Head-To-Head: Solar Technologies Employed by Four Major Brands; Tissot, Seiko, Citizen and Casio

In this particular article, I wanted to do a head-to-head comparison between the various solar technologies employed by four major brands: Tissot, Seiko, Citizen and Casio. The comparison will be based on the detailed reviews of four watches in the collection that are tabulated below: 

 

Tissot T‑Touch	Seiko Prospex Alpinist
Citizen Promaster Tough	Casio G‑Shock MOVE

 

Casio Edifice EFK100D-7A Automatic (similar to EFK-100CD-1A, EFK-100D-2A, EFK-100D-3A & EFK-100XPB-1A) - The Brand’s First Mechanical Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my hands on Casio's first automatic timepiece. The EFK100 series in under the Edifice line and it was launched in 2025 with much surprise and jubilation from the watch community. For purist, disappointment, as Casio decide against making their own in-house movement, opting to use Seiko's NH35A instead. For me and the vast majority of watch enthusiasts, the fact that Casio has finally embraced the mechanical movement as part of their repertoire of technologies for their watch designs says a lot. The choice of affordable mechanical watches from established brands are shrinking year-by-year as watchmakers goes up the value chain leaving the cheaper alternatives to alternative brands.

I wanted to get it when it was launched in 2025. Then, my choice was either the green or the blue dial version. However, after seeing them for the first time, it was the white dial that really stands out. The texturing on the dial makes it feel like a Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' but at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, that particular white dial has already been allocated to another buyer. After waiting for a number of months, finally, one of the branches of AWG got an allocation and a day later, it was on my wrist!

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.

Head-To-Head: Bracelet Square G-Shocks - Composite (GW-M5610BC-1JF), Stainless Steel (GMW-B5000GD-1ER) and Titanium (GMW-B5000TCM-1JR)

In this short article, I will highlight the specifications of three square Casio G-Shocks made from three different materials. The watches are (from L to R): the Composite GW-M5610BC-1JF, the Stainless Steel GMW-B5000GD-1ER and the Titanium GMW-B5000TCM-1JR (click on the underlined to go to the full review of the specific watches). Although they look generally similar, there are a number of subtle differences.

Casio G-Shock Square Titanium Camouflage GMW-B5000TCM-1JR - The Ultimate Practical G-Shock Square, A Review (plus Video)

I have in my collection two Casio G-Shock squares. The all resin GWM5610BC-1JF and the all stainless steel GMWB5000GD-1ER. You can read a review I wrote on a head-to-head comparison between the two here. It was a long wait for me before I got the metal G-Shock due to the overwhelming demand.

While waiting, in February 2019, Casio announced the ultimate G-Shock Square, the 18 Karat Limited Edition Gold G-Shock 'Pure Gold' G-D5000-9JR. Only 35 pieces will be made and this has an MSRP of YEN7,700,000 or USD70,000. I was definitely interested but the pricing definitely it out of contention.

Around the same time news came out that Casio will also be coming out with a titanium model. What got everyone talking was the expected price point of the new model which has been estimated to be three (3) times more than the standard stainless steel unit. Immediately, a lot of not-so-nice comments were made on social media platforms complaining about this (no one commented much about the price on the Pure Gold version though). Since the pricing is not too exorbitant, I decided to hunt for this as well.

Head-To-Head: Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black versus Casio G-Shock GWM5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet

The square Casio G-Shock series is an icon. Since 1983, this particular G-Shock series has become a cult classic, a must have piece for any serious collector. In my collection, I have the Casio G-Shock GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet (left in the photo below) and the Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black with Bracelet (right in the photo below).

Casio G-Shock GA-2000E-4DR Limited Edition Analog-Digital with Carbon Core Guard - The First for the Collection, A Review (plus Video)

I have been a latecomer in the G-Shock scene. I've always dismissed the G-Shock as cheap beater watch fit for school kids (due to their almost indestructibility). However, after I delved into the history and technology of the G-Shock, I was amazed with various capabilities it can muster.

When Casio announced the used of a new technology called the Carbon Core Guard (the case is made of fine resin that incorporates carbon fiber for light weight along with rigidity that is superior to that of resin), I had to have one for the collection. I chose the GA-2000E-4DRas this is the only model available that came with two additional straps. It is also has analog-digital display which appeals to me personally.

