Clever connected Casio watches at Baselworld 2017
Casio have announced a range of new connected wristwear at Baseworld 2017, and it is all rather good looking.
The G-SHOCK range will no doubt be familiar with many of you. Their reputation for near-indestructible build quality and reliability has spanned over 30 years.
Now Casio has announced new watches to their Ediface, Gravitymaster, G-Steel, series as well as some tasty limited editions.
It might just be time to update my classic Rado automatics.
New G-Shocks from Casio
Casio proudly announced that it has harnessed its leading-edge technologies to develop the next-generation Connected Engine 3-Way module. This clever bit of kit delivers the world’s first 3-Way time sync system.
This system receives both radio wave and GPS satellite time calibration signals, while also connecting to time servers by pairing with a smartphone.
The new 3-Way module is embedded in the new watches.
Race Lap Chronograph EQB-800
Kicking off with my favourite from the show. This is the latest addition to the Ediface series of high-performance watches. As a new model that links with a smartphone, the EQB-800 combines advanced performance with a visual design that captures the thrilling experience of auto racing, thanks to input from the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team.
You get the Casio Connected Engine tech for hooking up to your phone as well as a great looking watch.
F1 Scuderia Toro Rosso
There is a definite sport-inspired look that mirrors an instrument panel. In particular, the retrograde inset dial at the 9 o’clock position features a bold 3D hand that indicates information such as 1/20th– seconds for the stopwatch, smartphone pairing, and battery level. In addition, the hand powers up just like the initial movement of a car tachometer when a car engine starts.
If you enjoy track days or just watching motorsport, the Target Time Indicator acts as a technology-infused stopwatch. This allows you to set, record and update target times. Designed in conjunction with the F1 Scuderia Toro Rosso team, the indicator has a function that starts a countdown 10 seconds before the target time is reached.
You can also can upload any recorded stopwatch data to a paired smartphone. There the lap times are displayed as a graph and as units of 1/1000th of a second.
Smartphone pairing also allows the user to check race data in a variety of ways that would be difficult with a watch alone, such as highlighting laps where the target time was exceeded.
The EQB-800 also performs auto time adjustment four times a day using the Accurate Time System.
EQB-800 specifications
| Water Resistance | 10 bar | |
| Communication Specifications | Communication Standard | Bluetooth® Low Energy |
| Signal Range | Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions) | |
| Watch Functions | Alarm | 1 independent daily alarm |
| Stopwatch | 1/20-second stopwatch; measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99”; target time / best lap gap *After data is transferred to a smartphone with the Mobile Link function, the app can display the list of lap times in units of 1/1000 seconds (up to 100 log records) and a graph of lap times. The app can also highlight the records that surpassed the target time and laps where the best time was achieved. | |
| Other Features | Mobile Link functions (world time: over 300 cities, one-touch time adjustment, auto time adjustment [four times a day], daylight saving time auto switching, alarm setting, stopwatch data transfer, Phone Finder, etc.); dual time (home time/ world time switching); full auto-calendar; date/day of the week display; battery indicator | |
| Accuracy at Normal Temperature | ±15 seconds per month (without linking to a smartphone) | |
| Power Source | Tough Solar power system (solar-charging system) | |
| Approximate Battery Operating Time | 23 months (in power saving mode in which hands stop after a certain period of time when the watch is left in the dark) | |
| Size of Case | 53.5 × 49.2 × 13.1 mm | |
| Total Weight | Approx. 199 g | |
Gravitymaster GPW-2000
The GPW-2000 is a GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor with Bluetooth. It promises to keep accurate time anywhere in the world by automatically updating internal data on time zones and daylight savings time (DST).
The new GPW-2000 features the new Connected Engine 3-way module from Casio. This always keeps accurate time anywhere in the world. The module employs the world’s first 3-way time sync system. It does this through receiving both radio wave and GPS satellite time calibration signals while also connecting to time servers by pairing with a smartphone.
It also automatically updates the watch’s internal data on time zones and DST from a smartphone, keeping it updated at all times.
Come fly with me
The design and performance of the GPW-2000 reflect an aviation concept. The dial is designed to evoke the image of cockpit indicators.
Acquired positioning data is easily viewed: the latitude displayed on the in-dial at the nine o’clock position and the longitude displayed in the small window at the six o’clock position. The watch has a Flight Log function that records location and time data when the watch button is pressed, for display on a smartphone map.
Being a Gravitymaster it features a screw-free construction to secure the band. You see, screws can loosen due to vibration when pulling those huge G-Forces. Instead, the watch employs a fine resin shaft cover and fine resin parts reinforced with a carbon fibre insert to secure the band.
The GPW-2000 is tough enough to withstand the most brutal environments. You get Triple G Resist that resists shock, centrifugal force, and vibration, a carbon fibre insert band with excellent tensile strength, and ISO 764 magnetic resistance.
In every aspect of its construction, features, and design, the GPW-2000 embodies the toughness that is the brand identity of G-SHOCK.
It certainly sounds an impressive timepiece, and no mistake.
