GA-B2100-9aer, review of a summer crush
As the few readers of my previous review already know, I'm not exactly from the "Panerai" type, physically speaking. So when it comes to G-Shock, for me, a small doubt remains, even if I'm able to make a strong decision. So, I had to swallow my saliva before pulling the trigger: at a mere 49mm lug to lug and more than 45mm across... Those numbers were not that far from the Panerai territory which I'm banned from forever. Theoretically.
It is known that the design of G Shocks is kinda misleading. It is particularly true in this case. The GA b2100 is slim, less than 12mm thick and it doesn't wear like a monstrous "submersible quarantaquatro" at all, with all due respect. Actually, it has absolutely nothing to do with it, despite similarities in some measurements.
It is all about geometry, all about playing with depths and sharp angles and in this case, all about contrasting colors and light weight materials. For both the GW M5610 and the GA B2100, same rules applied. It's a "false" forty five that wears almost like a forty.
Actually it is a welcome reinterpretation of a DW 5600 line that came out in the 90's, with the same color scheme. It keeps something retro-futuristic from that era but adds modernity in the design of the dial. I love with all my heart the contrast between yellow and grey nuances, it catches the eyes. A gorgeous dark grey sunray surface (I think it is a solar cell) adds a lot of depth and texture to the overall dial. The hour markers are from a light grey, hour and minute hands even clearer, so the legibility is no longer an issue. And a small yellow hand at 9 indicates what function is enabled. I happen to like it, when it dances each time I press the mode button.
And the twist consisting in the use of a digital analog display makes a lot of sense and explains the tremendous success of the GA 2100 series. In my opinion it makes this watch in line not only with its own history (it is indeed a direct descendant of the DW 5000) but with horological history in general. Despite having till the beginning a modernist approach on what needs to be a watch, the brand found the way to stand out from smart watches. Modernity, retro-futurism, is more an aesthetic pattern, which is perfectly fine and interesting, than anything else here. We can state that this watch is a proper watch, because at the end of the day, telling time is why it exists. Bluetooth and tough solar are gimmicks in a sense. You can of course find it interesting and useful, or just cool sounding, but it's not what defines this watch in essence.
As you guessed, I freaking love this watch. It is my summer crush, big time. Plus, it works pretty well as a two piece collection with my other G Shock, the DWE 5657, which is quite the opposite: dark and recessed. But it's another story.
GA-B2100-9aer, review of a summer crush
Yes
No
- Looks
- Practicality and ruggedness
- Light weight
- This dial ...
- Still large, at least for me...
- Appart from that, honestly....
Why am I into this ? I don't know. I guess, to me, mechanical watches, even watches in general, are reminiscent of a time where the whole nature was conceived like a giant mechanism, following René De...
Great review!! Love this watch so much have to get me a yellow one! True summer watch 🔥💪
I've got the yellow one too and I love it, always makes me smile. I may put it on right now! 😄
.............. Done! 🥰
Great review!! Love this watch so much have to get me a yellow one! True summer watch 🔥💪
Hell yeah 😎
Terrific watch!
Nice review of a fun looking watch.
Good write up. Absolutely love this line of Gs, and they truly are wearable despite the dimensions. After purchasing a first one in black, I came close to getting the yellow as a second option, but ultimately went with the more sober green variant. I agree with almost all the points here, but would argue that for me the solar and Bluetooth aren't gimmicks. I am way too dumb to efficiently operate the button combos on a GShock, so having them tied to a phone app is a godsend.
I have to admit that the app makes the setting of the watch a child's play. Quite like the green one actually.
One thing I really like about the app is that I can set the date DD-MM, not that I can actually see it without my glasses, I KNOW it's set correctly. 😂
One thing I really like about the app is that I can set the date DD-MM, not that I can actually see it without my glasses, I KNOW it's set correctly. 😂
Cheers to that, I'm glad I can set it this way too 😅
Love the yellow color way. Great write up and please wear that beautiful GShock in health!
I love mine! Yellow is my favourite color.💛😊 5 Stars! 😄
Thank you for the great review! 👍
Thanks for the review. For the record, there are smaller size Panerai watches that you could wear.
I’ve got the yellow. I love it. It comes in handy with my lifestyle. I got it because it’s quirkier and more legible than the others, but they’re all great especially the green and blue. My kids call it the banana watch 😆 and always encourage me to wear it.
And I agree with SurferJohn, there are some Panerai references that you could pull off.
Thank you for the great review! 👍
My pleasure ;)
Thanks for the review. For the record, there are smaller size Panerai watches that you could wear.
For the record, I've always been secretly attracted by these watches. I may have something to prove to myself 😅 maybe I'll try one !
For the record, I've always been secretly attracted by these watches. I may have something to prove to myself 😅 maybe I'll try one !
The 40mm White Dial Panerai, that’s the ticket! I love my Panerai, but with a big fat wrist I rock the 44mm easily.
I’ve got the yellow. I love it. It comes in handy with my lifestyle. I got it because it’s quirkier and more legible than the others, but they’re all great especially the green and blue. My kids call it the banana watch 😆 and always encourage me to wear it.
And I agree with SurferJohn, there are some Panerai references that you could pull off.
I will consider this ! Thanks for the feedback and I love the nickname "banana watch", it's accurate
The 40mm White Dial Panerai, that’s the ticket! I love my Panerai, but with a big fat wrist I rock the 44mm easily.
Ok ... It's becoming dangerous 😅 in all the dive watches realm, Panerai occupy a really singular place. I I have to add a nice dive watche to my modest collection, why not a Panerai ? I will certainly consider this now ! Thanks 👍
Love this thing but I can’t bring myself to buy another gshock before buying i good dress watch
Love this thing but I can’t bring myself to buy another gshock before buying i good dress watch
Will it be your first dress watch ?
Love it for the Bluetooth…. No more relearning how to change time the twice a year for DST
Will it be your first dress watch ?
Yup. Don’t dress up to often so I never felt the need for one but I definitely need that
Love the 2100s, albeit mine doesn't have the Bluetooth and solar features
Great review! Love it! 🥰
I've got the yellow one too and I love it, always makes me smile. I may put it on right now! 😄
.............. Done! 🥰
Me too ✋️ the same 1so cool🤩
Yup. Don’t dress up to often so I never felt the need for one but I definitely need that
I think Orient is an obvious pick for a first buy. You should definitely consider the "Classic and simple style 38" as it is marketed here in Europe, the one with the butter dial and blue hands looks on point!
Yes you can bypass the app.
I have two of these but not one in yellow (yet).
It’s an awesome watch and one that I really enjoy wearing