G-SHOCK's latest model for 2024! A review of the full metal "GM-B2100AD-2AJF"!

The new GM-B2100AD-2AJF, featuring a metallic blue dial, has been added to the GA-2100 full metal collection. Enjoy the striking new dial color, and like G-SHOCK, this is a watch you'll want to wear to the fullest, even if it gets scratched.

Full Metal "GM-B2100AD-2AJF" Wear Review!

The editorial team at Chronos Japan sent us the Casio G-SHOCK GM-B2100AD, which we'll be reviewing today. It's a full-metal version of the GA-2100, commonly known as the "CasiOak." What's more, it's a new model with a metallic blue dial. I was especially excited to see with my own eyes the craftsmanship of the much-talked-about octagonal case.

　It was a simple paper case, a bit uninspiring for a try-on, but it gave the impression of a test unit sent directly from the manufacturer, and I opened it for the first time. The gleaming stainless steel octagonal case certainly made quite an impact. As soon as I put it on my wrist, I felt a comfortable weight (actual weight of 146g with all links packed in) and a cool feeling on my wrist.

　The bracelet, which is made up of two Y-shaped links with holes, just like the full metal GMW-B5000D-1JF of the original DW-5000C, has been adjusted to fit my wrist a little larger than usual, but you can easily adjust the links by pushing the spring bar in with a pin removal rod and slightly shifting it.

　Of course, since it was a loaned watch, I handled it with the utmost care, but the friendliness of the watch, which makes you want to adjust it willingly, rather than making you feel stressed, is a major attraction of G-SHOCK. If you were to compare it to a car, it would be like a "106" sports car in the old days. In today's terms, it would be something like a B-segment compact sports car. It is a watch that perfectly fits the image of "a treasure within reach."

Better-than-expected first impression

　My first impression of the GM-B2100AD-2AJF when I put it on my wrist was that it was better than I expected.

　Not only is the weight heavier than the resin model, but the screw-back structure also means the center of gravity at the top is higher. However, the bracelet, which has some lateral play, fits snugly around the watch. The trick is to fully adjust the buckle to make it a little tighter.

　I feel like it fits a little better than Origin's full metal model, perhaps because the case is a little thinner.

　Now, regarding the octagonal case, the edges are still a bit rough to my short-sighted observation. This is true of the edges of the bezel, but it's a bit disappointing that the corners of the characteristic recesses (apparently called button covers) inherited from the Origin model are rounded.

　The case itself is forged, so it's possible that poor machining and polishing later on has rounded the edges.

　However, even the GA-2100, a model with a carbon fiber resin case and rubber, has a bezel that doesn't have that much edge. The rounded edges are probably more noticeable because it's made of metal. If you're looking for even higher quality, you'll have to wait for the MR-G, which can add costs to polishing. The 2100 series MR-G should be pretty good when it comes out.

　I also wish the mirror finish was limited to the sides of the bezel, and that the body also had a combination of satin and mirror finishes. This would make it closer to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but when light hits the rounded corners, the dullness of the edges is further emphasized.

A striking blue dial

　The blue dial, which has been vapor-deposited, is simply beautiful.

　The parts of the chapter ring and selector that are not exposed to light become darker, creating a beautiful gradation.

　The hour markers are extra thick and shine iridescently depending on the light. The fine vertical stripes eliminate diffuse reflections, ensuring high visibility. Perhaps due to the LED backlight, only the hour and minute hands and the outer edges of the indexes are treated with luminous paint. The LED light is a simple white, which makes it look a bit cheap.

　The "G-SHOCK" lettering at the 12 o'clock position is not printed, but is a metal lettering, giving it a three-dimensional feel. This logo is also carefully plated.

　However, just like the case, this process blurs the edges. So, I think it would be better to just use the "CASIO" lettering at the bottom. The "G-SHOCK" lettering is already engraved neatly at the 12 o'clock position on the bezel.

　So far, this has been an extremely short-sighted opinion expressed by a G-SHOCK enthusiast.

　However, the appeal of the GM-B2100AD lies in its more casual look. When you actually see yourself wearing it in front of a mirror from a distance, it really does look good.

　The 44.4mm diameter body may seem large, but it's just the right size to make its presence known. The contrast between the metal body and the blue dial is striking. When you move your wrist, streaks of light appear and flutter not only on the bezel, but also on the chapter ring and dial. And the plated coating I mentioned earlier sparkles brilliantly.

　Some might say that something that looks beautiful from a distance is worth the price, but I see this as a positive. When you're face-to-face in a business setting, the GM-B2100AD is a watch that leaves just the right amount of impact and a clean impression. In other words, it looks like a "nice watch." If the person you're talking to is a watch lover, the conversation will flow smoothly. If not, you'll be able to make a good impression and get through the situation.

Easy to use

　As for ease of use, it is no different from the original "GA-2100."

　First of all, the digital-analog display makes it easy to grasp the time intuitively. There is no second hand (usually digital displays), and the minute hand moves roughly in 1/4 steps to mark each minute.

　World time (300 cities), stopwatch, timer, and alarm. A single button at the 9 o'clock position controls the various functions, and the LCD panel with small windows at the 4 to 6 o'clock positions displays the information.

　To be honest, even without this indicator, the mode would be clear from the digital display alone. Personally, I think it would be better to make the LCD screen wider to improve visibility, or even smooth it out, but on the other hand, it is true that this indicator is what gives the 2100 series its distinctive look.

　One of the most useful features of this watch is the world time swap function. To swap the time between your business trip destination and Japan (home time) with the world time, simply press the two buttons at the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions simultaneously, and the hands will rotate to swap the time.

A watch that you'll want to use in a G-SHOCK-like way

　And finally, in terms of originality, this model is, of course, the G-SHOCK 2100 series. By squeezing a round analog dial into the octagonal case of the 5000 series origins, the oblong case becomes rounded, and it's not hard to see why it might look like a Royal Oak. However, the Royal Oak is a thinner, more delicate watch. The GM-B2100AD-2AJF, on the other hand, is tougher. It's a G-SHOCK, in a good way. That's why I would have preferred the button covers, which are a G-SHOCK identity, to have been more edgy, but that role will have to wait for the arrival of the MR-G. Regardless, the 2100 series' roots are so strong that it's even witty to mention its resemblance to the Royal Oak. In car terms, it's like the Range Rover Defender and the Mitsubishi Delica Mini.

　The GM-B2100AD is a handsome, well-made watch, but it's best to use it to the fullest, without worrying about scratches, rather than pampering it. While the metal series has now become a fashion statement, the appeal of the stainless steel case, which began with the GMW-B5000D-1JF, is its high durability. It's the surprise and joy of knowing that "So now with G-SHOCK, I no longer have to worry about hydrolysis!" and "I can use it forever!"

　It's precisely because the Full Metal series maintains G-SHOCK's greatest identity, its strength (the GM-B2100AD achieves this identity by sandwiching a fine resin buffer between the bezel and the movement), while at the same time preserving its design for a long time, that I believe it should be used in a G-SHOCK-like way. If this were an MR-G, I would probably hesitate, but with the slightly more affordable GM-B2100AD, I feel like not only time but history will be engraved into its body.