In only a handful of years since its introduction, the Casio G-Shock 2100-series “Casioak” family has become a cornerstone of the G-Shock range, attracting legions of fans with its more refined, semi-analog, lightly Genta-inspired take on the classic G-Shock formula. The Japanese brand has been eager to push this perception of the 2100-series line since its launch, gradually elevating its presentation with full metal variants, more classical colorways, and even a top-of-the-line MT-G version. For its latest release, though, Casio uses the 2100 platform to deliver its first-ever full-metal G-Shock analog chronograph. The new Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100 — which includes the GMC-B2100AD-2A reviewed here — gives the 2100-series family (and G-Shock as a whole) its most traditionally Swiss, refined look to date, with a confluence of solid finishing, popular features, and a reasonable price point that should make this another major enthusiast success for the brand.

On paper, the dimensions of the Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100AD-2A’s stainless steel case are right in line with other 2100-series releases. In practice, though, this watch ends up feeling significantly beefier on the wrist than its stablemates. Although its 46.3mm width and 12.4mm overall thickness aren’t at all out of the ordinary for a G-Shock design, it’s the context and weight of this case that really change the perceived dimensions. To put it another way, this fully analog stainless steel chronograph looks very un-G-Shock at a glance, and so its G-Shock proportions tend to be viewed differently than its black-cased equivalents. The significantly greater weight on the wrist over resin also changes the wearing experience dramatically. Rather than the light, breezy wrist feel of a traditional resin G-Shock, the sensation here is far closer to a conventional, rather hefty automatic chronograph on a bracelet. None of this weight and size is necessarily a bad thing, but it does further shift the feel of this new design away from G-Shocks of the past towards a more traditional luxury target. The overall shape, however, is pure 2100-series. The line’s prominent raised octagonal bezel, grooved industrial-esque case sides, and short hooded lugs are all present and accounted for here, but the shift in materials allows Casio to elevate this familiar form with finishing. The upper side of the engraved octagonal bezel is radially brushed, contrasting dramatically with the high polish of the bezel sides and upper case body. Case sides alternate between vertically brushed and polished segments, lending further complexity to an already impressively detailed layout. Of course, this is still a G-Shock, so incredible shock resistance and a hefty 200 meters of water resistance are a mandatory inclusion.

Naturally, the Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100AD-2A’s dial is the real star of the show here. Not only does the new fully analog layout greatly elevate the perceived quality of the watch on the wrist, but there’s a quality and a variety to the finishing here that few if any competitors can match at this price point. The main dial surface itself is a great example of this elevated feel in action. Not only does the pale ice blue hue offer a striking, trendy look, the radial brushing on this surface lends it a dramatic series of highlights and shadows in changing light. The broad sword handset and grooved hour indices may be 2100-series staples, but Casio raises the bar here as well with crisper execution, ditching the notched index design in favor of a sloping wedge shape and improving the transitions between polished and matte blasted sections of the hands. The three subdials at 12 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock all build on this new refined look in different ways as well. At 12 o’clock, the function indicator subdial blends a polished outer ring with a sloping azurage inner ring, with tight azurage on the subdial surface to complete the package. The 6 o’clock second time zone/chronograph hours and minutes subdial follows a similar formula but with a broader azurage ring to better showcase the finishing. It’s the retrograde pointer day display at 9 o’clock, however, that shines brightest. The entire subdial is subtly octagonal to echo the watch’s famous bezel, with a partial raised ring featuring both a radially brushed upper surface and several polished chamfers. From here, the grooved, wedge-like pointer day hand floats above a contrasting, horizontally grooved subdial surface. Taken as a whole, it feels less like a G-Shock dial than a quality Swiss sports chronograph, a shift that will likely alienate some hardcore G-Shock fans while delighting legions of other enthusiasts.

Casio powers the G-Shock GMC-B2100AD-2A with its in-house Module 5733 quartz movement. Despite the new all-analog layout, the Module 5733 still packs in an impressive array of complications that G-Shock fans have come to expect. These include Tough Solar light-powered charging, a 24-hour chronograph, a world timer, a 24-hour countdown timer, LED dial illumination, a daily alarm, and a perpetual calendar accurate through the year 2099. On top of this, the Module 5733 also packs Bluetooth connectivity, allowing wearers to set, adjust, correct, and monitor the watch through the Casio Watches app. Add in a full 18 months of power reserve on a full charge and +15/-15 seconds per month in non-adjusted accuracy, and the Module 5733 certainly earns its place among the extremely feature-rich G-Shock movement family. To complete the all-metal look, Casio pairs the watch with a semi-integrated stainless steel bracelet. This bracelet design is a G-Shock institution by now, with tapering single links connected to a two-button deployant clasp. Like the rest of the watch, Casio raises the bar on bracelet finishing, however, with predominantly linear brushing complemented by bright polishing on the mid-link chamfers and the signature link divots. It’s a reasonably attractive and fitting bracelet pairing, but it’s worth noting that this chunky solid-link bracelet contributes heavily to the overall ponderous feel on the wrist.

It’s no secret that the 2100-series “Casioak” line has attracted swathes of new G-Shock fans with its more affordable take on classic integrated sports watch cues. The new Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100AD-2A builds on this successful formula with an all-analog chronograph design and bright stainless steel finishing that gives this now-familiar silhouette a more upscale look and feel. The Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100AD-2A will be available through select authorized retailers starting October 18, 2024. MSRP for this watch stands at $800 USD as of press time. For more information, please visit the Casio G-Shock website.