The world of watchmaking and wearables is constantly evolving and so are all the industry leaders – including Casio.
In the last few years, the Japanese watch giant has started releasing watches operating on the G-Move system, which is a considerable departure from their usual “basic” quartz-powered timepieces.
G-Move watch models are Casio’s answer to the booming fitness tracking/smartwatch industry, and they come packed with tons of features and sensors. In this article, we’ll be comparing two of their most popular (and affordable) G-Move models – the GBD 200 and the GBX 100.
If you’ve been mulling over the idea of getting a G-Move watch but can’t seem to decide which one is right for you, GBD 200 vs GBX 100 comparison will help clear things up. Let’s take a closer look at both of these beasts and see how they compare!
Casio GBD 200 vs GBX 100 (Overview)
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Casio GBX 100 vs GBD 200 (Comparison)
As you can tell from the comparison table below, at first sight, there’s little to no difference between the GBX 100 and the GBD 200.
Both timepieces boast a sporty, rugged look with rectangular cases, both belong to Casio’s family of G-Move-compatible releases, and both are available at similar price points.
Considering all the functions offered by both models, we pick the GBX 100 model as the winner of this contest. Keep reading below to learn the reasoning behind this decision.
Casio GBD 200 Review
G-Shock GBD200 belongs to Casio’s G-Squad line of watches, which, quoting the brand itself, is a match made in heaven “for people with a serious passion for sports as the G-Squad models feature a square face design in colors chosen to calibrate with the most extreme workouts”.
Design & Durability
Like you’d expect from a G-Shock, Casio GBD-200 is a watch that’s built to last. It has a tough and sturdy rectangular case made of resin, a material that can take any beating and is a breeze to clean.
The case measures 49,4mm in diameter, which is smaller than your regular G-Shock (most measure around 54mm). The unique size and shape of the case mean it’s not too big or too small – it should fit most wrist sizes nicely. The watch weighs approximately 58 grams, which again is relatively lightweight for a Casio G-Shock.
As far as the design goes, the GBD 200 has a fairly simple look – outside the rectangular shape which is a true rarity in Casio’s catalog. It’s available in three different color schemes – all-black, all-green, and navy blue. The strap is made of resin and has a standard buckle closure.
Even though this watch is much smarter than your average G-Shock, its durability standards are just as high. The GBD 200 is water-resistant up to 200 meters (20 ATM/20 bar), which means you can wear it while swimming and snorkeling without having to worry about water damage.
Naturally, the watch is also shock-resistant, which means it can survive any accidental drop or impact.
One crucial thing that sets apart G-Move models like this one from the rest of the G-Shock pack is the quality of the screen.
Casio GBD200 utilizes a Memory-in-Pixel (MiP) screen technology, which allows screens to hold a static image indefinitely without drawing power. That’s in great contrast to LCD screens found on most G-Shock watches which are really stagnant and super strict in their layout. A MIP display has an extraordinarily high contrast level in both bright sunlight and the dark with a backlight.
And since we’ve touched on the subject of the display, it’s the perfect time to mention that this model uses extremely solid protection against cracks and scratches in the form of mineral crystal glass.
Let’s now move on to all the features you will find on the watch’s display.
Features
As already mentioned, Casio GBD200 utilizes the brand’s G-Move technology – and that means the watch is jam-packed with useful features (especially for fitness tracking).
Thanks to the built-in accelerometer, the watch is able to track the following data:
- distance covered
- speed
- pace
The training function installed in G-Move models also allows you to track lap times, set targets with alarms (eg. for time and calories burned), as well as customize your training display (elapsed time, distance, pace, etc).
All of the G-Move data can also be conveniently viewed on your smartphone, using the Mobile link function that connects the watch with your phone via Bluetooth.
The smart features naturally come on top of the regular functions you can expect a G-Shock to have. And these include:
- World time (38 time zones)
- stopwatch
- countdown time
- 4 daily alarms
- full auto-calendar
Movement
Like all Casio models, the watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement, delivering an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month.
It’s worth noting that the accuracy is inch-perfect when using the Mobile link function as in this case the watch is able to sync its time with your phone via Bluetooth.
Battery
By some distance, the Achilles heel of most smarter-than-average watches on the market is the battery life.
And that’s where G-Move models steal the show. They don’t need charging and the battery lasts for 2 years, which is quite incredible considering all of the fitness-tracking features.
Casio GBX 100 Review
While the first watch we compared is said to be the ideal type for those into extreme workout routines, the Casio GBX100 of the G-Lide collection was created particularly with surfing enthusiasts in mind.
Design & Durability
At first glance, the two models look extremely similar but upon further inspection, you start to notice some subtle differences.
Firstly, the watch wears slightly bigger since its rectangular case diameter is 50,9. Because of the larger stature, the watch is also a bit heavier, weighing 66g. Another difference worth pointing out in terms of the exterior is the material of the bezel. While Casio GBD200 is fully made from resin, this model features a stylish stainless steel bezel that makes the design a bit more sophisticated.
The band is also made out of resin, which makes it both comfortable and durable. It features a standard buckle closure. And like all G-Shock models, it can withstand pretty much anything you throw at it – from water (it’s water-resistant up to 200m) to an accidental drop (thanks to the shock resistance).
In terms of the screen, GBX 100 uses the same MIP display as its predecessor. So, you can expect the same high level of contrast and clarity in both bright sunlight and complete darkness. Also the quality of the glass is equal – both models feature mineral crystal glass.
Now let’s move on to the area in which we think GBX 100 edges out GBD 200 and that’s the feature set.
Features
The reason why we consider the GBX 100 model a better value than GBD 200 is simple: it offers more useful features at basically the same price.
On top of everything that we’ve already mentioned about the GBD 200 (both the fitness tracking and regular functions), the GBX 100 model also has exclusive perks for surfers:
- tide graph (tide level for specific date and time)
- moon phase display
- sunrise/sunset data (including times for specific dates & daylight pointers)
All the data can be viewed on the watch’s display or on your smartphone, using the Mobile link feature that pairs the two devices via Bluetooth connection.
Movement
No surprises here – just like its sibling, the GBX 100 is powered by a Japanese quartz movement that runs on a CR2032 battery. The accuracy of this caliber is +/- 15 seconds per month, although again it’s flawless when connected to your phone.
Battery
The battery life is once again outstanding and it can last up to 2 years.
Casio GBX 100 vs GBD 200 (Verdict)
There’s little doubt that both of these beasts provide excellent value for money. As you’d expect from G-Shock watches, they’re head-turning, rugged, and packed with useful features. The fact that they are compatible with Casio’s G-Move application only makes them more appealing.
So, which one should you choose?
If we had to pick just one, our vote would go to the GBX 100 model.
The reason is simple: at a very similar cost, you get quite a few more features that are both interesting and practical, especially if you’re into surfing. And while the design is very similar, we think the stainless steel bezel gives GBX 100 an edge in terms of aesthetics.
At the same time, if you feel like you can do without the surf-exclusive features, then GBD 200 is still a great choice and will serve you well in pretty much any situation.
So, there you have it – our verdict on the Casio GBD 200 vs GBX 100 comparison. We hope you found this article helpful and that you now know which of these watches is the right choice for you.
If have your own hands-on experience with either of these watches or if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
