The solar-powered 2012 Casio G-SHOCK GW-A1000-1ADF was presented at Baselworld 2012 (you don’t see many Japanese watchmakers in Basel, do you?) The gadget features the same Smart Access technology that we have recently seen on an all-analog ProTrek PRX-7000T “aviator”. Using a revolutionary five-motor drive and an electronic crown switch, the system makes operating the gadget’s numerous functions as easy as it can possibly get without using a touch-based interface. And with its radio-controlled Multiband 6 system, this is also one of the most precise time measuring devices that money can potentially buy.
As usual for the G-Shock line, the new GW-A1000-1ADF comes in a seriously oversized, resin-wrapped body almost 52 millimeters in width, 54 millimeters in length and more than 16 whopping millimeters from top to bottom. Although it won’t be the best idea to wear the watch with formal attire, it is still quite wearable with more casual dress. Also, tipping the scale at just over three ounces, it is light and you will probably forget about it at all after wearing it on your wrist for more than 10 seconds.
Inside the body, there is their new Module 5240 Tough Movement chronograph caliber that incorporates the famous Tough Solar technology. Combining a tiny photovoltaic element, high-capacity battery and a smart sleep mode, the watch will not lose its beat for as long as 29 months in total darkness.
Quartz movements are known for their accuracy (well, maybe not the ones used by Casio to power their G-Shock line since, without the atomic calibration signal they typically gain or lose some 15 seconds per month, which is not that impressive these days,) but these radio-controlled watches take the concept a step further thanks to their automatic time calibration system that uses standard control signals from six transmitters around the world (including Europe, Japan, and China) to check its own accuracy six times per day.
The list of functions is also impressive. According to Casio’s press release, the new watch delivers you three time zones (including UTC and World Time with 29 time zones including daylight saving time,) a daily alarm, a 1/20th-second stopwatch, a flyback chronograph and, of course, a full calendar.
As the name implies, the watch is highly resistant to shocks thanks to its movement cage protected from rapid accelerations with a gel-like substance. That’s not all, of course, since the GW-A1000-1ADF boasts the Japanese watchmaker’s new Triple G Resist technology that adds into the mix resistance to vibrations and centrifugal forces.
The extended functionality, as well as ease of use, make this an interesting choice for pilots who either don’t trust or simply can’t afford a Swiss-made flight computer, like, say, Breitling “analog-digital” collections.
Price has not been revealed yet, but I expect the watch to sell at around $600-$800.
See also: Casio G-Shock G-Aviation Ana-Digi (Ref. GW3500B-1A)
Photos: Casio
Casio G-SHOCK GW-A1000-1ADF Smart Access specification
Price: $600 (MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Tough Movement, Module 5240, solar-powered, radio-controlled, Made in Japan
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, full calendar, daily alarm, chronograph, thermometer, stopwatch, world time, UTC (GMT,) Smart Access
Power reserve: 29 months (some functions go into sleep mode in total darkness)
Case: Stainless steel, resined
Shape: Round
Size: 52.00 mm
Case height: 16.40 mm
Lug width: 19 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with steel double-tongue buckle
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid, engraved