Reviewing the G-SHOCK "GM-B2100PC-1AJF." What are the capabilities of this latest "full metal" model?

　This time, I'll be reviewing the Casio G-SHOCK GM-B2100PC-1AJF. This model retains the design of the 2100, which has grown into a popular collection of analog-digital models, but is now fully metal. Its distinctive design features a blue gradient on the hour and minute hands and indexes. How well does the vibrant indexes and hour and minute hands match the excellent packaging of a tool watch? Let's take a look.

Full Metal G-SHOCK "GM-B2100PC-1AJF"

　This time, we'll be reviewing the Casio GM-B2100PC-1AJF, a full-metal model based on the G-SHOCK 2100 design. The 2100 design has grown into a popular collection in the four years since its release. While following that design, this model combines a robust stainless steel case and bracelet with blue-graded indexes and hour and minute hands.

　The first thing I noticed in this review was the excellent packaging. The case size, bracelet, and well-balanced weight make for a comfortable fit, and the basic performance is also satisfactory, earning it high praise. However, I wasn't completely impressed. The reason is legibility. Visibility drops significantly in the dark, which I considered a drawback for a general-purpose tool watch. So, I'd like to start by talking about the overall packaging.

The origins of the popular "2100" series

　The 2100 design, featuring an octagonal bezel, circular dial, and analog display, debuted in August 2019 with the release of the GA-2100. The concept was to create an analog model that inherited the design style of the original G-SHOCK DW-5000C (origin). Just to clarify, the DW-5000C was a truly epoch-making model, boasting a unique design covered in resin parts and impressive shock resistance.

　As of October 2011, the 2100 design has been released in a variety of colors, as well as the slightly smaller "GMA-S2100," and a full metal model like this one, the "GM-B2100." Four years after the release of the GA-2100, the watch has been released without any design changes, and yet it has been well-received by the market, which is a testament to the high level of perfection of the 2100 design, as well as the skill of G-SHOCK's branding.

　The model we're reviewing today, the GM-B2100PC-1AJF, is a full-metal version of the GA-B2100, a resin-cased model with Bluetooth functionality. Looking at the case, the bezel and case sides have a satin finish, while the rest of the watch is polished. The G-SHOCK logo and "PROTECTION" inscription on the bezel are bold and deeply engraved. Also, the inscriptions for "MODE" and others are thin but deep enough to ensure ample visibility in bright light. Considering the 80,300 yen price tag, this is an elaborate piece of work.

　What sets this watch apart is the blue-toned coloring that creates a gradation of hour markers, from bright at 11 o'clock to dark at 5 o'clock. This color ranges from light blue to turquoise, purple, and red, and has a texture reminiscent of the burnt color of titanium. The hour and minute hands are also bordered with a similar texture.

Familiar size and comfortable fit

　The case is made of stainless steel with a fine resin buffer between the bezel and the case, providing the same shock resistance as previous resin models, leaving no room for concern.

　According to the catalog specifications, the case size is 44.4mm wide, 49.8mm long, and 12.8mm thick. This size will be familiar to G-SHOCK aficionados, and while it is thicker than the GA-2100, which is 11.8mm thick, it is within the standard range for a tool watch, and in practice, many people probably won't notice the difference. It fits comfortably on my wrist, which is about 18cm in circumference, and the weight balance is good when worn.

　The connection between the case and bracelet of this watch is made up of three legs on the case side, making it very secure. This is typical of G-SHOCK, which strives for toughness, but due to its structure, there is very little range of movement. As a result, people with thinner wrists than me may find gaps in the lugs, which makes the fit unsatisfactory. This is something to check when you're in the store.

　The bracelet is rigid yet has just enough play, allowing for a wide range of movement and a comfortable fit. The links are secured with spring bars, making length adjustments easy and less likely to be damaged during adjustments than screws or cotter pins. As always, I'm impressed by the construction. The press-formed clasp has holes for adjusting the bracelet's fixed position, allowing for a more tailored fit. It has a simple, classic construction, yet is thin, light, and robust, making it the perfect choice for a tool watch.

A highly practical module with Bluetooth communication function and Tough Solar

　The "5691" module used in this watch features an indicator at the 9 o'clock position that displays both the functions and the power reserve. It also features Bluetooth communication capabilities, and the "CASIO WATCHES" app allows time adjustment and various settings to be made. This app offers basic settings as well as the ability to manage the world time function, and the convenient ability to search for your phone from the G-SHOCK. However, while it can transfer timer settings, it cannot start the timer, and registration for a CASIO ID is required to connect to the watch, which may result in mixed reviews.

　Additionally, it is equipped with the highly acclaimed Tough Solar technology. Once fully charged, it can operate for approximately seven months without recharging and with all functions in use. Since most of the dial is light-receiving, it seems to have high power generation efficiency, and since it also has a power reserve indicator, it is unlikely that you will run into problems due to insufficient charge.

Although the indexes and hour and minute hands are vivid, their visibility is reduced in the dark.

　The indexes and hour and minute hands feature the gradation that is characteristic of this watch. Each index has a uniform color, but the color changes slightly depending on where it is placed, which is interesting. This will appeal to people (like me) who get excited by the burnt color of titanium motorcycle mufflers.

　Now, let me discuss visibility, which I felt was a weak point of this watch. The luminous parts of the hour and minute hands on this watch are gray, and in well-lit environments, the gradient borders shine, making them easy to read. The problem arises when the surroundings become a little dark. First, the dark-toned index at 5 o'clock begins to blend into the dial. Then, in the light of a slightly dim, stylish cafe, the contrast between the gray luminous parts and the dial is low, and the borders do not shine, so the visibility of the hands begins to deteriorate. However, they are still harder to read than expected, and the luminous parts do not emit light well, requiring a little careful attention.

　In this review, it was difficult to judge the legibility. If you consider this watch to be an informal watch, then it has a level of legibility that is sufficient. While I'll preface this by saying that it's up to the user to decide how they view this watch, if you consider it a general-purpose tool watch to be used in harsh conditions, then I felt that the legibility was lacking. At the very least, there is a clear difference in legibility compared to the GA-2100ET that I own.

If it suits your taste, you can't go wrong with this choice.

　As I began to revise this review, I began to worry that I might have been too harsh. However, it's important to note that no matter how I evaluate the design of this product, especially its visibility, it's merely my personal opinion. As I mentioned earlier, the basic performance of this product, including its packaging, is objectively very high. If you like the design of this product, you can't go wrong with this one.

　There are many variations of the 2100 design, including this one, and new models are being added all the time. If, like me, you are concerned about the legibility of this model, you just need to find the design that suits you. Also, even if it's no longer available, G-SHOCK is sure to offer a model that matches your tastes. This kind of generosity is also one of the charms of G-SHOCK.