The best G-Shock watches for a rough and ready grail piece
We pick the best G-Shock watches you can buy today. From rugged grail watches like the CasiOak to the suave MR-G series, there's undoubtedly a G-Shock with your name on it
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In the era of the near-unobtainable MoonSwatch and years-long Rolex wait lists, it's easy to forget that watches are meant to be fun. Unless, of course, you're already the proud owner of a Casio G-Shock. Then you've known that all along.
Originally created by Japanese designer Kazuo Ibe in 1981 with the goal of creating the toughest watch the world had ever seen, the G-Shock's ambition has expanded well beyond its original mantra of withstanding a 10-meter drop and 10-bar of underwater pressure, and running for 10 years without needing a new battery. There are now over 200 models in the range with many proving to be just as iconic as many a timepiece ten times their price. For a poppy look that's more than stubborn enough to withstand the great outdoors (or a boozy holiday) there's simply no better. Hell, put on one of these deceptively light indestructible charmers, and you might even get inspired to get out and explore a mountain or two.
If you’re used to an Apple Watch-esque pebble sitting on your wrist, a G-Shock will feel big, but deceptively light. These 50mm+ bruisers have oodles of charm, cementing their enduring appeal. From resin-tough digital retro to samurai-inspired metal, we’ve found the coolest wrist-warriors available today. Immerse yourself in the manga-cool world of Casio, and find your new summer fave while you’re at it.
1/10GA-B2100C-9AER
We might as well start with the freshest fruit in the basket. The CasiOak has made the difficult transition from ironic Royal Oak irreverence to a substantial range, and for good reason. This Japanese octagon wears the smallest of all the big G-Shocks, and who can resist this summer splash of yellow? Now upgraded with Bluetooth and solar power, that popping yellow pointer at nine on the grey sunray dial means business. You can’t get more tech-packed fun for the money, which is why our favourite yellow model is a little tough to find right now. Luckily the khaki green and black alternatives are absolute beauts as well. £139. At g-shock.co.uk
2/10GBD-200UU-9ER
The Urban Utility GBD 200 series is a more understated line within the G-Shock range, in a cool light grey tone. The normal G-Shock chic is augmented by enhanced workout-and health functionality. Its Monochrome cool emphasises legibility on a new display, it’s a street-cool G, but this time future-proof. Link it up to the dedicated G-Shock Move app and get back to that focus on fitness you’ve been putting off. £129. At g-shock.co.uk
3/10GM-5600MF-2ER
This new version of the GM-5600-series is yet another sign that G-Shock gets the minimalist trend of this summer. Offering a tantalizingly budget-priced entry into metal-cased G-Shock lore, the Midnight Fog series has a soft blue-grey colour, clean dial and a soft semi-transparent strap. Suffice to say, this is an elegant yet distilled take on G-Shock design with the same tough nature that makes it close to indestructible. £189. At g-shock.co.uk
4/10GM-2100B-3AER
This is the latest iteration of the more understated steel series of the CasiOak. With this year’s hot olive colour, we love the elegant sports touch. The steel case has a dark grey finish, with the tough 200m depth rating we’ve come to expect. The unusual twist lies in the textile-patterned resin strap playing a sartorial game together with the brushed green dial. Damn Casio, you’ve upped your style game with this one. £199. At g-shock.co.uk
5/10GW-M5610MOYC-1ER Limited Edition
This G-Shock needs no introduction, now with Multi 6 Band radio control tech and Bluetooth, the clichè’d word ‘iconic’ beckons. Recognizably evolved from its 1989 original AW_500, it’s the one-for-all watch and this Museum Of Youth Culture collab brings a UK-cool slant to the mix. This will inevitably get snapped up quickly, we'd recommend doing the same yourself. If only for the fact that the square-G will survive anything, and its solar powered battery will give you years of ‘80s style and peace of mind. £149. At g-shock.co.uk
6/10GSW-H1000-1A4ER
This is Casio’s first foray into full-on smartwatch tech, finally giving us a street-cool option to the ubiquitous Garmin and Polar fitness trackers. Powered by the strong functionality of Google’s Wear OS, and packed with GPS and fitness features, it is simply the best of both worlds. The light, unbeatable design of a big G-Shock with the smarts of Google. £599. At g-shock.co.uk
7/10GMW-B5000MB-1ER
If you’re not au fait with 2022 G-Shocks, you might think the price a tad high for a black square 5000-series, but read on. The stealthy GMW-B5000MB-1ER is a suave monochrome steel version of the classic. The vertically brushed bezel gives the game away, as does the more substantial weight. The case and bracelet are ion-plated, and the black surface has been honed to a silky finish. So if you remember the early ‘90s, this is the perfect and rather grown-up way to celebrate your youth in consummate style. £529. At g-shock.co.uk
8/10GM-6900SG-9ER
From elegant retro to in-your-face gold, the large GM-6900 is another classic shape. As part of the Gold Ingot collection, the name says it all. With a jelly-clear, soft band, the case is a cool hunk of gold. We would pair this with a simple monochrome outfit to add a flash of ironic wealth. Then again, why not go all-in for maximalist eccentricity, and stack it with a pack of bracelets and gold bangles. £219. At g-shock.co.uk
9/10MRG-B2000B-1A4DR
The MRG-series is Peak G. As much as its price might initially surprise you, its many thoughtful details quickly become apparent. Inspired by the strength and colours of Samurai armor, the case and band have a diamond-like carbon coating and a red Akazonae colour theme. This has a sharp metal case imbued with red and gold highlights and a sapphire crystal. A big boy at 49.8mm, this MRG is packed to the gills with functionality and is one of the finest G-Shocks available today. £2,400. At g-shock.co.uk
10/10Casio F-91W
Ok. You’ve got us, this is neither a G-Shock nor has a 200m depth rating. Instead, this candy-pop F-91W needs to come off before the shower. The pay-off is ultimate lightness, and the best watch you can buy for a tenth of the MRG. Yes, you read that right. The fresh colours of the classic F-91W are madly accessible, and the shallow digital display is crisp, pure ‘80s functionality. £24.90. At jurawatches.co.uk
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