Review: Casio G-Shock GW6900

G-Shock continues to fill an important role in the landscape of watch collecting, almost solely occupying a genre that it essentially created. G-Shock watches are practical, accessible, and functional; but they’re also so much more than that. They are expressive, vibrant, and fun. Their impact on the broader culture around watches can’t be understated, and it’s a connection that remains intact today, over 40 years after emerging onto the scene, and over 30 years since the formation of the 6900 lineage. The design that hails from 1995 has changed surprisingly little, and remains one of the vanishingly few items that can make that claim without looking completely out of place on the wrist today. As the saying goes, good design is timeless. I’m not so sure this is technically "good" design, but it is unique and timeless in its own way.

When it first debuted in 1995, the 6900 design used a rounded case, representing a departure from the blocky cases that had typically defined what a G-Shock was. Situated above the square digital display were a trio of circular graphics, with a button situated under the dial itself, all set within a shock-resistant structure. The watch brought the best features of the 5000, the 5900, and the 6600 together, creating a "best of all worlds" in a way. These features represented unlimited possibilities, and were almost mysterious at a glance, but they signaled just what was possible with a digital display. 

Those three circular graphics were inspired by the gauges of a dirt bike, and could fill a multitude of roles depending on the function activated. The lack of any uniform labeling leaned into their mysterious nature. These are the kinds of risks we rarely see today; it feels like letting function follow form and getting creative about how to best take advantage of the best design. Obviously, it runs a bit counter to the core G-Shock philosophy, but it works just as well. 

The modern G-Shock GW6900 retains much of the charm found in the original, as Casio has stuck closely to the script, all the while adding features under the hood (if you'll forgive the mixed metaphors). This was never a small watch, and neither is the current reference, at 53.2mm in diameter, and over 17mm in thickness. But to judge a G-Shock by these measurements is to miss the point. The shaped resin case and band make for a well-fitting, relatively lightweight experience on the wrist perfectly suited for the kinds of use you should be subjecting this thing to. Which does not include a suit and tie, sorry. 

For what it’s worth, there’s plenty of impressive features packed into that substantial frame, including a full Solar Atomic Timekeeping system which will keep the watch running even in compromised light conditions. There is also Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping, a technology developed by G-Shock parent company Casio that allows the watch to receive signals from one of six atomic radio towers worldwide. Short of that, it will keep time accurately to within +/-15 seconds per month. 

Those three circular graphics remain situated above the dial itself, and their feature set has been dialed in quite a bit. Each can be used in a range of modes to help with timekeeping and stopwatch functions, as well as indications that provide context about the selected mode, such as when the watch is muted or when it has entered power-save mode. Sure, they’re a bit convoluted in nature, but that's kind of the fun of having this reference. Digging into the user manual of a watch has never been more satisfying. 

As usual, modes can be cycled through via the button at the bottom left of the case (which is helpfully labeled "mode"). The other buttons are also labeled and are largely idiot-proof when it comes to your standard features, such as timing and making adjustments. The largest button rests at the bottom of the case, and when pressed it illuminates the dial.

The GW6900 is obviously a rather distinctive-looking watch, and makes a great add-on to an existing collection that covers formal and/or mechanical bases. Still, it won’t be for everyone. It’s not slipping under a cuff, but it’ll hang in there covered in gunk after mowing the lawn. It’s one of those single-purpose kinds of designs, yet, ironically, it has its own presence within a streetwear context that works surprisingly well. 

Most importantly, it’s easy and fun to wear. It’s one of those watches that taps into something primal about why we love watches in the first place. And even if you’re rocking more serious hardware on the regular, taking the time for a watch like the GW6900 is a refreshing experience that serves as a reminder that we wear watches because they are fun — not because they are status symbols or luxury items, but because they are unnecessary, fun things. 

The GW6900 is an important part of G-Shock history, and the modern reference tells that story with clarity. It’s not a watch for everyone, but every collection should have a watch like this. You can view the current G-Shock collection on www.casio.com.