This Sporty Watch Is Like G-Shock Mashed-Up Its Legendary Original with a Timex Ironman

When it comes to G-Shock, none of the brand’s watches come anywhere close to being as iconic as the 5000/5600 Series. After all, the octagonal timepiece is the brand’s original release.

However, these timepieces are not what anyone would call the brand’s most athletic of offerings. While they’re typically quite capable and tough, they often lack the fitness-focused features of some other noteworthy digital watches, like Timex’s Ironman series.

However, the G-Shock G-Squad GBD-200-1A1JF might be the perfect middle ground, mixing the brand’s original styling with sportier elements and an altogether more comprehensive set of athletic complications.

G-Shock

Hulk buster

With so many of G-Shock’s more athletic-focused watches, the brand has embraced big, chunky styles. That has, admittedly, been a significant barrier for ownership — 55+ millimeter cases are huge, even on beefier wrists.

This one isn’t exactly small, measuring 45.9 millimeters wide, but it’s a whole 10 millimeters smaller than the starting point of most Master of G watches. That makes it way more manageable to wear regularly for the average person.

G-Shock

It also benefits from the less aggressive octagonal styling of the 5000/5600 watches. This watch is toned down without being boring or forgettable. In fact, it really does look like G-Shock’s original watch blended with a ’90s-era Timex Ironman.

Unlike its apparent inspiration, this watch has thicker case bumpers and a sportier overall appearance, which extends beyond its resin case to its integrated, textured resin strap. Of course, the comparisons to an Ironman don’t stop there …

G-Shock

Train gang

Those familiar with the Timex Ironman series know that the watches are designed specifically for serious fitness enthusiasts, especially runners and triathletes. Well, so is this G-Shock. But what does that mean, specifically?

This watch features a range of integrated complications, even more extensive than those typically found in a G-Shock. That includes things like distance tracking (with automatic GPS smartphone correction,) an onboard accelerometer, calorie tracking, pace calculator and much more.

G-Shock

While it’s great for runners, walkers, hikers, and the like, it’s also water resistant to 200 meters, so you could use it for swimming, as well (especially useful for triathletes.)

And, of course, it still sports the brand’s signature shock-proof housing, ensuring its highly accurate quartz movement stays safe and dependable.

Yet, despite all of that capability, the watch is still small, subtle and good-looking enough that it could be your go-to daily wear. That’s the best of both worlds (and then some.)

G-Shock

Pre-order now

The G-Shock G-Squad GBD-200-1A1JF is up for preorder for ￥25,300 (about $172). While it’s presently only up on the brand’s Japanese site, there’s a solid chance this watch will come to the USA site sometime in the near future.

G-Shock

G-Shock G-Squad GBD-200-1A1JF

Specs

Case Size	45.9mm
Movement	Quartz
Water Resistance	200m

• $172 at G-Shock

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