GPW-2000 specifications
| Construction | Triple G Resist (shock-resistant, centrifugal gravitational force-resistant, and vibration-resistant) | |
| Water Resistance | 20 bar | |
| Magnetic Resistance | ISO 764-compliant magnetic resistance | |
| GPS Signal Frequency | 1575.42 MHz | |
| Radio Frequency | 77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60 kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) / 60 kHz (JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5 kHz (BPC: China) | |
| GPS Signal Reception | Time-calibration (auto,* manual); acquisition of position information (manual) *GPS signals are received automatically when the watch recognises they are available in the area. | |
| Radio Wave Reception | Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use in China: up to five times a day) | |
| Communication Specifications | Communication Standard | Bluetooth® Low Energy |
| Signal Range | Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions) | |
|
World Time | Standard time for 27 cities (39 time zones*; daylight saving on/off; daylight saving time (summer time) auto switching); Coordinated Universal Time; home time/world time switching; direct access to Coordinated Universal Time *May be updated when connected to a smartphone. | |
| Stopwatch | Measuring unit: 1/1 second, measuring capacity: 24 hours | |
| Countdown Timer | Measuring unit: 1 second; countdown range: 1 minute to 24 hours | |
| Alarm | 1 independent daily alarm | |
|
Other functions | Mobile Link functions (world time: over 300 cities, auto time adjustment, One-Touch Time Adjustment, Flight Log, easy watch setting), automatic hand correction (hour, minute and second hand), day and date display, full auto-calendar, LED light (super illuminator and afterglow), latitude/longitude display, low battery alert | |
| Power Source | Tough SolarTM power system (solar-charging system) | |
| Continuous Operation | About 23 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge *Power-saving after a certain period in a dark location | |
| Size of Case | 66.0 × 57.2 × 18.2 mm | |
| Total Weight | Approx. 120g | |
MrG-G2000HT
The Ediface mentioned at the top might by my favourite but the MRG-G2000HT is a very close second.
This fine timepiece features advanced technology that automatically updates for accurate time-keeping anywhere in the world and boasts a handmade texture created using the ancient Japanese tsuiki metal-hammering technique.
Casio collaborated with Bihou Asano, a third-generation master artisan of the tsuiki technique. The end result is the unique metal-hammered finish.
Asano also applied a kasumi-tsuchime patterned finish of overlapping hammered lines to the bezel and centre row of the timepiece’s band.
The bezel and back case are also finished in a deep indigo “Japan blue” that is traditionally prized in Japan, rendered using a blue diamond-like carbon finish. The attention to detail is exquisite.
It’s not all show and no go, either.
You get the Connected Engine 3-Way module.
Only 500 have been produced and they feature an engraved metal plate at the 10 o’clock position to show this.
MRG-G2000HT specifications
| Construction | Shock-resistant | |
| Water Resistance | 20 bar | |
| Magnetic Resistance | ISO 764-compliant magnetic resistance | |
| GPS Signal Frequency | 1575.42 MHz | |
| Radio Frequency | 77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60 kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) / 60 kHz (JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5 kHz (BPC: China) | |
| GPS Signal Reception | Time-calibration (auto,* manual); acquisition of position information (manual) * GPS signals are received automatically when the watch recognises they are available in the area. | |
| Radio Wave Reception | Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use in China: up to five times a day) | |
| Communication Specifications | Communication Standard | Bluetooth® Low Energy |
| Signal Range | Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions) | |
| World Time | 39 cities (39 time zones*, daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time: auto summer time (DST) switching * May be updated when connected to a smartphone. | |
| Stopwatch | 1/1-second stopwatch; measuring capacity: 24 minutes; elapsed time | |
| Countdown Timer | Measuring unit: 1 second (maximum 24 hours) | |
| Alarm | 1 independent daily alarm | |
| Other Functions | Mobile Link functions (world time: over 300 cities, auto time adjustment, One-Touch Time Adjustment, easy watch setting); automatic hand correction (hour, minute and second hand); full auto-calendar; 12/24-hour format; battery level indicator; LED light (super illuminator and afterglow) | |
| Power Source | Tough SolarTM power system (solar-charging system) | |
| Continuous Operation | About 23 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge *Power-saving after a certain period in a dark location | |
| Size of Case | 54.7 × 49.8 × 16.9 mm | |
| Total Weight | Approx. 152g | |
Pro Trek WSD-F203
The WSD-F20S timepiece is a limited-edition version of the Pro Trek Smart WSD-F20 watch for outdoorsy types.
It retains all the notable functions of the original WSD-F20 but then builds upon that. You can add sapphire crystal and ion plating that gives the watch a luxury, premium feel.
There will only be 500 of these watches being produced.
The buttons, screws, buckle hardware, and free loop feature scratch-resistant ion plating in attractive blue and black finishes. The band has a semi-gloss finish.
Just like the original WSD-F20, the new model features low-power GPS and colour map functionality. This can be used offline, enabling users to track their location using just the watch.
The limited edition WSD-F20S comes in a special case with a triangular lid.
WSD-F20S specifications
| Water Resistance | 5 bar (50 metres)*1 |
| Environmental Durability | MIL-STD-810 (United States military standard issued by the U.S. Department of Defense)*2, low-temperature resistance (-10°C) |
| Display | 1.32-inch dual layer display Colour TFT LCD and monochrome LCD Colour: 320×300 pixels |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive touchscreen (anti-fouling coating) |
| GPS | Compatible (including GLONASS*3 and Michibiki) |
| Colour Maps | Compatible (supports offline use) |
| Sensors | Pressure (air pressure, altitude) sensor, accelerometer, gyrometer, compass (magnetic) sensor |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Vibrator | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth® V4.1 (Low Energy) Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) |
| Buttons | TOOL button, Power button, APP button |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery |
| Charging Method | Magnetic charging terminal |
| Recharging Time | Approx. 2 hours at room temperature |
| Battery Life | Normal use: more than 1 day, roughly (varies according to use) Timepiece Mode (timekeeping only): more than 1 month, roughly (varies according to use) |
| Size of Case | Approx. 61.7mm×56.4mm×15.3 mm (H×W×D) |
| Weight | Approx. 92g (including wristband) |
| OS | Android Wear 2.0 |
| Operating Environment | Use of the device requires a smartphone with the following specifications. Android™ Smartphone with Android™ 4.3 or later. iOS One of the following models with iOS 9 or later: |
