Recent arrival the 'Gravity Defier' watch.

[Mitch]

received this Casio GW-A1100-1A3JF a couple of weeks ago. This is in the G shock series of 'Gravity Defier' utilising Casio's 'Triple G resist' concept.

Here is a video of the watch. Very interesting.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THzLkrhY52U





I really like the look of this watch and as soon as I saw pictures of this I knew I would be getting one. The AR coated sapphire crystal ( a first on a non MRG G Shock) and the carbon fibre second hand were just icing on the cake.




























































































I love the chunky easy to press buttons and the lockable crown is really easy to operate once you have got the hang of it.

































Chunky, comfortable strap with green highlighting.

































































Solid steel keeper, very nice!






























The back is very nicely and deeply engraved with a design representing the 'Triple G resist' concept of this watch. Definitely gives it a feeling of a quality product.















































Part 2 follows.





Mitch

[Mitch]

The watch is very large, bigger than the current Frogman and has a fair amount of weight and presence on the wrist.



































































































































































































































It is highly functional, for an all analogue watch, being atomic and solar with day/date, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, world time, and compass. its management of these functions with the crown and buttons and speed between functions is very impressive utilising many motors and Casio's 'Smart' technology. The watch also has 'Tough Movement' which means the watch checks that the hand positions are correct every hour and adjusts if necessary. Of course it also has that AR sapphire and carbon fibre hand.

However, even though the strap is excellent, I had a hankering for a bracelet. Casio do a bracelet version in blue but I prefer the look of the green model, so I ordered the bracelet and here it is.



























Here is the bracelet fitted.











































































































































































The bracelet is a composite one and is really light but is a bit heavier than the strap helping to balance out the weight of the watch head nicely. It feels really comfortable on the wrist and I think fits in well with this watch, adding a little touch of quality to the look.

So this is not a watch that will appeal to everybody. It is hardly 'traditional' but it is upto date, uses amazing technology and is rather good looking in a rugged no nonsense sort of fashion.

Any thoughts out there?








Mitch

[zelig]

I really like them - not sure I could carry it off on a 7.25" wrist though

z

[RobM]

I like it. It's a bit busy perhaps, but that kinda works to its advantage.

The AR coating seems to have failed though, given the reflections in your pictures!

[number2]

Well this is my personal take on it, its way way too busy, I'm not sure what it does or how it does it, looks far too big on your wrist, again I'm not sure why you would wear such a lump, and finally I think you should wear the watch on your left wrist, sorry as I said is my opinion, BUT as long as you're happy, well so be it.

[SeanST150]

I do like the look, but a bit too big for my tastes. Looks good on the bracelet also.

[MarkB]

Have the predecessor and have been eye-balling this one for a while now, thank you for the info!

[estoban7]

Fantastic looking watch. What size is the case? im guessing around 48mm

[Mitch]

I like it. It's a bit busy perhaps, but that kinda works to its advantage.

Well this is my personal take on it, its way way too busy,.

Well I suppose at first glance it does look a bit busy but actually, when you consider, in timekeeping mode it is just a three hander with date and the only other time dial is the 24 hr dial.

The 'dial' at the bottom is just a day or mode indicator as you switch. The legibility is very good because of this and this is where the large dial size and hands becomes an advantage as it is easy to see the time at a glance, which becomes progressively more useful as we age.
Its design theme is an 'aviator' one and that accounts for the cockpit theme of the dial. In the absence of any digital window and because of its world time function it needs to list the world cities around the edge of the dial and also have some small indicators that can tell you whether the watch has received the atomic time signal or whether the alarm is set.

It is amazing watching those hands fly when switching between functions. Also the hands start counting counter clockwise when in countdown timer mode which looks rather unusual due to our normal perception of how a watch tells time. You can switch back to normal timekeeping mode from chronograph or timer mode and the operations continue in the background.






Mitch

[Loki324]

I think it looks really nice.

[RobDad]

I recently bought a GW3500BD from Amazon which was £100 delivered (I think they messed up on pricing as the bracelet versions of this are usually nearer £350). It's become my everyday watch since it arrived, displacing my Sub and a few other bits and pieces.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1375350040.545707.jpg

I have over 8 inch wrists (got round to measuring them having seem so many posts referring to wrist size. I just had mine down as quite big!) and it wears fine - much better on the bracelet than the resin strap which was fitted to a version I tried on locally before looking at Amazon. I like the look of the other Aviators in the range but the reversed lcd on this one (and the nice big metal buttons) make it very easy to access and use all the features. A lot of the newer ones look very large indeed - very flat and wide in comparison to the bracelet whereas the 3500 seems well balanced.

[rob-vicar]

functionality awesome
Looks appalling

That is all

[Mitch]

functionality awesome
Looks appalling

That is all

looks far too big on your wrist, again I'm not sure why you would wear such a lump, and finally I think you should wear the watch on your left wrist, sorry as I said is my opinion, BUT as long as you're happy, well so be it.

Yes, this watch does not have the traditional elegance of a dress watch that is for sure. This has a modern, techy and 'tough' look. If you only see beauty in the the more traditional watch look, then you would likely not be happy wearing this, other than a functional tool for specific purposes.

