Casio G-Shock G-SQUAD MOVE GBD-H1000-1A7 - Good First Attempt, A Review (plus Video)

Casio has done it again. The Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 is the next step in intelligent watches. Unlike the ubiquitous smartwatches by Apple, Samsung and many more, the Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 (or the GBD-H1000 for short) remains a watch as it core with additional functionalities to increase its capabilities.

Prior to this model, Casio launched the Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F series in 2016, designed for the great outdoors. This series has in its core the Google Wear OS which makes it a mini-computer for the wrist. Charging the watch was via a magnetic USB charging cable. A load of applications can be downloaded for all kinds of activities such as hiking, fishing and tracking. A touch screen makes it easy to manipulate and control the vast number of applications that can be uploaded. This particular model fits perfectly with the definition of a smartwatch.

In 2018, Casio launched the G-Shock Rangeman GPRB1000 series. This is basically a high-end hardcore G-Shock plus additional sensors such as the Bluetooth and GPS. Casio has taken a different approach on the GPRB1000 series compared to the Protrek WSD series. For the new generation Rangeman, Casio kept the 'watch' as the core instead of creating a 'smart watch'. This factor alone resonates strongly with fans. Casio also introduced a dual power charging system: the traditional solar photovoltaic cell as well as a wireless USB charging cradle.


In 2020, Casio created another unique G-Shock in the form of the G-SQUAD MOVE GBD-H1000 series. This time, Casio combined the G-Shock style with fitness applications. In this latest iteration from Casio, the G-SQUAD comes with a new sensor, a heart rate monitor. It also has a new hybrid charging method; solar and via a USB charging cable.

Below is a table comparing the three unique highly capable watches from Casio. In reality, we should only focused on the G-Shock series and disregard the Pro-Trek line but I believe all three are related somewhat and should be compared together.

Pro-Trek Smart WSD-F30	G-Shock Rangeman GPRB1000-1ER	G-Shock G-SQUAD GBD-H1000-1A7
Length: 60.5 mm Width: 53.8 mm Thickness: 14.9 mm Weight: 83 gm W.R.: 50 meters	Length: 60.3 mm Width: 57.7 mm Thickness: 20.2 mm Weight: 142 gm W.R.: 200 meters	Length: 63.0 mm Width: 55.0 mm Thickness: 20.4 mm Weight: 101 gm W.R.: 200 meters
Sensors: Altimeter, Compass, Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyrometer	Sensors: Compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer	Sensors: Compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer, Heart Rate Monitor, Accelerometer, Gyrometer
Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS	Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS	Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
Power Source: Magnetic charging cable using USB	Power Source: Solar plus wireless charging cable using USB	Power Source: Solar plus charging cable using USB
Operating System: Wear OS by Google	Operating System: Module 3452	Operating System: Module 3475
Special Functions: Touch screen, Colour OLED	Special Function: Sapphire crystal glass	Special Function: Heart rate monitor

These watches are built big. The length (or lug-to-lug distance) exceeds 60 mm on all three watches. With the width of the watch casing in the more-than 53 mm category, these watches cannot be used with formal attire as they will snag against shirt cuffs. These watches are not supposed to be hidden but worn proudly on the wrist for everyone to notice.

The Series

At the point of this posting, Casio launched four models under the G-Squad series. These are:

GBD-H1000-1	GBD-H1000-1A7
GBD-H1000-4	GBD-H1000-8

Although I prefer my watches not to have bright colours, I decided to get the 1A7 model as this is the poster-child for the series.

The GBD-H1000 has the new Memory-In-Pixel (or MIP - more about this later) LCD display, dual USB cable & solar charging and a new operating system. This watch is also the brand’s first Five Sensor watch with the addition of a heart-rate monitor. The watch actually has more than five sensors, but given the traditional way these are counted, those five sensors are a compass, altimeter & barometer, thermometer, step counter and heart-rate monitor. Moreover, the Casio 3475 module inside the watch also includes a GPS receiver and Bluetooth connectivity.


The Watch

The GBD-H1000-1A7 is chunky. With a lug-to-lug length of 63.0 mm, case width of 55.0 mm and a height of 20.4 mm, this watch is built big and tough. The resin and steel case with a water rating of 200 meters weighs in at just 101 grams. This helps a lot when wearing it for an extended period of time.



The watch looks and feels like a G-Shock. The soft urethane band and protected case cover are familiar designs which should make G-Shock fans very comfortable. Coupled with the latest patented 'Hollow Core Guard Structure', this latest G-Shock iteration is even more protected then the previous generations.



There are five buttons (three on the left side and two on the right side) located around the edge of the case and clearly labelled on the watch face. The buttons have that 'Star Trek'-like look to them. The buttons click rather flimsily and there are gaps between the buttons and the watch casing that trap dirt. When I took the watch for a beach holiday, the gap was wide enough to trap fine grains of sand.



The fifth button located at the 9 o'clock position is unique. It it different that the other four buttons and looks like a typical large pressure sensor module on other G-Shocks. This is the button users will press to engage the sport tracking mode. I suppose designing it different than the rest makes it easier to identify and engage.

In the photos above, you can clearly see the  angular bumper around the bezel protecting the mineral glass screen. The large set screws and thickness of the straps give it an industrial feel which is synonymous with the G-Shock design concept.



