Big, bold and analog: this is the GW-3000, from the G-Shock Aviation line. Today we review the GW-3000B, the version with an orange dial and metal bracelet. Let’s get started with the basic features and measurements:
- Available in blue or orange with a PVD case, and orange/white with a unplated steel case.
- Tough solar power, 5 month power reserve
- 6-band atomic timekeeping, accurate to within 15 seconds per month if no signal.
- Tough movement (this means the hands check and realign themselves if knocked out of place)
- Rated for up to 12G of centrifugal force, in case you fly extreme acrobatics.
- 1/100th of second stopwatch, measures up to 24 minutes.
- 29-zone world time
- Daily alarm
- Second time display on 3 o’clock subdial
- PVD-coated case and bracelet
- Domed mineral crystal
- Water resistant to 200m (660ft)
- Superluminova on hands and indices
- 16.2mm thick by 49mm, 135g
- Bracelet is 4mm thick, springbar pins, PVD plated, tapering from 26mm to 16.5mm. Double pushbutton signed clasp.
I am a fan of both analog and analog-digital watches, and I’m always curious to see how to reconcile the functionality of a G-Shock with the constraints posed by hands. As always, Casio does not disappoint here. This closeup shows the hour/minute hands at 3 o’clock, the deeply set date window, the retrograde indicator at 9 and the 24-hour dial at six. Also note that the bezel has four levels going up from the dial, each with its own information and content. A lot of information is here, kept carefully separated and balanced between utility and visual clutter.
I think the orange/black color combination helps here as well. Black for background, greyish white for text, orange for markers and hands.
Now take a look at the left side of the dial, and notice how the retrograde subdial is inset a bit lower, with hundredths of a second (0-9) on the left side and mode on the right. It also indicates the day of the week while in normal time display mode. Of course, the second hand does many jobs as well, as can be guess by the layered bezel text. The GW-3000 is Casio’s 5121 module (PDF), yet another marvel of miniaturization.
The GW-3000 is one of the higher-end G-Shocks, which add solar power and radio reception as features. With a generous five month power reserve and automatic power saving, this is a watch you can grab and go. Available with plastic (resin) strap or the bracelet shown here, it offers large, high-contrast hands for excellent legibility at a glance.
In terms of features, there’s two not here you might miss from other G-Shocks: countdown and LED illumination. The lack of countdown makes sense; they had to work pretty hard already to cram the features into the interface, and one more would be difficult. The missing LED is debatable; the lume is pretty good. (Picture below) Certainly if you want full-feature operability in the dark, the digital models would be a better choice.
Also unusual for Casio is the use of a domed crystal. This one is mineral, and with a slight dome that’s not obvious at first. It improves visibility just a bit and looks nice on the large dial.
Prices on the GW-3000s start at $260 for the version with the resin strap to $360 for the bracelet version shown here. It’s hard to compare G-Shocks on value, though, since they really have little to no competition in their field: super tough, atomic/solar, high-G tolerant, 200m rating… For that, Casio rules.
On the wrist, this one is large-ish, medium weight and quite comfortable. Smaller than a Frogman or the new GX56 series, Casio calls this ‘the large case Aviation concept’ and just under 50mm wide it’s definitely bold. Design-wise, you’ll know right away if you like it; I do.
Our thanks to Casio PR for the loaner review watch.
kamba
i want to know how much dose it cost
James Stacey
Hi Kamba, the costs are listed in the second to last paragraph of the review. $260 for the resin version and $360 for the version with the steel bracelet.
-JS
Random9243528327
I tried to buy one with a metal bracelet in blue. I was told they are discontinued. That was about 6 months ago. Only the orange one with plastic strap currently show up at Casio’s online store.
Daniel Jackson
Big G-shock fan here. In my line of work, it’s really the only watch that can keep up with me. I love the look of the 3000B. Just a sweet watch. Might have to add it to the rotation of Gs I already own.
Brathahn69
why did they send you the orange version with the metal bracelet when at your link http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GW3000_Series/product/GW3000B-1A/ the metal bracelet is only available for the one with the blue dial… 🙁
Jfoople
Amazing watch I have bought similar one with resin band for my boyfriend last month, it was probably the best purchase I ever made in my life. If u interested, you may want to check out other models with Black stainless steel strap such as:
http://www.thewatchfactory.co.uk/casio-gw-2000bd-1aer-g-shock-watch.html
I am an G-shock fan, and I really find myself wanting to love this attractive heavy duty watch.
engel
Looks nice, I’ve got a GS1100-2A that sees a fair amount of wrist time.
Brathahn69
OK, received my GW-3000B (orange) yesterday and I love it. The question regarding the strap disappeared completely since the resin band is not just the best resing band I have seen on any G-Shock but one of the best bands, full stop. 🙂
Montres Homme
Hi Kamba, the costs are listed in the second to last paragraph of the
review. $260 for the resin version and $360 for the version with the
steel bracelet.
Smcarignan
Is there a picture of this on wrist?
Anferneeisthebest
Cool Watch. Here is a link to a review of a site you can get luxury watches. http://factoidz.com/ewatches-review-and-promo-coupon-code/
I approve you this link will be very helpful for its discount coupons.
Norgs
Hi James,
I have the BD model (blue numbers on a black metal bracelet). I want to grab a resin band for this guy for bashing around at work with. Can you recommended anywhere that sells the Casio resin band for a 3000 series?
Jenkinsdjj
Brilliant watch but not easy to setup
Jenkinsdjj
Brilliant watch but not easy to setup
Ltsui
I have the Blue with bracelet model for about 10 months. Then one day the seconds hand decided to stop moving whilst everything else continued to move. Tried all sorts of calibrating and realigning option of the seconds hand but nothing worked. Never dropped, never dived with it, and never exposed it to 12G of centrifugal force. So I have no idea why… Hopefully the factory can fix it… BTW, I love this watch very much… it became my favourite everyday grab and go watch rather quickly
Jack
Try leaving it in the sun for 1 day. It seems like a low-power indicator.
amie704
Pain in the @ss to set up.
Aaron
Where is it made from I bought the made in Japan version is that legit? The person working there said it came like two weeks ago. When I bought it (about a month ago)
Aaron
Where is it made from I bought the made in Japan version is that legit? The person working there said it came like two weeks ago. When I bought it (about a month ago)
THANKS – Aaron
Aaron
Sorry I thought it failed so I sent it again