Casio G-Shock Watch G-Squad GBD-200-2DR

This is a well-made and nicely designed watch It has some basic training or physical activities features which are useful and functional. The watch is able to link, via Bluetooth, to a smart phone. As such, messages and incoming calls are claimed to be able to notify and display on the watch. However, in-coming phone calls are not working as claimed. There is no vibration or sound that the watch is able to provide to alert the user. This is disappointing. If this in-coming call is not answered, the watch will then notify a \"missed call\" message. In this case, the user has already missed an important call.

A fantastic watch but with a few issues.

I recently bought this watch from a high street retailer in the UK, and even after a few days, I have a lot to say about it.Firstly, this watch is absolutely fantastic. I love the colourway of the watch, the fluorescent yellow really makes it stand out. Having a black screen with white text also makes it much more readable compared to other digital watches on the market, and overall the watch just feels really sturdy and well-built. The watch is also water resistant up to 200 metres (20 bar) which is amazing. I'm not the kind of person to wear watches in water, but it's good to know that the watch can easily survive in water. The light on the watch is also very bright, and easily visible during night time. By default, it only stays on for 1.5 seconds, but thus can ... MoreI recently bought this watch from a high street retailer in the UK, and even after a few days, I have a lot to say about it.Firstly, this watch is absolutely fantastic. I love the colourway of the watch, the fluorescent yellow really makes it stand out. Having a black screen with white text also makes it much more readable compared to other digital watches on the market, and overall the watch just feels really sturdy and well-built. The watch is also water resistant up to 200 metres (20 bar) which is amazing. I'm not the kind of person to wear watches in water, but it's good to know that the watch can easily survive in water. The light on the watch is also very bright, and easily visible during night time. By default, it only stays on for 1.5 seconds, but thus can be adjusted to 3 seconds in the G-Shock app.In terms of features, this watch is packed with them. It has a step counter, activity tracker, stopwatch, and it also has the ability to link up with a smartphone via Bluetooth and receive notifications. However, this is where one of the problems begins.The Bluetooth connection on the watch... really isn't that great. For instance, it will sometimes 'disconnect' from Bluetooth, and you have to re-connect it again, and sometimes this takes multiple attempts because it fails multiple times. For a device of this price, this shouldn't be happening. Once it's paired, it should stay paired permanently without sometimes losing connection (for instance, after being left at night when you aren't wearing it).Also, the notification feature could do with some work. Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic feature to have, but there's no way of controlling which notifications you get and which ones you don't. As a result, you get notifications for EVERYTHING, and it gets really annoying after a while. So this is something that needs to be looked into for future updates.Finally, I do feel that the £139 price tag for this watch is a tad bit steep. Somewhere in the range of £80-100 would've been far more respectable considering the type of watch it is and what's on offer.Overall, I would give this watch a very respectable 8.5/10. It's a really good watch, especially for fitness, but the issues it does have are relatively significant. Still, I would genuinely recommend this watch for anybody who is looking for a modern, sturdy digital watch.

A step counter that doesn't need to be charged

If you look at "limited functionality" then you would think "Isn't that a bad thing?", but it isn't. It counts steps and you can track activities if you want to. By doing less it allows you to take a break from garmin, Apple and Suunto that encourage you to be addicted, or loyal to their brands. Steps are counted without you thinking about it. Synchronisation is invisible too.One drawback to this watch is that it needs to be worn on the wrist to count steps. If you have it in your pocket or a bag strap then it does not count steps. Since it does not measure wrist HR this is a shame. The Garmin Instinct can track steps when in a pocket, or bag strap where it gets optimal sunlight.I like that with the Casio Moves App you can import data from other sports trackers. ... MoreIf you look at "limited functionality" then you would think "Isn't that a bad thing?", but it isn't. It counts steps and you can track activities if you want to. By doing less it allows you to take a break from garmin, Apple and Suunto that encourage you to be addicted, or loyal to their brands. Steps are counted without you thinking about it. Synchronisation is invisible too.One drawback to this watch is that it needs to be worn on the wrist to count steps. If you have it in your pocket or a bag strap then it does not count steps. Since it does not measure wrist HR this is a shame. The Garmin Instinct can track steps when in a pocket, or bag strap where it gets optimal sunlight.I like that with the Casio Moves App you can import data from other sports trackers. This gives you the freedom to track runs and bike rides with a garmin device, whilst tracking ordinary walks and step counts with the Casio.I would see this watch as an entry level step tracker, and useful people who are just getting into sports like running, rather than fitness people used to hard training.

