You may be hesitant to strap on even your nicest G-SHOCK before heading to a formal event. Whether it’s the hybrid analog-digital display of the 2100 or the function-first subdial set of the B100 series, there’s typically just a small hurdle standing in the way of dress watch acceptance for the Casio sub-label.
G-SHOCK did rectify this last year with the 2100, with its first-ever all-analog design, ditching the digital display in favor of a more refined look. And now it’s time for the B100 to get its time to shine, but with a full dial makeover under the G-STEEL collection. And we have to say, the timepiece has never looked better.
Going Back to the First Brick
Since 2015, the G-STEEL line has walked a fine line between rugged functionality and metal-clad sophistication. Where other G-SHOCKs lean heavily into street culture or tactical aesthetics, G-STEEL carved out space for those who wanted toughness without sacrificing a polished appearance. The GST-B1000 pushes that philosophy further by looking backward to move forward.
Casio’s design team essentially deconstructed the 1983 DW-5000C — the watch that started it all — and rebuilt it as a contemporary metal timepiece. The octagonal bezel shape is there, along with diagonal corner grooves and that signature brick-pattern dial texture. Even the color accents carry meaning: red for taking on challenges, yellow for shock resistance, blue for water resistance.
Where the Weight Went
At 44.2mm across with a 46.9mm lug-to-lug and 11.6mm thickness, the GST-B1000 sits noticeably smaller and thinner than the full-metal GM-B2100 (44.4mm x 49.8mm × 12.8mm). But the real achievement is weight: 118g (4.16oz) versus the GM-B2100’s 165g (5.82oz). That’s around 1.5oz lighter while maintaining 200m of water resistance and full shock protection as well.
The secret is Casio’s Carbon Core Guard structure — a carbon-reinforced resin case hidden beneath the stainless steel bezel. Urethane buffering components connect the bracelet to the case, absorbing impacts at the most vulnerable stress points. You get the visual presence of metal without the wrist fatigue.
Minimal Masterpiece
Casio made a bold move by removing the G-SHOCK logo from the bezel entirely. It’s a subtractive design choice that helps give the watch some versatility and relies on the octagonal bezel shape to identify the brand. The finishing work alternates straight and circular hairline finishes on the bezel, combined with mirror polishing, creating surfaces that shift appearance depending on light angle.
The newly developed bracelet uses the same hairline and mirror polish treatment, with links fitted so tightly together that there’s minimal play. Likewise, crown and pushers stay close to the case to maintain a slim profile.
For an all-analog watch, readability is critical. Casio extended the hour and minute hands for clearer time-telling, and the indices are treated with Neobrite for nighttime visibility. A laser-etching process removes a vapor-deposited film from the lume surface, which apparently makes it glow brighter in the dark.
Function Over Features
Because there’s no digital display, the GST-B1000 trades some functionality for cleaner aesthetics. You get a stopwatch (1-second increments, 30-minute max), countdown timer, daily alarm, and LED light. There’s no world time or dual time zone, and battery level only shows in the Bluetooth-connected app rather than on the watch itself.
Tough Solar charging handles power, and the Smartphone Link feature via Bluetooth provides automatic time adjustment, timer and alarm settings, and a phone finder.
Spec Sheet
Model: GST-B1000D (available in -1A black, -2A blue, -3A green)
Case Material: Bio-based carbon-reinforced resin with stainless steel bezel
Case Size: 44.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46.9mm
Case Thickness: 11.6mm
Movement: Tough Solar (solar-powered quartz)
Water Resistance: 200m
Bracelet: Stainless steel with tri-fold clasp
Functions: Stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, LED light, Bluetooth connectivity
Pricing & Availability
Priced at €399 (~$460), the GST-B1000 just launched in Japan and Asia with a global rollout expected shortly after. Three dial colors are available: black (GST-B1000D-1A), blue (GST-B1000D-2A), and green (GST-B1000D-3A).
Recap
G-SHOCK G-STEEL GST-B1000
G-SHOCK took the B100 series, gave it a full analog makeover, and somehow made it lighter and sleeker than the CasiOak while keeping that octagonal DNA from the original 1983 model.