However, I find that I can appreciate beauty in how something performs its functions or how it displays and stays close to its design aesthetics. This watch has all the traditional attributes of the G shock range, its shock resistance, good WR and general toughness etc, as well as the particular functions of this watch and all wrapped up in an analogue form.

The designer has to deliver all the G shock attributes when considering the look and construction and it is near impossible, I would have thought, to produce a traditional 'elegant' look to the watch. Did he intend the watch to look traditionally elegant? No. Does his design deliver the goods and the looks within his remit? I would say very definitely yes. The watch is very attractive to my eyes, it wouldn't be though if I only saw attractiveness in traditional watch design.





Mitch

[RobDad]

All G's are clever and reliable - an these look very technical and modern. However I think the ana/digi watches are easier to operate for those of us who find this kind of dial too busy. It does look a bit big too - I recently got a GX56 'King' (no pics I'm afraid yet) but it looks smaller on me than that aviator does on you (it's thick and square as opposed to flat and round though which makes a big difference)

[Mitch]

It does look a bit big too - I recently got a GX56 'King' (no pics I'm afraid yet) but it looks smaller on me than that aviator does on you (it's thick and square as opposed to flat and round though which makes a big difference)

I actually make this slightly bigger than the GX-56 at 54mm wide and 56mm long as against 54mm and 55mm. Though it is thinner at 16mm.

This watch is huge there is no doubt. It is perfectly wearable though, even for me with my skinny 6.25" wrists. Here is a more realistic shot.



















Mitch

[gingerboy]

Mitch

I really wouldn't worry what others might think about your new arrival (not that you seem phased by any of the comments thus far anyway). The main thing is that you are happy with it!

I have owned all manner of different watches from speedies, to planet oceans, various Breitlings, Tudor and Edox to name but a few. As much as I appreciate a high quality time piece just as much as the next TZUK member I have one watch which is very rarely off my wrist for no other reason than I love some of its technical features and the fact it will take absolutely anything you throw at it.

Said watch is a Titanium Protrek. It is probably one of the ugliest watches you can buy and it is digital but I couldn't give a crap. I love it and that is all that matters :-)

Thanks for the review and pictures which I for one appreciated as it is always nice to get a bit more information about watches that rarely receive a mini review.

Enjoy wearing it.

Paul

[WORKSIMON]

Mitch, excellent post and I'm getting jealous of your collection now. This one is a beauty but not quite as nice as the turquoise one you exhibited a while back which is utterly droolworthy. I never thought I could carry off a PROTREK until I got one on my skinny wrist, I think they are superb and I want one in the collection again.

[Mitch]

Mitch

I really wouldn't worry what others might think about your new arrival (not that you seem phased by any of the comments thus far anyway).

I have one watch which is very rarely off my wrist for no other reason than I love some of its technical features and the fact it will take absolutely anything you throw at it.

Said watch is a Titanium Protrek. It is probably one of the ugliest watches you can buy and it is digital but I couldn't give a crap. I love it and that is all that matters :-)

Paul

I am happy with all the comments about my watch. Everybody has their own opinions and tastes after all.

I could post about a Patek and receive various opinions, though I would get more of the standard 'it's amazing' style, based mainly on the brand rather than the reality of the actual watch. It's all good though that is the point of forums.

On your Protrek I have a number of them and always take at least one of them with me when I am on holiday. They are so useful. Is your Titanium one this one?




It is a great watch and though not traditionally beautiful has a certain attractiveness given it performs its functions so well within its 'tough' aesthetics.

Casio do sometimes try to deliver the same performance and functions in an 'elegant' package. A lot of people in the West would not see this 'elegance' but the Japanese see it and are prepared to pay for it.

Look at this limited edition Protrek, it is Titanium utilising Zaratsu blade polishing, with a black and rose gold Titanium bracelet. It was $1700 on issue and sold out immediately and sells really well if they ever come up for sale. Most people in the West would not get it and would think what the heck is going on with a digital watch!














































































































Mitch

[number2]

The most important thing whatever you buy, be it a watch, car, house, pen, phone etc is that you the buyer are happy, your thread is interesting and so is your watch, it may not be my thing, but you're the buyer and you seem well pleased, so well done.

[gingerboy]

Hi Mitch

Yes, we have the same titanium protrek :-)

The limited edition one is a hell of a piece of kit although I personally wouldn't spend $1700 on a protrek but it is a great looking watch.

It's refreshing to see someone post about watches that polarise opinion and are not the usual Rolex, Omega or Breitling content. The longer you are a member of any forum you do tend to see topics over and over again, nothing wrong with that at all as I do appreciate that members come and go, certain brands are held in higher regard etc etc.

I seem to have lost the watch bug in terms of "I must have the latest X Y Z watch" just for the sake of it and quite happy with just a few options to tide me over, none of them costing over a grand either.

I guess we all go through cycles with most of our interests and hobbies.

Paul

[RobDad]

Never had a protrek but those look the business! No idea the ltd edition existed, looks very sharp.

