12 Durable G-Shock Alternatives That Won't Break The Bank
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We're all facing a bit of a difficult time right now, and even a full-price Casio G-Shock might seem like a purchase that's a little too frivolous. Well, what if I was to tell you that there are some viable alternatives to the famed G-Shock that won't cause your wallet to jump ship?
Casio G-Shocks start at around $70 but go all the way up to a few thousand for their premium full-metal jacket offerings. What if you don't want to shell out that much for a simple beater? Well, despair no longer. I've picked out a variety of great options that retail for as little as $20 in the US or £20 in the UK.
These G-Shock alternatives may lack the patented shock-resistance feature, but all are durable in their own right, and many even share the chunky G-Shock aesthetic, which is all the more impressive considering the reduced cost.
Casio W-218H - Cheap as chips
Kicking things off with the most affordable is the W-218H. This one bears a striking resemblance to the famous G-Shock 'Square' DW-5600, and is robust enough to handle most situations. While marginally smaller than the original, it's still on the large side: measuring in at 42.5mm wide x 47.5mm end to end, so it could potentially be a no-go if you have slimmer wrists or are after a more compact piece. If you have larger wrists, it'll likely be fine.
The resin strap is not likely to win any awards, but it has plenty of scope for adjustment and a textured top surface that makes it look less cheap. The illumination is also solid, making low light legibility a non-issue. The display is large, meaning it's an easy reader in daylight too.
50m water resistance isn't the best, especially if you like swimming, but it'll be fine for combatting wet weather, showering, or washing the dishes. While it has its drawbacks, the W-218H can currently be picked up for just $20-$25; those sacrifices don't seem so bad now, right?
Casio W-735H - Super illumination
The W-735H is one of the most feature-packed offerings in this round-up; boasting a timer, stopwatch, daily alarm, automatic calendar, and even a healthy 100m water resistance. Thanks to comparative styling to some of the rounded Casio GW G-Shock range, it could easily be mistaken for its more expensive siblings.
Like other watches on the list, it's on the large side with a diameter of 44mm; this does increase to 48.6mm if you include the buttons. It's thick too, measuring in at 15mm, so this one probably won't suit those of you with slender wrists.
On a more positive note, the illumination is pretty awesome and easily rivals Casio's more expensive counterparts. I haven't even mentioned the best part yet, the price. While the similar GW starts at around $120 (£100), the W-735H is a mere fraction of that, at £35 ($40), depending on the colorway.
One drawback to the W-735H is the strap. It’s resin, and isn't the most pleasing to look at. Then again, some high-end G-Shocks use similar, so you can't complain too much.
Timex Ironman Triathlon T5K1959 - Not a Casio
Who says a G-Shock alternative has to be a Casio? Timex has thrown their name into the mix and brought us the similar void-filling Ironman range. This selection of watches looks to take the fight straight to G-Shock, and it fairs well for the most part.
Of course, these aren't as iconic as the G, but this particular Triathlon model makes up for that with a rugged design, solid resin case, Timex shock resistance technology, and 200m water resistance. Considering the decent specs, it's impressive that this T5K1959 massively undercuts Casio so steeply on price, at around $50 at the time of writing.
That's around half of most entry-level G-Shocks, for similar performance. This model has a customizable alarm, stopwatch, and lap function, which are easily accessible, thanks to the large front and side buttons.
It's not all plain sailing. While the strap has a cool keeper system, it does look quite dated and houses even more branding. That might not be a drawback depending on your preference. However, the size is slim wrist-friendly compared to most options on this list at 42mm, which isn't bad for a performance-oriented timepiece. The Indiglo backlight is a nice inclusion, though it isn't as bright as many analog Timex models.
Casio W-737H - GX on a budget
Ever fancied a Casio GX but didn't want to fork out £130 ($155)? Then the Casio W-737H could be what you've been looking for. It has a similarly tough-as-nails square design and is well equipped in the spec department too, featuring a solid 100m water resistance, 10-year battery life, auto calendar, stopwatch, daily alarms, and more.
The W-737H is currently available in a few different colorways, which include dark grey and red, as well blue and yellow, though the grey one is probably the pick of the bunch. Like the GX series, this one is on the larger side, measuring 46.6mm at the widest point; and around 54mm end to end. It is a bit thinner than others on the list, though it's still probably intended for those of you with larger wrists.
