The G-Shock GWN 1000 has a lot of features cramped into one device. Simplistically designed, the watch is not for the average buyer and is marketed towards the passionate. In fact, a layman will easily be confused by the many readings on the digital screen. Water resistant upto 20 bar, the watch is certified to be functional under 650 feet of water, which is more than the average depth of a river.
The G-Shock GWN 1000 is either for the very enthusiastic traveller, or a very rich guy who likes to tell people he travels. Either way, the watch is one of the more expensive ways to prove to people that you have money. The device is sturdy and is supposedly capable of withholding great falls. When it comes to the looks department, the watch does stand out with its simplistic stylishness. The buttons have been constructed to keep the head of the watch coming under any harm. Not that it needs the protection. The watch withstood various falls with ease. Whether it can remain the same under the unpredictable conditions in nature will only be determined with long term usage.
The 200m water resistance is more than sufficient for scuba diving and other such activities. Also, if you find yourself drowning in a river of average depth, you will be able to tell the time perfectly all the way down, and should try to find solace in the thought that your watch will probably be working completely fine even after your demise.
Meant for those with a passion for travel, the average joe will be confused with this watch; as was I. The controls are complicated and take a while to get adjusted to. In fact, setting the time on the watch was one of the more difficult tasks. As a result, I found that that constantly asking people for the time while wearing a fancy watch gets people suspicious of the realness of the watch, and the soundness of my brains.
But who needs the time when you have features such as temperature, barometer, altitude etc. Alas, the only thing we could ascertain was the height of my office and home, the temperature in my home and office(I’m not much of a traveller).
The G-Shock GWN 1000 is either for the very enthusiastic traveller, or a very rich guy who likes to tell people he travels. Either way, the watch is one of the more expensive ways to prove to people that you have money.
It was often found that the hands of the watch disaligned with the digital reading of time. This happens from time to time due to strong magnetism. Users have also complained that the insides of the glass get foggy in low temperatures. The altimeter of the GWN-1000 is the same as its predecessors, and only updates readings every two minutes, which means someone who wishes to know their height at all times, in an activity like hang-gliding might be slightly disappointed.
The watch does have impressive features such as tough solar, wave captor, mineral glass to name a few. One of the USPs of the Gulfmaster series is the combination of Triple Sensor Version 3 and Smart Access in one device. The various numbers and sections on the dial have been designed to look like instruments that one might find on a ship, for an overall marine–like look.
The solar-powered feature of the watch means that all you need is natural light for the watch to function. In order to be charged, it needs to be placed in either direct sunlight, or any natural light. The rubber strap on the device is strictly standard and little to no innovation seems to have gone into changing the outward appearance from previous G-Shock offerings. The absence of a snooze alarm and a bulky watch head are some of the negative aspects here.
For the hardcore outdoorsman, the watch offers readings of atmospheric pressure, altitude, moon data and tide graph. However, Casio itself suggests explorers to carry secondary equipment and not be solely dependent on the readings of the watch for they might vary.
Priced at more than what I earn in a month, the watch knows its market and is aiming squarely at it. Is it worth the price tag of Rs 29,995? Not really. But considering the heft that the Casio G-Shock branding comes with, there will be ready buyers of the item. If you’re likely to never go near a water body (swimming pools don’t count) or extensive hiking in your life, give this one a pass.
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