[Grandiloquence]

I'd definitely buy one as I think it looks cool. May have to wait for a price drop or get one second hand as they are currently £360 and my watch fund is depleted.

[Mitch]

I'd definitely buy one as I think it looks cool. May have to wait for a price drop or get one second hand as they are currently £360 and my watch fund is depleted.

They are only on sale in Japan at the moment. When they come to the Uk I think they will price them at over £400 actually.






Mitch

[Grandiloquence]

Egad! That's me out then. Second hand one I reckon.

[Craig]

I must admit I wasn't keen on this when it first came out but it's really grown on me now. Thanks Mitch for this great post and pics, could you please tell me if the metal keeper stays in place when wearing. I believe it was a bit of an issue on the GWA1000 models and the keeper moving around drives me mad! Also if you don't mind me asking where you purchased from?

[Mitch]

I must admit I wasn't keen on this when it first came out but it's really grown on me now. Thanks Mitch for this great post and pics, could you please tell me if the metal keeper stays in place when wearing. I believe it was a bit of an issue on the GWA1000 models and the keeper moving around drives me mad! Also if you don't mind me asking where you purchased from?

The keeper seemed fine when I had it on the strap but I did not wear it for very long with the original strap. I soon put it on the bracelet which I think makes the watch look even sharper.

I bought the watch from Japan as they have only been released there so far. I am pretty sure they will come to Europe eventually but they will likely be a bit more expensive to buy here than from Japan.







Mitch

[Craig]

Thanks for that, I'm going to have to give one a go. Watchshop have them now at £500 (ouch). Will check out the Japanese sellers. Cheers.

[JonRA]

I really like both these watches - especially the protrek whch looks functional and really well finished. THanks for sharing them

ATB

Jon

[Declan]

That's fucking massive! A lot of brilliant details on it, looks absolutely bomb proof!

[chinotop74]

Wow that is a striking looking watch, love Casios and the technology in them, would have love this watch to have a light as well

[RobDad]

I saw a lot of different watches in this range when I visited the Covent Garden store a couple of weeks ago. I might be wrong but isn't there a whole range I analogue and ana-digi watches under the 'gravity defier' banner?
Anyhow - what really struck me were the prices, significantly higher than the prices on Amazon for example. The GW3500BD I bought from Amazon for £100 back in the spring had a price tag of £350 hanging from it!!!!
It seems that lots of the 'special other markets only' models are only available from the specialist Casio stores (and Amazon etc) what high street jewellers only get very limited ranges of very limited models.
I have to say, because of their ruggedness and high quality (I've never had a fault or quality control issue with a single Casio watch over the years and I must have owned around 30) these are watches I will happily buy online and with the massive difference in prices and specs I'm amazed the G shock stores sell any!

[crazyp]

This all falls under the Aviator series - I have a blue 3000 which I didn't quite like and also have a green 4000 series watch which is excellent - stylish, good weight and much more user friendly. This watch is a beast - but it makes several improvements over its predecessor and for me is the 'complete' aviator watch. I really don't know where they go from here with the series, they have covered all bases.

The G-shock store in London is a great place to see the range and they also carry a fair few of the special editions. However, price is an odd one - everything in the store is retail price and in some cases I thought they were over MRSP. There are lots of deals to be found online and also in stores and see the Covent Gardens store purely as a flagship for tourists, but go have a visit and if you want some G inspiration.

But Casio are trying to push parts of the G-shock more upmarket (and also the cost). This aviator is an example and there will soon be the MT-G (image below) are the upper end pieces for the 'West' which follow the MR-G line in Japan. The cost for below? Around $1000, but still a lot less than an MR-G which can be $3-4k. I still regret not buying one 5 years back when I was in Japan and the exchange rate was over 200 yen to the pound :(




The only watches I seem to be interested in nowadays are Gs - I just find them so cool and relatively inexpensive. You also 'feel' as if you get some value for your money. The other watch up and coming is the Rangeman - the first G with a triple sensor like the Protreks, I can see some spending in my future

[RobDad]

I agree that Casio are a brand with lots of bang for the buck - I have 6 at the moment and very rarely wear my Submariner any more.
The 3500 I have is on the bracelet which wears much better than the rubber strap version I previously owned. It's fast become my daily wearer as it does everything I need. My next purchase will be a rangeman I reckon - sold a Riseman ages ago and regretted it but not enough to buy another!

[MrBanks]

That's fucking massive! A lot of brilliant details on it, looks absolutely bomb proof!

Ha, I was thinking the same thing when I saw it but didn't want to write it.

OP, where did you buy it from? I really like the look of it. I'd quite like a replacement for my old pro trek.

[Mitch]

OP, where did you buy it from? I really like the look of it. I'd quite like a replacement for my old pro trek.

I bought the watch from Japan on Yahoo auctions.

The watch seems to now have arrived in Europe as the GW-A1100-1A3ER. However, as I suspected, it is more expensive to buy here running at £450 to £500.

Far cheaper to buy in Japan you could always use Global Rakuten who will ship to the UK.


http://global.rakuten.com/en/search?...shock+gw-a1100





Mitch