I must admit that it took me a long time to finally get this watch. What made me hesitate is the use of battery to powered the module. I have a (irrational) dislike for battery powered watches as I tend to associate battery power with mass-produced basic timepieces.

I don't hate quartz movement per se. I am fine with solar powered, kinetic or even spring drive quartz movements but not if battery is involved. It is because I happened to suffer a number of battery failures over the years (not in watches) which caused destruction due to acid leakages. This phobia remains.

Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black (Similar to GMWB5000V-1ER, GMWB5000-1ER, GMWB5000G-2ER, GMWB5000G-1ER, GMWB5000D-1ER, GMWB5000D-1ER, GMWB5000GD-9ER and GD5000-9JR) - A Must Have, A Review (plus Video)

Since 1983 or over the last 36 years, G-Shock series by Casio has become a cult classic, a must have piece for any serious collector. Casio was lucky to have an engineer by the name of Kikuo Ibe who wanted to create and make the most durable and reliable watch on Earth.

With the launch of the first G-Shock in 1983, the DW-5000C, a number of key innovations were introduced such as keeping the timekeeping module suspended inside the casing with only a few points of contact to reduce shock transmission, capable of withstanding 200 meters of water pressure and could withstand falls of up to 10 meters onto a concrete floor. Since then, the G-Shock has evolved in terms of design and technology. Solar power, Bluetooth connectivity, various sensors as well as GPS have all made it into at least one of the many G-Shock models released over the years. Different materials such as stainless steel and titanium as well as different display styles such as analogue or a mixture of analog and digital have been used to make the series more functional in any situation. No longer would you just find a plain black rectangle shape G-Shock, the range has expended to all shapes, sizes and colours.

Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex Alpinist Solar Titanium Multi-Sensor SBEB013 versus Casio Protrek Adventure Titanium Triple Sensor Ver. 3 PRW 3000 T7

ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & Compass) watches are the ultimate adventurers' timepiece. In the intervening period between pure mechanical and satellite linking watches, Casio led the way in innovation as well as some excellent examples especially under the Protrek series. Unknown to many, Seiko too has some interesting examples in this genre. This review shall compare Seiko Prospex Alpinist Solar Titanium Multi-Sensor SBEB013 (left of the photo below) against Casio Protrek Adventure Titanium Triple Sensor Ver. 3 PRW 3000 T7 (right of the photo below). In the spirit of transparency, I do own both models and hopefully I can provide an unbiased view in this short report.

Casio G-Shock GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet - A Cornerstone for Any Collector, A Review (plus Video)

Casio produces a number of G-Shock watches only for sale to the Japanese domestic market (JDM). This list of JDM G-Shocks focuses on the 5000-series such as the common DW-5600 and the GW-M5610 models.

I currently have only one G-Shock in the collection (although I listed two on this blog, the G5600-1DR is technically my son's). That is the extra-large GX-56BB-1DR which has some drawbacks due primarily to its size. Although it is a serious tool watch, it does not have the flexibility like its smaller brother, the 5600 series. Its brute bulk is its call to fame.

I need to get a 5600 series model into the collection to experience the additional flexibility of the much smaller and practical classic G-Shock. After doing my research, I decided to get one with a composite bracelet instead of the traditional resin band (like my son's). This particular model I chose has the same style of display like the big brother i.e. a reverse display - white display with black background.

Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series GX-56BB-1DR – A Brute with Limited Flexibility, A Review (plus Video)

The Casio G-Shock series have been around since 1983 and have a very strong cult following due to its ability to withstand battering. Despite being a watch collector that tends to collect watches with significant contribution to the world of horology, I have yet gotten a G-Shock in collection thus far. However, today a new chapter has dawned and the collection has a new member in the form of the Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series GX-56BB-1DR.

The GX series are typically called the “King of G-Shock" models. These are the biggest G-Shocks ever produced by Casio. The company launched the first back in 2010. It has the classic 5600 G-Shock design but in a size that is close to twice the size. The over-sized design is its call to fame. Unfortunately, for some people, the size could be a bit overwhelming.

