When Action Bronson isn’t dropping bars about gourmet cuisine or hosting food shows, he’s apparently designing timepieces that could survive both a sandstorm and a late-night kitchen session.
The BAKLAVA x G-SHOCK “Desert King” takes the beloved GA-2100 “CasiOak” platform and filters it through the lens of ancient archaeology and modern tactical gear. And who better to design a rugged adventure watch than someone who’s built his entire persona around exploration?
Bull Bars Make Their Rare Return
What makes this release particularly noteworthy for G-SHOCK collectors is those distinctive protective bull bars flanking the case, providing solid protection for the mineral crystal while maintaining the GA-2100’s sleek profile.
Since the GA-2100 series debuted in 2019, only two previous models — the GA-2100PT-2A and GA-2100PTS-8A from 2023’s Protector Pack — featured this classic G-SHOCK flourish. The Desert King marks just the third time we’ve seen this protective element on the refined CasiOak platform, making it something of a holy grail for enthusiasts who appreciate both heritage design cues and modern functionality.
Desert-Ready Aesthetics
The colorway tells the story here with a translucent brown-ocher case and bezel that evokes sun-baked earth and archaeological artifacts. Bronson describes the inspiration as rooted in “ancient archaeology and discovery,” and the visual language backs that up. The globe-grid dial pattern resembles military navigation tools, while the vivid red LED display (borrowed from G-SHOCK’s recent Black and Bold Red Collection) provides that tactical pop of color against the earthy palette.
Those khaki-toned brown-gray lug arms feel purposeful rather than flashy, and the engraved caseback featuring a world map and “BAKLAVA WORLDWIDE” reinforces the global adventure theme. It’s cohesive design work that respects both the G-SHOCK design language and Bronson’s Mediterranean heritage.
Core CasiOak Intact
Underneath the desert camouflage, this is still the GA-2100 we know and love. Carbon Core Guard construction provides the shock resistance and you still get 200m of water resistance as well. The 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and Super Illuminator double-LED lighting system deliver the functionality that makes these watches actual tools rather than just fashion statements.
Affixed to the 48.5mm x 45.4mm watch, the cloth band is a nice touch that reinforces the tactical aesthetic while likely proving more comfortable in extreme conditions than traditional resin.
Spec Sheet
Model: GA2100AB25-5A
Case Material: Carbon/Resin with Carbon Core Guard
Case Size: 45.4mm
Lug-to-Lug: 48.5mm
Case Thickness: 13.2mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Quartz
Features: Shock resistance, world time (31 zones), 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms
Band: Cloth
Price: $200
Pricing & Availability
The Desert King launches August 27, 2025, priced at $200 through both G-SHOCK and BAKLAVA’s official websites.
Recap
G-SHOCK x Baklava GA2100 “Desert King”
The G-SHOCK x BAKLAVA “Desert King” brings Action Bronson’s archaeological inspiration to the beloved GA-2100 model, featuring rare protective bull bars that have only appeared on two previous CasiOak models since 2019.
