This is my second G-Shock; my first is still chugging right along even after going through basic training, and 4 years of active duty abuse.I've had my first G-shock for about 10 years.First and foremost when we are talking G-Shock we are talking INDESTRUCTABLE.I mean back over it with a jeep, drop it over 60' onto concrete, getting it ripped off my wrist leaving me bruised and bloodied before a pin in the strap bent enough to pull loose, and finally fill it with sand and water in the desert...G-Shocks just do not quit. Other watches in the field, Timex, Seiko, etc don't have nearly the ability to weather rough conditions and treatment and come out looking and working great.
This new G-shock promises more of the same but in a more visually interesting package stuffed full of techy goodness. The bracelet and the case are standard G-shock bulky (this is no small watch) but instead of the chunky black plastic there is very nice looking two/three tone metal.From a looks standpoint it really stands out when compared to the rest of the G-shock type watches.I get lots of positive comments and questions about this watch which brings me to the coolest and most aggravating aspect of this watch.
SWEET BLUE LED lights...Yeah it's freaking cool!BUT, it's pretty useless...The lights are placed at 3 and 9 on plane with the face, so when lit the light hits the hands of the watch at about 90 degrees and fails to shed light on ANY of the recessed digital readouts effectively.I mean, the BLUE light is super cool and is great for lighting dark hallways, but it just doesn't do it's job nearly as well as the old school "indiglo" type of background illumination. It's frustrating that Casio didn't get this worked out better. Timekeeping?Flawless, I am up in the North West and the watch has no problems communicating with Ft. Collins CO.Needless to say the watch is super accurate.
Power source?The Solar seems to work pretty well and I have yet to have a concern regarding power.The face mounted power meter lets you know where you stand and thus far even in the Cloudy Northwest there have been no power concerns.
Functions?Well there really isn't a whole lot offered but the basics are all here and they work very well.Buttons all have the standard "firm" G-shock feel to them and work well.
Overall I couldn't be happier, the Blue LED illumination is not all that effective but it's unique, the case and bracelet have a quality look and feel to them, and the watch has a great over all feel to it and should last forever.
For what it is it might seem a little spendy for this category of watch, I mean it really is just a pimped up G-shock after all, but with its Atomic and Solar features along with the handsome looks and serious toughness it's a fair value.
Four out of five stars ONLY because of the poorly executed out but SUPER COOL Blue LEDs.
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G - Shock - GW1200BA1AV (Size: men)Product Description: Combination Analog/Digital display, Dress/casual watch, Silver-tone luminous hands, Four small digital dials, Hourly time signal, Shock proof, Full auto-calendar, Solar, Atomic timekeeping uses a time calibration device that receives data from the atomic transmitter in Colorado, Battery power indicator, Power saving mode, Countdown timer, Auto super illuminator with afterglow, 12/24 hr formats, Five daily alarms, World time for 30 cities, 1/100 stopwatch, Shock resistant, Stainless steel selector buttons, case, screw-in caseback, case & bezel,200 meters/656 feet water resistant
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The watch is good if you live in sunny CA. If it's not always in the light, then it dies out real quick. When we were living in Germany, we really had a hard time keeping this watch going. Now that we are in CA, it's not so much of a problem. The band is weak and will break shortly after getting it. That is, if you wear it all of the time like my husband did. Not a bad watch for the price though.