I got the watch from the Watch Style of Mid Valley Megamall. The MSRP was RM809 (with GST). I was able to get it for RM680. Although I believe I could get it cheaper elsewhere, I still decided to get it from this brick and mortar shop due to the personal service rendered.

Casio Edifice EFA-100 - A beater-watch, A Review

This Casio Edifice EFA-100 was bought in 1999 for my wife on the birth of our first child. It has a ana-digital interface with allows you to keep track of two time zones rather easily. An all stainless steel construction with bracelet, it has daily alarm setting and calendar programmed until the year 2039.

Made out of stainless steel, it is 37 mm wide and 47 mm long. It case height is 12.5 mm. the lug width is 18 mm. Total weigh is approximately 148 gm. The larger part of the watch face is allocated to the analogue portion while the digital part of the watch is located in two small windows at the bottom.

The crown to adjust the analogue hands are located at 3 o'clock while the two pushers to adjust the digital part of the watch is located at left side of the casing. 

The dial is protected by mineral glass.

The odd shaped casing do create some problems in the long run. Opening the case-back over the years to replace the batteries requires one to be extremely careful handling the rubber seals. However, as the rubber seal ages, over time, it has to be replaced. However, you may not be able to find spare parts due to the uniqueness of the casing. Despite having a 100 meter water rating, it is best not to chance it.

Overall, a simple watch to have as a daily beater-watch.

Casio PROTREK Adventure Titanium Triple Sensor Ver. 3 PRW 3000 T7, A Continuation of the Super Tough DNA of a Casio Protrek, yet Capable of Doing More by Virtue of its Smaller Electronics and More Contemporary Design, A Review

It has been a long time since I bought myself a digital watch. The last time it happened was back in August 2009 when I got my Suunto Heart Rate Monitor watch. If I recall, my purpose of buying that watch was to fulfill a need - to track my heart rate as I prepare myself for my first marathon.

In reality, I am not an anti-digital watch-hater that only appreciate mechanical watches. Far from the contrary, I love gadgets and the Casio Protrek series have been on my "must-have" list for a long time. The ability of a watch to locate accurately North has been one of my theme for my watch collection. Currently. I have six watches that could do that (using time and sun). The collage of the collection is provided below.

You will note that all are Seikos. Although I would like to have a watch that could do the same from another brand, the various Casio Protrek models that weree on offer were too big and garish for my liking.

Casio G-Shock G5600-1DR - A Day-To-Day Soldier, A Review

I recently bought for my son a Casio G-Shock G5600-1DR for his day-to-day use. This is the 4th generation basic G-Shock, produced 30 years after the first G-Shock came out of the production line back in 1983.

This model has, like all newer Tough Solar models, has a Power Save function. This function goes to sleep mode when the watch isn't used for some time during daytime. In Power Save mode, the watch can work in the background for about 11 to 12 months.

Like all G-Shock, the watch has the following functions:

• Shock resistant
• Solar powered
• Water resistant 20 ATM
• Dual time
• 1/100-second stopwatch
• Countdown timer (Countdown range: 100 Hour)
• Daily alarms 5 independent daily alarms
• Hourly time signal
• Battery power indicator
• Power Saving
• Auto-calendar
• 12/24-hour format
• Electro-luminescent backlight
• Module: 2597
• 48.9 X 43.0 X 13.7 mm
• Weight: 52.0 g

I tried it and I actually quite like it. It has a nice size that is universal. Not too big and not too small. As I am getting a bit old and starting to have problems focusing on small stuff (need bifocals!), the large digits on the LCD is large enough to not give me problems.

Casio EF331SB1AV Edifice Solar - Classic Yet Robust, But More Importantly, Cheap - A Review

This is a watch of many firsts; my first Casio; my first solar powered watch; and, my first square shaped watch. I bought it out of impulse when I walked passed a watch shop having a special sale.

Under the Edifice line, this watch is very basic and does not have the complications that are commonly associated with that line. Instead, it has a day and date function set in two sub-dials at 12 o'clock (date) and at 9 o'clock (day). Another sub-dial at 6 o'clock has a 24 hour indicator.

The dial is clean and indexed.