The large backlit black-and-white negative screen LCD is better suited to minimise power consumption and provides clear and visible readouts, even in direct sunlight. The MIP (Memory in Pixel) LCD screen is an energy saving display that is actually brighter in the sunlight and one of the most legible digital displays available in the market today. Despite the vast expansion of screen area, the volume of data displayed can make the screen feel small.



This is a rugged running watch and the urethane strap is supple and comfortable on the wrist even when wet. Due to its thickness, those with smaller bony wrist may find it difficult to find the right balance of tightness for a good fit.



The case-back is a stainless steel and has an opening in the middle for the heart-rate sensor. Note the three connection pins on the right of the heart-rate sensor. This is the plug for the USB charging cable to connect to the watch.



The Functionality

To be honest, I don't use any sport tracking product. I bought this watch just because of the technology being introduced. As such, I may not be the best person to give a review on the functionalities. If you are interested to know more, there are a number of detailed reviews which you can find on the web to satisfy your interest. For more information about the watch, I have attached the manual at the end of this review.

As a layman, I note that Casio provided an application for your smartphone as a more efficient way to programme the watch as well as look at the data being tracked. Connection is via Bluetooth.

The first impressions on the functionalities after getting the watch are as follows:

1. The sports tracking programme is extensive and caters for the professional sportsperson;
2. Apart from the sports tracking programme, the watch also has connectivity with email, phone etc via Bluetooth;
3. The standard ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & Compass) functionality are also part of the package;
4. There are multiple landing screens as well as sub-screens to cater for all the functionalities.

As a typical Joe, I only care about the step-tracking function and measuring my heartbeat once in a while. In the first week I did linked my phone, email and messages to the watch but after a while it got irritating and I decided to switch-off those functions. In all honesty, I should have just gotten a Fitbit activity tracker.

If you have a need that covers all four points listed above, then the G-Squad is the watch for you. However, there are many people around that don't have such requirements. Getting the G-Squad will be a disappointment to these people. 

To put it bluntly, the watch is a technological marvel packaged in a wearable timepiece. You must understand this on the onset before deciding to buy the watch. As such, you will be getting a lot of stuff that you may or may not use in the long run.

The only other thing I would like to comment on this section is the complexity of the various screens and sub-screens. Due to the myriad of functions and the minimal of input buttons, one need to navigate through multiple levels of screens before getting to the function you want. For me it it is hard to remember the steps to get to a particular function and after a while, it does get on my nerves after many wrong turns while manipulating the various screens.


The Wearing Experience

I just bought a G-Shock. I know a G-Shock is big, bold and tough. I know it would look big on my wrist......these should be thoughts in the minds of new owners, especially those that have never owned a G-Shock before. If one does think about these things, below are some of the expected experiences one would find.

(A) Despite the size, the watch is rather light: At just 101 grams, once worn, you tend to forget it is on the wrist;
(B) The built is tough and not flimsy: For those owning other brands of sport tracking wrist band-type products, the level of protection accorded is second to none. G-Shock at its best.
(C) So many functions: As a standalone product, the watch has many features packed into a self contained package. The ability to track GPS signals, Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps are great features of the watch.
(D) Dual-charging option: Instead of relying on changing through external power sources, the watch has an inbuilt charging solar panel as the first option and an external charging cable as the second option.
(E) Power last longer: The use of the MIP LCD screen as well as the energy efficient module makes it more than likely to use solar power as the predominant source of energy for the watch.
(F) Access to the functions seems complicated: Very archaic way of assessing the various screens.

Overall, the watch fulfilled its designed scope. Nevertheless, there are a number of areas that could be improved (as highlighted above). If you want the legendary toughness of a G-Shock, this is the watch to get. If you want the sports tracking function, other brands make better choices. Good first attempt though.

Operating Manual for the Ca... 

Specifications

Case Material: Resin & stainless steel
Strap Material: Resin
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Size: 63 mm (L) × 55 mm (W) × 20.4 mm (T)
Total weight: 101 gm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Display: Negative LED screen
Power: Dual source of solar and Type-A USB terminal
Connectivity: Wireless linking using Bluetooth®
Signal Reception: GPS (position information, time information)
Sensors:
-Wrist heart rate (maximum measurement value: 220 bpm)

-Digital compass (measuring unit 1° with graphical display of north)
-Altimeter (measuring range: –700 m to 10,000 m)

-Barometer (measuring range: 260 hPa to 1,100 hPa)

-Thermometer (measuring range: –10°C to 60°C)

-Accelerometer (measuring pace)

Functions:

-Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, am, pm, month, date, day
-World time: 38 time zones & DST switching
-Stopwatch
-Countdown timer
-4 daily alarms with snooze
-Vibrator

-LED backlight (Super illuminator) with afterglow
-Flight mode
-Training function
-Log memory
Module: 3475

Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no GPS signal reception and mobile link function)
Operations:
-Battery level indicator
-Power saving
-Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
Battery operating time on after full charge:
-With training function (GPS, heart rate) between 14 hours and 18 hours
-Without training function (GPS, heart rate) between 12 months (without the power-saving function) and 34 months (with the power-saving function)

MSRP: RM1,899
Vendor: AWG, Mid Valley, Megamall
Date of Purchase: 19 June 2020
Serial Number: 2019DJ9532


Photo Gallery