The illumination falls a little short too. Although decent, it does lag behind others in this list. Another drawback (and common theme) is the strap and very cheap feeling buckle, though I can't call these deal breakers considering this costs around $30-$35.
Casio DW-290 - Mission Impossible ready
We have a movie star in our midst! It's true; Tom Cruise wore the DW-290 in the first installment of the Mission Impossible franchise. If that doesn't intrigue you, I'm not sure what will.
Okay, it's probably not going to win any awards for being the most attractive G-Shock alternative; it's aesthetically bottom-heavy, and while quite cool, I wouldn't say it's elegant. But does that matter?
Like most, it's a thick boy at 46.6mm wide, but the fairly reasonable 50.8mm lug to lug makes it more versatile than you might think. Spec-wise it's no slouch, packing in a G-Shock matching 200m water resistance, as well as the standard alarm function, timer, stopwatch, and Casio's superb illuminator backlight.
It's one of the pricier offerings on the list coming in at £42 ($50), but I think for what you're getting, it's cracking value and has more personality than most bog-standard entry-level G-Shocks. Not to drone on about it, but like others, the strap is not all that great, and there's a mish-mash of colors, which some might find a little off-putting.
Casio TRT-110H - The master of mud
Arguably one of, if not the most durable on this list, the TRT is the only watch that claims to offer true mud-resistance; quite a rare sight on these budget offerings. That isn't all, as it has 100m water resistance and all the other standard timing features mentioned previously.
A minor drawback (apart from the strap); is accuracy. It's quoted at -/+ 30 seconds per month; a fairly poor tolerance for quartz, though it's probably passable for most applications. The LED backlight, on the other hand, does not disappoint at all and is easily one of the best I've tested.
The TRT-110H also looks like a few of Casio's more premium G-Shocks and even has proper metal screws in the case. Perhaps these are made in a similar location to most G-Shocks? It certainly looks near-identical
A unique feature that sets it apart from others on this list is the quirky 'vibration alarm' that can give you a physical response when the alarm goes off.
The price point is pleasing, coming in at around $40 (£33), and there are many colors to experiment with too. Happy hunting!
Casio WS-2100H - For the fitness fanatic
Do your hobbies include walking, hiking, or running? Well, the WS-2100H might be the ideal budget companion.
This alternative to the G-Shock GBD range might lose out on the Bluetooth connectivity, but it makes up for that by being packed full of other features.
These include comprehensive timing abilities, a 200-lap memory, 1/100 second stopwatch, a step tracker, calendar, five alarms, and way more.
Not only that, but it's also packaging G-Shock-esque solidity, 100m water resistance, and a half-decent strap, too (finally!). This one has a huge display, allowing you to read it quickly whilst on the go.
One drawback to note is the illumination; it's not the strongest in the roundup, and though perfectly usable, it could be better. It's a big bertha too, coming in at 44.5mm in diameter and 48.8mm at the widest point, with a 49.9mm lug tip to tip (though the rather rigid strap structure could affect that).
Overall though, there's not much to moan about, especially at the sub $40 (£35) price point.
Casio WS-1200H - Fisherman's friend
Part of their fishing gear series, the WS-1200H is a great ally to help you on your fishing exhibitions. Thanks to a bit of clever tech that utilizes the moon's phase, date, and time, the WS-1200H can help you identify optimal fishing times for your location.
Now, this won't help you track fish (that would be crazy cool), but it gives you a starting point to see if they're active or hiding away. That doesn't come at much of a cost though, as it still squeezes in all the regular timing features you'd expect from a Casio, along with a tough resin build and a water resistance of 100m; in case you fancy catching fish by hand!
Perhaps this standout feature comes at the cost of the night-light which is a touch weak, but still usable. The strap is also mediocre.
On a more positive note, it has an automatic calendar and a reliable battery life of up to 10 years. The price point is brilliant too, costing around $40 at most outlets.
Casio W-800H - A Beefed up F91W
Think of the W-800H as an F91W that has hit the gym and bulked up. It takes many design cues from the venerable F91W and adds a beefed-up resin case which helps it achieve an impressive 100m water resistance. In addition, the different module now includes dual time, which the F91W misses out on.
