Monday Morning Erratum: I Picked Another G-Shock For My List Of Summer Watches
I picked the wrong watch. Sorry about that. My list of the best summer watches consisted of a steel and gold Longines Spirit Zulu, a Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, and a full-metal Casio G-Shock. And picking that gold-colored G-Shock GMW-B5000PG-9 from the 40th Anniversary Recrystallized Series was rash. I should have picked another Casio G-Shock. I should have gone with the transparent and iridescent “CasiOak” GA-2100SRS-7A instead. In my defense, I hadn’t seen the watch that we’d kept in a box inside the Fratello studio. Otherwise, I would have picked it without hesitation. But now that I have, I can’t unsee it. Also, I think it may have damaged my retina.
Issuing an erratum is probably not a big deal. I mean, everybody makes mistakes. And picking the “wrong” watch for a very arbitrary and personal list can hardly even be called a mistake. Still, when my eye caught a glimpse of the analog-digital G-Shock CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A from the Sun Reflect Series, I knew I’d made a mistake. This watch is the personification of summer. One blinding look at this transparent watch with its brilliant iridescent crystal made me smile. It also made me want to put sunscreen on because of the powerful way the watch reflects sunlight.
Another G-Shock for my “best summer watches” list: the ultra-bright CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A
Sometimes you love something you’re not supposed to love, but it’s not because the object of your desire is forbidden. Rather, it’s because it goes against your own taste. But when you think about it, that’s actually not possible. If you like something, it obviously has to be to your taste. It means you have an eclectic or all-inclusive taste. And it is my strong belief that if you like something, and especially if you love it, you should stand by it with pride. Don’t let your preferences be hindered by commenters who come up with negative remarks or question your (lack of) taste. And that’s why I proudly and unapologetically declare my love for the ultra-bright CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A!
The CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A reflects light right back to the Sun
When I wrote my article about the best summer watches, I had already spotted some very colorful and ultra-summery CasiOak models at HQ. There were a bunch of CasiOak Jelly Splash Limited Editions, custom painted by IFLW. These watches have hand-painted dials done by the Swedish brand’s creative director Chris Alexander, aka @thedialartist. The transparent Cotton Dream is my favorite of the bunch. And although I know that the creation process is slow and precise, the price of €599 kind of made me steer clear of that plastic creation. Instead, I picked the square €870 GMW-B5000PG-9 in sparkly metal for my list. But that was because I hadn’t seen the CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A, the €129 watch that sends sunlight right back where it comes from — the Sun.
Feels and looks like a bright summer day
Let me start with the association I have with the transparent resin case and strap of the GA-2100SRS-7A. A clear transparent case looks light, fresh, and nonchalant. The see-through strap, however, is something on another level. The tactile sensation is a one-of-a-kind experience. When you were a kid, did your parents ever have you wear those translucent plastic water sandals when you went to the beach? Well, the strap of the transparent GA-2100SRS-7A looks and, even better, feels just like the plastic sandals of your childhood! And the strap even sounds like those water shoes when you put it on. The good thing also is that this rugged G-Shock is water resistant to 200 meters, so a dip in the salty sea will not destroy your sweet childhood memory.
Yes, the GA-2100SRS-7A may resemble a kid’s beach sandal. It is, however, not a childish watch. Combining the watch with a Hawaiian-style shirt made me feel like James Bond on holiday. The octagonal timepiece measures 45.4mm wide, 48.5mm long, and 11.8mm thick, which is quite substantial. And the very low weight of 51 grams makes the watch with its Carbon Core Guard structure a carefree, do-it-all, nearly weightless companion.
Careful with that hysterical shine
You’ve got to prepare for strong reactions when you wear the GA-2100SRS-7A, though. You will encounter people not only declaring their praise but also their disgust. And that’s because of the iridescent hardened mineral glass over the dial. It has a range of colors applied to it through rainbow vapor deposition. At times, it kind of looks like the midsummer sky at dusk. And because every piece of glass has a unique crystal finish, every watch has a one-of-a-kind color pattern. The hysterical crystal finish can be blinding too. Looking into the Sun can cause permanent damage to the retina, cornea, and macula. This G-Shock won’t probably have such serious effects on your precious eyes, but just in case, wearing a pair of sunglasses when wearing the watch is not a bad idea. The good thing is that you’ll probably wear this summer watch with shades anyway.
Allow me a word of advice. Before putting on the watch or taking it with you on your summer vacation, have a talk with the person or people you’re traveling with because the CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A from the Sun Reflect Series is so obnoxious/charismatic that its presence will be undeniable. It might get on people’s nerves, and that’s the last thing you want when trying to unwind, relax, and disconnect.
There’s one final practical point I need to mention: the two SR726W batteries inside the CasiOak GA-2100SRS-7A will power this radiant watch for three shiny summers to come.
What do you think? Is this G-Shock a better pick than the Recrystallized GMW-B5000PG-9 after all? Voice your thoughts in the comments.