Amazing watch with one flaw...

I love this watch. It does exactly what I want without too many useless functions and poor battery life that comes with a smart watch.I've had the watch for about 4 weeks now. Some people should be aware that the off white 9-er colour does pick up some stains from dirt and clothing dye. I have some staining on the strap but haven't tried to clean it so it might come off. Personally I love my G-shock looking well used and a bit battered. I like it to show the scars of use and I feel it gets better with every mark and scratch... This being said, if you want a pristine looking watch then maybe go for a different colour.The display is clear and crisp and super vibrant. The light is great and I love the big button on the watch face to activate it.I terms of ... MoreI love this watch. It does exactly what I want without too many useless functions and poor battery life that comes with a smart watch.I've had the watch for about 4 weeks now. Some people should be aware that the off white 9-er colour does pick up some stains from dirt and clothing dye. I have some staining on the strap but haven't tried to clean it so it might come off. Personally I love my G-shock looking well used and a bit battered. I like it to show the scars of use and I feel it gets better with every mark and scratch... This being said, if you want a pristine looking watch then maybe go for a different colour.The display is clear and crisp and super vibrant. The light is great and I love the big button on the watch face to activate it.I terms of durability, well, it's a G-shock so it can survive most things. In my job as a Police Officer, a G-shock is the only choice.Unfortunately, there is ONE drawback which has caused my to take off one star... The hourly beep! THERE IS NO HOURLY BEEP! I love that feature and love being reminded 24 times a day that I have a Casio.Despite this, it's an amazing watch and well worth the price.

Another great G-Shock

I have been a big fan of G-Shock/Casio for a long time. Upon doing research based on my needs for a cool watch with basic features, this was the perfect match for me. Originally I was looking into a smart watch, such as a Fitbit, however, I didn't want to have a charge my watch every 4 to 6 days. So I re-searched for a watch that can basically track my steps per day. This Casio G-Shock does offer notifications/Bluetooth to connect with your phone, but I am not interested in those features, as I can also save on the battery, which should last for almost 2 years.It's been about two weeks since I've had the watch, and it is comfortable on my wrist, the display is awesome and the step count feature has been awesome. I haven't use the other features such as the ... MoreI have been a big fan of G-Shock/Casio for a long time. Upon doing research based on my needs for a cool watch with basic features, this was the perfect match for me. Originally I was looking into a smart watch, such as a Fitbit, however, I didn't want to have a charge my watch every 4 to 6 days. So I re-searched for a watch that can basically track my steps per day. This Casio G-Shock does offer notifications/Bluetooth to connect with your phone, but I am not interested in those features, as I can also save on the battery, which should last for almost 2 years.It's been about two weeks since I've had the watch, and it is comfortable on my wrist, the display is awesome and the step count feature has been awesome. I haven't use the other features such as the notifications connected via my phone, so I cannot comment on that aspect.I would mention that G-Shock could improve on to have a slightly bigger font/number display for the step count, it is small font But still readable if you have a good vision and it works for me.Another thing I would improve on, is activating the auto light feature.With my other G socks, I am able to hold down the light button to activate the auto light feature, which will be on for about six hours I believe. With this model, you have to select the auto light in the menu to activate it, not a dealbreaker, but it would be a little quicker, just to push the light button to activate auto light feature..All in all, it's a G-Shock, great quality, very comfortable, lightweight as I have worn it for several days casually, and during my workouts, it has all the basic features I need which is the step, count and stopwatch/world time, it's waterproof, very cool looking, durable, and you don't have to worry about charging the watch as regular smart watches.Another great collection for my G shocks, stay active my friends and embrace life outdoors.

Fantastic watch, epic colour scheme and tons of features. One tiny unavoidable flaw

