In 2021, the world's first true Casio G-Shock Smartwatch will be launched. The Japanese company has previously experimented with combining the traditional G-Shock line with modern connected watches, but never before has there been a fully-fledged G-Shock smartwatch - until the reference model GSWH1000-1. This is a Casio G-Shock case, with all its durability and style, mixed with a full-featured Google Wear OS smartwatch software platform.
This is a very cool product, but it is not the end of the G-Shock watch line. I mean, the G-Shock version with smart features is a highlight, but it's not an automatic update of the legacy 'non-smart' G-Shock line. Instead, consider the G-Shock Smartwatch as an evolutionary branch in the broader universe of G-Shock products. This means that Casio is likely to continue investing in products for the smartwatch market with the G-Shock brand, but will also continue developing 'standalone' G-Shock watches, which will probably remain its mainstay.
G-Shock DNA in smartwatches is essentially a good idea. The world's most iconic gadget-watch universe mixed with the future of mainstream watches is something that fundamentally makes a lot of sense. The biggest division between these worlds is between smartwatch technology and Casio engineers. The Japanese company prefers to invent its own technology and implement it when its team of veteran engineers feels the technology is ready. They pride themselves on their reliability and efficiency. This mentality is very different from that of most smartwatch software manufacturers.
In contrast, smartwatch software development is mostly decentralized, and new versions are often evaluated based on how they improve the previous version, rather than how perfect they are. Thus, smartwatch development is a constantly moving target, while Casio's culture likes to improve future products, but also loves to release well-tested devices that are meant to stand the test of time. As a result, the G-Shock GSWH1000 is a case and wearing experience inherent in Casio G-Shock, with an interface and modern functions inherent in Google Wear OS smartwatches. This is an appropriate merger of both worlds, although it is not quite the same as a product with both software and hardware developed internally by Casio.
Nonetheless, the GSWH1000 features a special Casio software interface that offers a multitude of functionalities, such as various screens and applications. Essentially, Casio actually provided an experience where you have the option to minimally interact with the base Wear OS software (if you want to avoid it, that is). This means that Casio clearly understood that many people would like the Casio smartwatch to feel as 'branded' as possible. I think this is one of the best things to say about the first G-Shock Smartwatch, even if future products will no doubt further define what G-Shock Smartwatch software can be.
In the past, Casio has released several Wear OS-based smartwatches as well as a range of connected G-Shock watches. The GSWH1000's feature is that it is the first Casio smartwatch under the G-Shock brand. This means that Casio managed to endow the product with all the classic durability and shock resistance features for which G-Shock products are famous. This includes a water-resistant case up to 200 meters, as well as many armored elements around the hardware components to protect them from the types of abuse that G-Shock watches are supposed to endure.
Casio designed these watches for great comfort - even despite their large size. The resin case has an interesting surface pattern, giving it a more elite look. The metal details in the case design also help the watch look crisp and 'premium.' There is mineral glass over the display, though for this price I would probably want sapphire glass (which Casio has used in some other high-end G-Shock models). The case is 56.3mm wide, 19.5mm thick, and 65.6mm from lug to lug. It's not very heavy - only 103 grams. Like other G-Shock watches, Casio designed the GSWH1000 model with lug inserts to make the case more comfortably wrap around the wrist. Despite being a large watch, it wears comfortably enough.
The watch's hardware includes a heart rate monitor on a titanium metal backplate. The watch is also equipped with GPS and a typical set of sensors and features that smartwatches have (such as a microphone, speaker, vibration alert, etc.). Casio claims 1.5 days of battery life, but up to a month in 'time-only' mode. Casio has made good use of dual-layer LCD technology. Essentially, a transparent LCD screen is placed over the main 1.2-inch touch screen. I must say that Casio really managed to get the most out of the screen, considering the technological constraints and battery life.
At the top left of the case is a charging port connection, which also has an additional stand mount. It's a bit strange that the charging port is on the side of the case (it could be more attractive), but technically it makes sense for the charging port to be here rather than on the back of the watch (as in most smartwatches).
Casio's software is quite good, but of course, limited by factors beyond Casio's control. Instead of installing stock Wear OS with a few branded Casio watch faces, the GSWH1000 has a range of different apps and tools that make sense given the sports/adventure theme of the smartwatch. Casio calls the device 'multi-sport' smartwatches with features intended for activity tracking, adventure, fitness, and travel. The watch also pairs with the Casio G-Shock Move smartphone app, which is a nice addition to the core experience.
The watch does not offer anything outstanding in terms of basic smartwatch capabilities (given that most Wear OS products offer more or less the same features), but the external G-Shock hardware and exclusive software give the GSWH1000 much-needed personality compared to many competitors. I'll repeat that I want even more variety of watch faces. Casio can and should pre-load dozens of smartwatch face options, not just a few. The watch face screens that come with the GSWH1000 are all good, but I just don't see why there couldn't be many more.
The first G-Shock smartwatch from Casio is a very successful product, even if the market knows it will be updated in about a year. It comes at a premium price, making it clear that Casio wants to compete with major smartwatch manufacturers like Garmin and Apple. Casio often releases products that compete attractively in an overcrowded market, but more and more, the brand is establishing itself as a premium product manufacturer. In many ways, Casio is absolutely right to position itself this way.
Besides this black model with blue accents, Casio may well release several other color options in the coming months. Although Casio faces stiff competition from Garmin and Apple, both of these companies have products with different software.
If you have a Google Android-based phone and want to purchase some of the coolest multi-sport watches (which at first glance don't even resemble traditional smartwatches), the Casio G-Shock GSWH1000 smartwatches are at the top of a very short list of alternatives. The price for the Casio G-Shock GSWH1000-1 is $699 USD. More information on the G-Shock website.