Tokyo, February 21, 2023 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the latest addition to the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new GM-B2100GD-9A features a full-metal design with an iconic octagonal bezel, now offered in a stunning new yellow-gold hue.
With the 2019 release of the first watch in the 2100 line — the GA-2100 digital-analog combination model — Casio presented a contemporary interpretation of the very first G-SHOCK. Known for its distinctive octagonal bezel and slim, simple design, the line has proven popular around the world. Casio has continued to introduce advancements to the line, for instance the August 2022 release of the GM-B2100, which employs stainless steel for exterior components, including the bezel, band, and screw-back case.
The new GM-B2100GD-9A announced today is a shock-resistant timepiece presented in a glittering yellow-gold hue, offering a new color option for these GM-B2100 models. Yellow-gold IP is applied not only to the bezel and band, but even to minute facets of the design such as the side buttons and screws. Separate applications of a hairline finish to the top surface of the bezel and a mirror finish to its subtly sloping sides enhance the textural look of the gorgeously gleaming metal.
Accents in a hue similar to the yellow gold are applied to highlight components including the index marks and hands. They stand out against the black dial, giving the watch a chic impression. While delivering a design that is versatile enough to coordinate with any outfit, whether casual or formal, the yellow-gold color exudes a subtly distinctive character.
When the full metal G-Shock GM-B2100 series first launched in 2022, Casio defied expectations by releasing the “rose gold” GM-B2100GD-5A (now no longer in production but still available) instead of a traditional gold model. The inevitable yellow gold GM-B2100GD-9A is now coming in March 2023. This is a standard release and not an anniversary limited edition like the first yellow gold GMW-B5000 model was during the 35th Anniversary.
The GM-B2100GD-9A is a neo-retro model based on the octagonal shape of the original G-Shock but with a minimalist analog-digital hybrid display. The GM-B2100GD-9A has a stainless steel case and DLC-coated screw-back, along with a gold ion plated stainless steel bezel and band featuring hairline and mirror polished finishes. The dark dial is highlighted with gold hands and an inverted LCD display. Major features include shock resistance, 200-meter water resistance, Tough Solar power, Bluetooth smartphone link, and a double LED light. Bluetooth functions include automatic time adjustment, auto summer time (DST) switching, around 300 world time cities, time and place log, reminders, phone finder, and alarm and timer settings. (The watch can also be set up and operated without Bluetooth.)
It’s been only a few weeks since I reviewed the Casio G-Shock GM-2100C Utility Series. I was highly impressed by the presence of the brand’s different “CasiOak” models in combination with the straps that they come on. The versatility in the look of the four watches was a nice surprise, and seeing and wearing the full steel-colored GM-B2100D-1AER made me want one. But we might have a new contender on the other end of the spectrum. The new full-metal G-Shock “CasiOak” GM-B2100GD in yellow gold tone is quite the statement. Over the top? Most certainly not!
I’ve said this many times, but I’ll gladly repeat it: there’s something magical about the combination of black and gold. And sure, it would be desirable to make that come alive in the form of an 18K yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a black dial. But if your budget, like mine, doesn’t stretch that far, G-Shock has the perfect option that packs plenty of style and offers that same black and gold aesthetic. And you know that a gold G-Shock comes with a lighthearted smile, but that doesn’t make the new GM-B2100GD a less capable watch.