As quietly, as usual, the Japanese electronics manufacturer has updated the aviation-themed shock-resistant GA-1000 series. Their new Casio G-Shock GA-1000-2A features a sporty body, which is similar in its styling to that of the last year’s G-SHOCK GW-A1000-1ADF Smart Access. However, this new “aviator” sports a lot more readable dial with analog and digital displays combined for (almost) perfect usability.
Being a rightful heir to the G-Shock legacy, the 2013 G-Shock GA-1000-2A features a shock-resistant stainless steel body coated with a thick layer of soft to touch resin.
The ion-plated black bezel is, too, protected from a surprise blow with four shock guards that additionally provide a firmer grip when you want to operate the watch using any of the four huge polished push-pieces at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock.
As usual, the watch is literally loaded with functions that will please almost any adventurer seeking a perfect travel companion.
Besides a highly accurate compass, there is also a thermometer, an alarm, a countdown timer, as well as a world clock that stores 48 cities and 31 time zones in its vast memory. Since some countries still experiment with daylight saving time, the time in each zone can be displayed with DST turned on or off, which makes it more convenient for a frequent traveler.
Although the GA-1000-2A doesn’t feature a solar cell, the SR927W battery that powers the quartz caliber is good for around two years. This is just fine because you will have to visit the service anyway in order to keep its guaranteed water resistance of 200 meters (those gaskets need to be changed every once in a while).
Since the mechanisms that Casio uses for its G-Shock family offer superb shock protection but are not that impressive in the accuracy department with their famous +/- 15 seconds per month of “within specs” deviation, the watch is also equipped with a radio module that will regularly receive a calibration signal from the closest atomic clock tower and adjust the hands as needed.
If you happen to live in a place where there is no such signal available, you will probably not be happy with the timekeeper’s ability to keep good time, but there are not so many places after all (or, at least, not so many places where people can actually afford a watch that costs more than their entire village makes per year.)
So far, the watch is sold in Japan at around $290, which makes it an affordable beater for those who just can’t spend their weekends lying on a sofa and playing Super Mario with their imaginary friends.
See also: Casio G-Shock G-Aviation Ana-Digi GW3500B-1A
Photos: Casio
Casio G-Shock GA-1000-2A specification
Price: Approx. $290
Movement: Quartz, Made in Japan
Power reserve: 2 years (using SR927W battery)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, world time, countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm, auto-calendar, digital compass, thermometer
Case: Stainless steel, rubberized
Shape: Round
Dimensions: 50.80 mm x 52.10 mm
Case height: 16.60 mm
Dial: White, LED backlighting
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Rubber
Crystal: Inorganic glass
Back: Solid