Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000 Review & Complete Guide
The G-Shock collection from Casio doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s tough, durable, and made to handle virtually any harsh conditions you may subject it to. Inside the G-Shock collection, there is a watch for everyone.
The vast range of choices makes it possible for anyone to find a watch that suits their taste, style, and preference.
For those who want to take the toughness of the G-Shock one step further, Casio has developed the Mudmaster range within the G-Shock collection. These are made to be amongst the toughest watches you’ll be able to find. Really, the name ”Mudmaster” gives it away for what it is all about. This is the ultimate outdoor watch that will handle virtually any situation you subject it to. Whether you are crawling in mud or climbing Mount Everest.
In this article, we are looking closer at one of the watches in the Mudmaster collection, specifically the GWG-1000.
Starting off, this is a watch that is built to be ”extra everything”. It has a design that stands out of the ordinary, and equally so a ruggedness and performance that makes it one of the toughest watches on the market. Naturally, since it is all about performance, it is also packed with a bunch of functions and features.
Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing the Mudmaster GWG-1000.
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Case
Starting off with the case, it goes without saying that this is a case design that is out of the ordinary. The case is made in resin and measures 56 X 60 X 17 mm. With that said, it is a rather large watch, as to be expected from a watch made for the outdoors. Obviously, this isn’t a watch that you wear with your suit, and it is also relatively heavy compared to many other G-Shocks, weighing in at about 120 grams.
Unless you have big wrists, or really enjoy wearing large watches, you will find it very big on the wrist, but for the outdoors, it is a bit of a story as it is more of a tool than a watch. Because of its size, it’s not the most comfortable, but it does the job for what it’s meant to do. Thanks to its rugged construction, you won’t have to worry about whether or not it will hold up.
The resin is raised for the bezel in order to keep the screen protected, and both sides have ”bumpers” in order to increase its resistance to shocks, but also keep the crown and triple sensor protected. Casio has constructed the case from a plastic material and on top sits a sapphire crystal. To prevent dirt and water from getting into the case, Casio has used double rubber rings at the crown and pushers.
The case features 5 different buttons in order to operate the different functions. The big crown at 3 o’clock in the crown. To operate this, you unscrew the protection cap and pull it outwards. This will allow you to adjust the standard functions such as the time.
The top right button is used for the compass and the bottom right is used for the altimeter. On the bottom left side, you’ll find the button which allows you to switch between the functions that the sub-dial has to offer, and last but not least, the top-left button is used to switch between functions that are chosen on the sub-dial.
Yes, it can be a bit complicated but once you get a hang of it, it’s not that they are difficult to operate, only that there is a lot to keep track of.
Another button, the last button, is positioned at 6 o’clock at the bottom of the bezel and is used for activating the light. This is a crucial feature for this type of watch that ensures perfect legibility at all times, even in complete darkness. A clever function that Casio has incorporated is that if you press the light button and the lower-left button, the hands move out of the way for the screen so you can read it properly in case they are in the way.
In general, the buttons are quite large and are therefore quite easy to operate, even with gloves on.
This isn’t a dive watch, but it still offers a water-resistance of 200m/660 feet which means it is suitable for both swimming and diving. Remember, this watch is mud-proof, shock-proof, and water-proof.
Dial/screen
The watch has both an analog display and a digital LCS screen in order to display all of the information and data. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has abbreviations of cities for the world timer.
The analog clock is good as it makes it easy to quickly read the time thanks to the large hands and contrasting markers. In addition, it has large applied Arabic numerals for 12, 3, 6, 9. Both the markers and hands have luminescence to make the analog clock legible even in low-lit conditions.
The LCD screen at 6 o’clock is used for reading the sensor functions of this watch. A downside of the GWG-1000, however, is that the screen is quite small and can be easy to read. Fortunately, you have the light button which makes it a bit easier. You may also use the button to move the hands out of the way quite frequently.
Movement/functions
This is a quartz watch that has both an analog display and an LCD screen. This means that it is powered by batteries, but for convenience’s sake, this watch is also solar-powered, meaning it is powered by Solar and ambient light. This generates energy to the battery and thus eliminates the need for replacing the batteries. Casio has seamlessly integrated the solar panel into the dial which is a nice feature as on many other solar watches, the solar panels are quite visible, which affects the overall appearance of the watch.
The watch has a radio-controlled atomic timekeeping function which ensures perfect accuracy at all times. It does this automatically so you won’t have to think about ever setting the accuracy. It also has the ability to adjust according to summer and winter time. If you want, it is however possible to adjust it manually.
In addition to all its sensors, it incorporates all of the standard features that you would expect in a G-Shock. This means a chronograph function, alarms, countdown timer, and stopwatch.
Casio is very proud of its triple-sensor function. So much so that Casio has added this text to the bezel. The triple sensor rating simply means that it can measure pressure (barometer), and has an altimeter function, compass, and temperature. These are all sensor functions that can be important when performing outdoor activities. Which, this watch is made for, after all. The triple sensor function is incorporated into the case via an opening which can be found on the left side of the case, next to the text which indicates so.
For an outdoor watch, it has a really great function that you will love which is a weather alarm. The weather alarm works in the following way: when the barometric pressure drops or rises quickly, it indicates that high or low pressure is closing in. This can be good to know when you are outdoors so you can prepare yourself for harsh weather. In fact, for some people, depending on where you are, poor weather conditions can be extremely dangerous, and on these occasions, quickly being able to know that poor weather conditions are closing in can be life-changing.
Speaking of the barometer, it does more than just warn about the weather. The digital pressure sensor registers differences in air pressure and using the barometer position, you can see the pressure trend and the air pressure presented on the screen. The altimeter function works by the simple concept of measuring the air pressure and calculating the height you are at. This makes it possible to use air pressure to calculate altitude. It is however important to keep in mind that the altimeter and barometer work based on air pressure, and because the air pressure can change as a result of either weather or an increase or decrease in the altimeter, you need to keep an eye on it. Or more correctly, you need to calibrate it regularly. When it comes to the altimeter, you do this by entering a reference altitude. If you are out hiking, there often tends to be informed about the current height, for example on signs or on maps. Calibrating it ensures the altimeter works perfectly at all times.
The thermometer of this watch simply indicates the temperature where you are. To access this, you use the thermometer button which is the left lower button to get the sub-second to move to the temperature position. Keep in mind that if you are wearing the watch on the wrist, the indicator might not be completely accurate since your wrist radiates heat. Once you have gotten the sub-dial into the correct position, the temperature will be indicated on the LCD screen.
The compass incorporated into this watch is obviously useful for an outdoor watch. The compass is, as mentioned, accessed by using the top right button. Once the compass is activated, you can read the bearing via the screen and the north indicated with the second hand.
Specifications
- Weight: Approximately 120 grams
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Size: 56 X 60 X 17 mm
- Water-resistance: 20 bar/200m/660 feet
Conclusion
All in all, it’s safe to say that the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000 is a watch out of the ordinary. It is part of the G-Shock collection and therefore offers everything you would expect from one, but at the same time, it offers so much more. Both in terms of durability, but most importantly in terms of functions. This is a true survival and outdoor watch which has functions that display everything you may need from a watch and much more. In fact, it’s not just a watch, it is a tool.
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000 is the ultimate watch if you want a timepiece that can handle virtually any situation, harsh conditions, and handle serious shocks, bangs, and other things that an outdoor watch may be subject to.
Its triple-sensor system is really the highlight of this watch and what makes it particularly great.
So if you want a trusted outdoor watch that will be a great companion, there really aren’t many better alternatives than the Mudmaster on the market.
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000 is available to order on Amazon.