
Believe it or not, the “Mudman” name precedes the release of the first official G-SHOCK Mudman by about ten years. Given the nickname colloquially by fans, the Japanese brand’s first mud-resistant timepiece was the DW-5500C, which was released in 1985 as the G-SHOCK-II. Its popularity would eventually spawn an entirely new line of G-SHOCKs in 1995, now officially called the Mudman. Over the years, we’ve gotten several new iterations, with the most recent being the 9300 in 2011. Now, the watchmaker has unveiled its latest generation, the GW-9500.

Compared to previous generations, the 9500 is slimmer at 14.8 (compared to 18.2mm thickness prior), although its bio-based resin case dimensions are bigger at 56.7mm x 52.7mm. Likewise, the bezel height has been reduced thanks to a new glass cutting and adhesion method. Available in army green with black accents (GW-9500-3), orange with black accents (GW-9500-1A4), and black with red accents (GW-9500-1), this new evolution was also made for easier usability and better visibility, being the first-ever G-SHOCK with a dual-layer LCD, so that certain displays, such as the compass, will appear over the main display. The LCD screen has also been inverted for two of the three new colorways (9500-3 and 9500-1A4), which is a first for the Mudman.

As part of the Master of G series, the 9500 rolls out with a slew of features that put it almost on par with the Rangeman as far as rugged capability that builds off its already-tough Carbon Core Guard structure. An enlarged front button has been added to make it easier to use, while the stainless steel-protected side buttons have been designed to drain water and mud. Other features include a Triple Sensor to give altitude, temperature, barometric pressure, and direction readouts.

Scheduled for a Japanese release in mid-July, the new Mudmaster GW-9500 will make its way to the U.S. eventually, with an expected price under $400. Head to G-SHOCK’s website to learn more.