A while back, I was cleaning out my dresser when I came across an old Casio G-Shock G100 sports watch. Feeling nostalgic, I decided to quickly clean it and try it on.
To my surprise, the watch’s time was still spot-on. The date was slightly off — leap years, I assume — but other than that, it was perfect. The most amazing part? The watch was 14 years old.
Now, the G100 is a quartz watch, so I must have gotten the battery replaced at some point, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember when I did it.
I remember taking my Tissot Seastar to my local jewelry shop for a new battery and taking the G100 with me a few years back. The Casio didn’t need a new battery but a new band.
It’s sort of amazing that the Casio would outlast the Tissot because the Tissot is literally ten times more expensive. But, of course, Casio watches are known for being long-lasting and highly durable.
So, as I slipped that 14-year-old watch on my wrist, I began to question my purchasing decisions when it came to watches. I had spent a lot of money on watches over the last several years, and all of them left something to be desired.
Aside from the Tissot, the majority of my watches have automatic movements. They’re the types of watches you don’t wear to pickpocket-prone areas and constantly worry about getting scratched (I do, at least.)
Then there’s my Apple Watch, which was actually on my wrist when I stumbled across the Casio. It’s a fun toy, and I do like that it’s part of the Apple ecosystem, but it just doesn’t feel like much of a watch to me.
It’s a pain in the ass to have to charge the thing every night, and despite Apple’s claims, the health data isn’t entirely accurate.
Plus, depending on my mood, I think the watch is somewhere between sort of ugly and outright atrocious.
So, as I held my beat-up Casio in my hand, I had a bit of a watch epiphany. Why don’t I just wear watches like this more often? It’s insanely accurate and almost impossible to break.
Plus, any scratches, dings, or dents that it does fall victim to almost add to the charm. It’s a watch that is unapologetically a watch. It’s not a personal trainer or GPS system, and it doesn’t play Candy Crush. It’s a watch. Period.
Indeed, I decided then and there that I was going back to my roots and start wearing Casios again.
Of course, I couldn’t just throw my old watch on my wrist. The blasphemy! I had to order a new one! What type of capitalist consumer would I be if I didn’t?
So… I ended up buying a brand new G-Shock Rangeman GW9400. And now I’m here to tell you why I love this watch — perhaps even a bit more than many of my more “bougie” options.
Size: The Smallest Big Watch You’ll Ever Wear
First things first, let’s talk about the size of this thing. The Casio Rangeman is a really large watch. Some might even say it’s huge. This much will become immediately apparent as soon as you unbox the thing.
Despite this, when you actually put the watch on your wrist, it doesn’t look that large at all. The best comparison I can make is to the Apple Watch Ultra. It looks big in the palm of your hand but not so big on the wrist.
And in terms of wearability, it doesn’t feel large at all. In fact, it’s probably the most comfortable watch I own. It’s lightweight, rests well against the wrist, and the plastic frame is devoid of sharp edges that would cut into the skin.
I sleep with the Rangeman, work with the Rangeman, and workout with the Rangeman, and not once has the watch caused any discomfort. Admittedly, my basis of comparison might be a bit skewed because none of my watches quite qualify as luxury tier, so take it for what you will.
I opted for the tactical black variant, which probably helps the watch look unassuming. If you’re thinking about purchasing the Rangeman and thinking that it’s too large, I wouldn’t worry about it. No one has commented or even seemed to take a second glance at this thing.
For reference, I’m an average-sized male at 5′ 10″ 180lbs. My wrists, however, are much skinnier than average at just over 7 inches. Trust me, the Rangeman looks perfectly fine on me, and I’m sure it will look fine on you, too.
Features: Packed With Everything You Need and Nothing You Don’t
Stepping away from the aesthetics, let’s dive into what this watch is truly about: the features. The G-Shock Rangeman isn’t just a pretty (or not-so-pretty, depending on who you ask) face. It’s a tool that’s designed to be both robust and functional.
Atomic Timekeeping:
One of the standout features of the Rangeman that truly deserves its spotlight is its atomic timekeeping capability. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a watch that drifts a few seconds or even minutes over a month, you’ll appreciate this. Atomic timekeeping means the watch regularly synchronizes with atomic clocks worldwide to ensure it’s always showing the exact time, down to the second.
This is not just about being punctual; it’s about sheer accuracy. Imagine setting out on an adventure, maybe coordinating with a group, or simply keeping track of the time during a task. The assurance that your watch is always spot-on, without needing any manual adjustments, is invaluable. Combined with its other features, this makes the Rangeman not just a watch but a precision instrument for everyday life.
Triple Sensor:
This is the Rangeman’s pièce de résistance. It has a compass, thermometer, and a barometer/altimeter. Each sensor has been remarkably accurate in my tests. I’ve been on hikes, and the compass didn’t skip a beat. The altimeter helped me gauge the elevation, which was handy.
