cities + UTC), city code display, daylight saving on/off
– 5 Daily Alarms (4 one-time and 1 snooze alarm)
– Hourly Time Signal
– 1/100 Second Stopwatch w/Direct Access
– Measuring capacity: 999:59’59.99″
– Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
– Countdown Timer
– Measuring unit: 1 second
– Countdown range: 24 hours
– Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments ans 1-hour increments)
– Sunrise/Sunset Data
– Displays sunrise time and sunset time for a specific date (at sea level)
– Time Recorder
– Memory capacity: up to 40 records (shared storage with date/time, bearing, and barometric pressure/temperature records)
– Full Auto Calendar (Pre-programmed until the year 2099)
– 12/24 Hour Formats
– Button operation tone on/off
– Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
– Storage Battery: Solar Rechargeable Battery
– Battery Level Indicator
– Power Saving Function
– Approx. Battery Life: 7 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
– Movement Module 3410
– Size of case/total weight: GW9400 55.2 x 53.5 x 18.2mm / 93g

As you can see there is a lot this little gadget can do. It is also worth noting that the Rangeman uses solar (any light for that matter) charging for the battery, and it has a six band atomic clock signal radio. That means no battery changes and updated accuracy. Great, another watch you don’t need to ever worry about. Even though I primarily wear mechanical watches I find myself often taking a Casio along with my on travels as a backup or reference clock.

You really can beat up a G-Shock – and they clean up well. I’ve taken the Rangeman into dust, mud, ocean water, into bright sunlight, all while being active. The pictures I took for this review are of the watch after all of that. Yes, the watch isn’t infallible. You are still talking about a watch made of metal and plastic, but compared to most other timepieces on the planet these can put up with a lot more abuse. Considered a higher-end G-Shock. the GW9400 uses a good amount of metal. The case back is completely in steel, as is the strap buckle and loop for the excess strap. What is also great is that the pushers (large and easy to push) are metal. They have a great looking texture to them and are a pleasure to operate.

At about 53.5mm wide, the Rangeman wears comfortably, especially because it is so light – being about 93 grams. It is also water resistant to 200 meters and obviously very shock-resistant (that is the cornerstone of “G-Shock’s religion”). Also, there is a rare character design on the back of the watch. Casio does this from time to time and I find it amusing when they give a watch the added character of a figurine “Rangeman” mascot. The rear of the watch has a sort of electric feline wearing what looks to be a compass. I don’t know how much sense it makes but I like it.