Photo courtesy of Casio
In a world of constant notifications, traditional watches remind us that timekeeping is an art, not just a function.
Whether worn by fitness enthusiasts tracking their daily metrics or professionals staying connected on the go, the number of smartwatch users are only increasing with each passing year, with an estimated 454.69 million users worldwide according to a study done by Statista.
Yet, despite being in the digital age, there is still a different appeal to wearing a traditional timepiece. Beyond the function of telling time, a well-crafted watch represents a form of artistry, with a level of precision and mechanical knowledge that programming can’t replace. For the holidays, here is a curated list of watches that don’t buzz with features or notifications, but offer functions that can match any activity just as good as any smartwatch.
GM-5600U-1DR
The GM-5600U-1DR watch from Casio’s G-SHOCK series combines a square design with a lightweight resin inner case. Its features include an inverted LCD for a more streamlined look, while still maintaining G-SHOCK’s resistance to shocks and water despite the lighter weight.
GMC-B2100AD-2ADR
The GMC-B2100AD-2ADR is an analog watch crafted with a stainless-steel bezel in a black, ion-plated finish. Because of this, the model’s durability is increased with a higher level of resistance, while simultaneously being solar powered and water resistant at 200-meters.
GBM-2100A-1A2DR
Next in G-SHOCK’s series is the GBM-2100, which combines the use of stainless steel and bio-based resin into its casing and bezel. This timepiece serves as a more modern take on Casio’s more analog series of watches, as it contains a Smartphone Link technology for Bluetooth connectivity and precise timekeeping.
GM-2110D-7ADR
Among Casio’s newest series of watches, the The GM-2110D-7ADR quietly stands out as a timepiece that focuses on being more fashion-forward as compared to other models. Defining its appearance is a slimmer watch face and a polished metal finish, giving it a distinct shine that compliments its glass exterior. The watch is also available in five different colors, including sky blue, orange, or lime green, and classic hues of navy and silver respectively.
GM-2100-1ADR
With a stainless steel enclosure and damage-resistant glass fiber inner guard, the GM-2100-1ADR offers added durability through its metal-clad design, all while retaining a light weight by applying G-SHOCK’s approach to hollow watch construction. Arriving in a polished silver finish, the watch is also made available in dark blue and dark gray variants with either complimenting or contrasting bands.
GM-700G-9ADR
The GM-700G-9ADR honors its GA-700 predecessor by modernizing its original “big case” bezel with a stainless steel construction. Furthering the bezel’s emphasis, the watch’s variants also feature a contrasting black strap, allowing its gold, silver, and purple-black finishes to be at the forefront.
GM-110BB
As a counterpart to its octagonal GM-2100, the GM-110BB takes the functionalities of its contemporary and opts for a flatter and wider enclosure. Made with a black ion-plated bezel and complementing resin band, the watch also comes in a variety of color combinations and finishes to its steel construction ranging from monochromatic to colors akin to anodized metal.
Casio Watch 50th Anniversary
Led by the TRN-50ZE-1A watch, the Casio 50th Anniversary collection is a limited five-piece set that celebrates the brand’s decade-spanning history in watchmaking. Also featuring the BGD-S565ZE-1, GMC-B2100ZE-1A, EFS-S640ZE-1A, and PRW-6900ZE-1, each watch is made from stainless steel with an overall black finish and gold accents, serving as an ode to the brand’s inspiration for creating the first Casiotron in 1974.
ECB-2000HR-1ADR (Edifice x Honda)
Leaning closer toward the brand’s relationship with automobiles, the ECB-2000HR-1ADR roots its design in the heritage of Honda Racing. Made in a carbon fiber resin casing and complimented by Alcantara straps, the watch also features a distinct cross shape along its dial, referencing the roll cages used in NASCAR and off-road vehicles. The watch also adopts the HRC colors of red and blue with white stitching to contrast the overall black timepiece.
ECB-2000CB-2ADF & ECB-2200CB-2ADF (EDIFICE COOL BLUE EDITION)
The Edifice Cool Blue Edition pieces take inspiration from the world of motorsports. Its exterior includes a carbon fiber-reinforced case and a metal finish that replicates the appearance of sports cars and F1 vehicles. Also being among Casio’s more modern series of watches, both the ECB-2000CB-2ADF & ECB-2200CB-2ADF include smartphone compatibility and an improved solar-powered battery.
For more information on each of these timepieces and more, visit Casio’s website.