Solar Power:
Say goodbye to changing batteries. This bad boy is solar-powered. After a full charge, the watch can function for months without any light exposure. I haven’t had to think about charging once since I started wearing it. It’s true freedom in the era of smartwatches.
While I can’t quite the battery at full charge, it has yet to dip into the low range. I assume it is theoretically possible, but for the average person, a bit of sunlight so be more than enough to keep the battery adequately charged.
World Time & Sunrise/Sunset Data:
While not something I frequently use, it’s nice to have, especially when traveling. The world time feature lets you quickly check the time in 48 cities worldwide. And for those outdoor enthusiasts, knowing the sunrise and sunset times can be invaluable.
Oh, and those times are accurate. Like to the minute. Verifying the accuracy of the sunrise and sunset times was a bit of a hobby for a while.
Shock Resistance & Water Resistance:
This is a G-SHOCK, after all. The watch can handle rough treatment, drops, and even immersion in water up to 200 meters. I accidentally knocked it against walls, wore it during showers, and even took it on a spontaneous swim. It handled everything like a champ.
But, come on, you knew that’s what you were getting from a Casio already.
Backlight:
For those late-night adventures or simply checking the time in a dark room, the backlight on this watch is bright and effective. It’s a simple thing, but it makes all the difference.
Sure, it’s not getting your emails, notifying you about meetings, or counting your steps. But isn’t that the beauty of it? The Rangeman is a testament to what watches were initially meant to be: time-telling tools that can endure. It has functionalities that cater to real-world situations without inundating you with unnecessary tech features.
Strap:
Let’s take a moment to appreciate a component that’s often overlooked but plays a pivotal role in our watch-wearing experience: the strap. The stock strap on the Rangeman is both comfortable and durable, a testament to Casio’s attention to detail.
It sits snugly against the wrist without being overbearing, ensuring that you can wear it all day without feeling any discomfort. Plus, given its robustness, you can be confident that it won’t easily wear out or tear.
Now, on a personal note, I did make a slight modification. As someone who’s meticulous about comfort, especially during long wear times, I opted for a NATO strap replacement. The primary reason? Breathability. NATO straps, with their unique design, allow a bit more air circulation around the wrist.
But let’s be clear: this is just my personal preference. The stock strap will undoubtedly cater to the needs and comfort of the majority. In essence, while the original strap holds its ground pretty well, for those seeking that extra level of breathability, there are always options to customize and enhance.
Price Comparison: Getting More Bang for Your Buck
When you dive into the world of rugged outdoor watches, you’ll quickly realize that there’s a vast range of options, with prices swinging from dirt cheap to outrageously expensive.
And while the G-Shock Rangeman’s $230 price tag might initially raise an eyebrow for some, let’s break it down and see how it compares to its competitors.
Firstly, let’s consider other brands in the rugged watch category. Watches like the Suunto Core and the Garmin Instinct often retail at prices north of $300.
They indeed offer some fancy features and integrations, but let’s be honest: are you genuinely going to use that built-in GPS on a daily basis? And even if you do, is the added price worth it when the primary function of these watches – durability and timekeeping – is essentially the same?
Then you’ve got your boutique brands that, while oozing style and marketing appeal, will set you back anywhere from $500 to a whopping $1000! And to be frank, while some of these watches boast premium materials and craftsmanship, many of them can’t hold a candle to the Rangeman’s robustness.
Now, on the other side of the spectrum, you’ve got more budget-friendly options, often non-branded, that you can snag for under $100. And while these might seem like a steal, I’ve often found that they lack in durability and accuracy. So, you’re compromising on quality, which doesn’t feel like a win in the long run.
Considering all this, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman at $230 suddenly seems like a sweet spot. It offers reliability, a host of practical features, and a proven track record for durability. You’re not just paying for the brand name or some flashy gimmicks – you’re investing in quality.
In the end, the value isn’t just in the watch itself but in the peace of mind of knowing you’ve got a reliable timepiece on your wrist without breaking the bank. If you ask me, in the grand scheme of things, the Rangeman offers an exceptional balance of price, performance, and pedigree. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a smart investment.
Final Verdict: Back to Basics and Loving It
In a world where tech is increasingly omnipresent, there’s something genuinely refreshing about going back to the basics. The Rangeman isn’t here to be the jack of all trades. It’s here to be a master at what it does: being a reliable and rugged watch.
The tactile feeling of pushing actual buttons, the joy of not needing to charge it daily, and the comfort of knowing it can withstand the brunt of everyday life make the G-Shock Rangeman a winner in my book.
In essence, it’s a no-nonsense piece that embraces its identity without pretending to be anything else.
If you’re looking for a sturdy watch that you don’t have to baby, the Rangeman should be at the top of your list. It was a wise decision for me, and I believe it will be for you, too. After all, sometimes, less really is more.
