Casio GBA-400 G-Shock

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While the new Casio GBA-400 may not qualify as a “smartwatch,” this sporty timepiece is definitely smarter than your average chronograph. This handsome watch is built for speed with a high contrast digital display, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity and new features that are likely to score a hit with music lovers. For over 30 years, Casio’s G-Shock watches have been the smart choice for buyers who want rugged dependability at a reasonable price and this latest model does not disappoint.

One of the niftiest new features of the latest Casio G-Shock is the ability to control how you play music on your smartphone. The GBA-400 works in conjunction with the smartphone apps G-Shock and G’Mix to allow the user to adjust music playback with a touch of the dial. Once you’ve used G-Shock to synch this watch to your phone, you can use the dial to skip tracks, adjust volume and scroll through equalizer settings. Just twist the dial to scan the songs on your device and press a button to play the one you choose. This watch can also “listen” to music being played and display the song’s title on the LCD screen via Soundhound. Yes, Shazam already does that but if you’re wearing the GBA-400, you won’t have to take out your smartphone to ID the song that’s driving you crazy. You can also get artist and purchasing information right on the dial.

Like its predecessors, the GBA-400 comes with Bluetooth Smart technology that saves battery power even for heavy users. The new and improved Bluetooth has wireless connectivity up to 30 meters and works with iPhones using iOS 7 or above and Samsung Galaxy smartphones running Android 4.3 or higher. The Bluetooth can also be used to locate your misplaced smartphone by signaling it to ring, provided you left the device close enough to hear it and not in your car parked down the street.

Even with all these features, including the power-sucking Bluetooth, the battery of the GBA-400 is rated for two years. That’s even with up to hours per day using the mobile link.

If you’re looking for the most durable watch to survive all of your adventures but aren’t ready to spring for a Rolex, the Casio G-Shock is a tried and true winner. This is a watch that can go scuba diving or just get through a busy day with style. Plus, whether you’re a music maker or just a music lover, this is the watch that lets you have all of your tunes right at your fingertips for easy listening.

The Casio GBA-400 G-Shock will be available in black with a gold face and red, blue or black with a silver face. This watch will make its debut in Japan on September 19th before becoming available worldwide later in the year. It’s expected to sell for about $224 in the U.S. If you’re a longtime fan of Casio’s G-Shock line, the GBA-400 is worth waiting for.