It also retains the best parts too, like the impressive ten-year battery life, stainless steel case back, and of course, that charming retro styling.
Not all is sunshine, though, as the W-800H also inherits the F91W's Achilles heel - the sub-par light.
Okay, it is improved slightly, but given the clickbait 'illuminator' branding on the case, you'd expect better.
At least the display is nice and crisp, which makes it very legible and easy to read. Plus, it now displays more information without getting overly cluttered.
The W-800H is one of the cheapest on this list, at under $30. It's also smaller than most, at only 37mm across, so it suits those after a compact watch. Performance-wise, this one is as unlikely to survive impacts quite as well as some of the bulkier alternatives with recessed crystals.
Casio AE-1000W - For the globetrotter
Travel a lot, but don't like GMTs? This budget offering might be the ticket. Capable of displaying four different time zones, the AE-1000H has plenty to offer if you hop time zones on the regular. The AE-1000H might not be as comprehensive as some of its more expensive siblings, but it does have one advantage; price.
Like others here we've already discussed, it's featureful with a 1/10 second timer, five daily alarms, 1/100th stopwatch, world time (with minimap), and even an automatic calendar. It's pretty tough, too, as it features a mineral crystal, hardened resin case, and a steel rear.
All this helps give it 100m water resistance making it ideal for wetter climates and swimming. Visually it's like a modernized, circular version of the popular Casio 'Royale' AE-1200WH.
The size is toward the smaller end of this list at 43.2mm and it's only 13.3mm thick, making it fairly viable for average to smaller wrist sizes.
All-in, the 1000H will usually set you back around $50, but you may be able to find it slightly cheaper by shopping around.
Casio AE-1500W - Easy reading
If you occasionally struggle to read smaller watch displays, then the AE-1500H is what you need. The huge 34mm screen makes the 1500H even easier to read than the WS-2100H mentioned above. The display isn't just large, but is surprisingly sharp too, which makes this a no-brainer if you're long-sighted or have trouble with your eyes.
This does have a knock-on effect, as this massive screen needs a big case, and with a diameter of 50mm, this one isn't for the faint wristed.
The 1500H might look a little familiar, too, as it takes inspiration from the GBD-100, though it foregoes all the 'smart' gubbins. Don't let that put you off too much, as it's still jammed with features such as dual time, five alarms, 1/100 second stopwatch, full auto calendar, and timing up to 24 hours.
Admittedly, the dual LED illumination is not the strongest when activated; which is surprising given the commitment to clarity elsewhere. The strap though is actually one of the better ones here; even on-par with some more expensive offerings. Speaking of the price, it's around half the price of most entry-level G-Shocks
Casio DW-291H - G-Shock rivalling resistance
The heading for this one might sound a little misleading as none of these offerings has the famed G-Shock resistance, but it does match most G-Shocks in one area - the water resistance. Most G-Shocks offer 200m, and the DW-291H does the same, making this one ideal for ocean exploration.
Another cool feature it borrows from a few G-Shock models is an adjustable illumination duration; this allows you to extend the standard time of 1.5 seconds to 3 seconds.
It's a dab hand at sports, too, with a plethora of timing and stopwatch functions. The build enhances this sporty capability thanks to its solid resin case, mineral crystal, and half-decent resin strap. So far, so good, but like many others, this one does suffer from a backlight issue; it uses a dual LED variant of Casio's Illuminator system, which isn't as potent as others.
This one is pure performance and isn't much of a looker, with reinforced pushers that do extend out quite far. Priced at around $30-$40 and with a 10 year battery - thanks for putting it on the dial, Casio! - this is an excellent entry-point worth considering.
There we have it; a selection of awesome G-Shock alternatives that won't break the bank! Of course, these watches aren't perfect, as pretty much all of them have weaknesses, but at this price, it's impossible to tick every box, and there have to be corners cut - otherwise, they'd be just as expensive as a G-Shock!
Disclaimer: The AE-1000W, DW-290, DW-291H were purchased regularly by Ben’s Watch Club. The remaining watches had their cost either partly or fully covered using an Amazon Influencer Program voucher. Amazon has no knowledge of or creative control over this post, all thoughts are my own.