Japanese watches
The new Casio G-SHOCK GW-A1000-1ADF solar-powered timekeeper that was recently presented at Baselworld 2012 (you don’t see many Japanese watchmakers in Basel, do you?) features the same Smart Access technology that we have recently seen on an all-analog Casio ProTrek PRX-7000T pilot’s watch. 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 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 clearly 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 really 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 really 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 quite 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 stop watch, 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 watches.
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 Quartz watch specification
Price: $600 (MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Tough Movement, Module 5240, solar-powered, radio-controlled, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: No data
Movement frequency: N/A
Movement decoration: N/A
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, full calendar, daily alarm, chronograph, thermometer, stop watch, world time, UTC, Smart Access
Power reserve: 29 months (some functions go into sleep mode in total darkness)
Case material: Stainless steel, resined
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case 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
Case back: Solid, engraved