I’ve had this watch for a few months now and I can say that it is very comfortable, tons of adjustment on the strap and it is light/lightweight. The colour scheme is epic and really stands out with a bright summer outfit.The battery life is said to me multiple years and for a watch that tracks steps and other data is really impressive. The screen is a kind of “oled” type that is super sharp and clear compared to the classic g-shock LCD.There are tons of features on the watch, some of which I have no interest using but it is there for the using which is a great plus. I never used the Bluetooth connectivity to the watch so cannot comment on this feature.The cons:It’s a large watch. I have a large wrist (around 8.5”) and it fits me well but feel that it would be ... MoreI’ve had this watch for a few months now and I can say that it is very comfortable, tons of adjustment on the strap and it is light/lightweight. The colour scheme is epic and really stands out with a bright summer outfit.The battery life is said to me multiple years and for a watch that tracks steps and other data is really impressive. The screen is a kind of “oled” type that is super sharp and clear compared to the classic g-shock LCD.There are tons of features on the watch, some of which I have no interest using but it is there for the using which is a great plus. I never used the Bluetooth connectivity to the watch so cannot comment on this feature.The cons:It’s a large watch. I have a large wrist (around 8.5”) and it fits me well but feel that it would be too large for anyone with a smaller wrist and would be really obvious because of the bright colour. This leads me to the only “flaw” of the watch, the colour gets dirty quite easily and I don’t think it will ever clean up to the original vibrancy. Not a huge issue but I would keep it away from dark denim or staining colours because it may not wash out.

Little compromises prevent the watch to become the masterpiece it could have been

This is a tool watch that could have become a masterpiece watch, had it not been for Casio holding on some necessary basic features. - the watch has two stopwatch functions, one is tied to the isolated training function, and has lap times logging (alongside calories/distance/cadence/time logging) , and the other one is a simple split time stopwatch. what is missing there is that the normal stopwatch should have the function of logging lap times as well so the training function that isolates the access to the rest of watch functions doesn't have to be started. - the watch has just the one programmable interval timer (with five useful and labeled subtimers of up to 60 min). two things are missing there: that each internal interval timer could be set to up to 24 hours, ... MoreThis is a tool watch that could have become a masterpiece watch, had it not been for Casio holding on some necessary basic features. - the watch has two stopwatch functions, one is tied to the isolated training function, and has lap times logging (alongside calories/distance/cadence/time logging) , and the other one is a simple split time stopwatch. what is missing there is that the normal stopwatch should have the function of logging lap times as well so the training function that isolates the access to the rest of watch functions doesn't have to be started. - the watch has just the one programmable interval timer (with five useful and labeled subtimers of up to 60 min). two things are missing there: that each internal interval timer could be set to up to 24 hours, And an additional (non-interval) timer to up to 24 hours with auto repeat. Like that the watch could be used all day long. - each interval timer should have a longer beep/vibration if so was desired. as it stands now it produces only a beep for a second with vibration, at the end of all the sequence it does beep/vibrate for longer. - the move app requires to enable location services to connect via bluetooth. that shouldn't be the case. - the watch should have been equipped with solar charging. skipping through pages, starting training function, light, vibration, etc consumes battery specially since the watch cannot turn off the pedometer function. - Automatic light should be turned on/off with the light button, not via a menu option. - the ability to enable/disable notifications page and functionality should be there from the app. - the ability to remember some user defined cities for the second time zone: i.e Paris, Berlin, and Rome are all in the same time zone, you can select Paris from the watch but not Berlin, if you selected Berlin from the app you cannot select LA, and the Berlin again from the watch, it gets lost in memory. -The snooze of the alarms cannot be turned off directly with watch buttons but requires you to enter to a menu and turn off the alarm altogether (the buttons are hard to press for better water resist) +Nevertheless this is a tremendous watch that I'm using everyday during the morning, and I'm exposing it (the sides specially) to a high pressure water stream (13 -15 bar approximately with no issues, and it has received some shocks already. Very tough. (obviously letting it dry in the dark afterwards so as to not to damage the urethane band) +Very rugged hinges. +the vibration is subtle but enough +This is a 5 star watch, just giving it 3 to give ideason how to improve it, and there's plenty of room for that.

Poor UI & overhyped features

GBD-200 is not a horrible watch, but at the given price-point you could do much better with you money. Even a 1st gen Garmin Instinct non-solar model is a much better watch.The GBD-200 screen is sharp an easily readable in the dimmest of light (even without the backlight). It is a comfortable watch to wear, but the styling of the band is odd as it is around 26mm at the lugs & 19mm at the buckle. I would have preferred a 22mm from lug to buckle. Fortunately, if you have larger wrists (even greater than 8") this watch will most likely fit you.Now, the interval timer feature is poor as you can only program 5 stages and cycle/repeat them (in order from left to right on the display) up to 20 times. You will also need to use a stage slot for a rest/recovery interval. ... MoreGBD-200 is not a horrible watch, but at the given price-point you could do much better with you money. Even a 1st gen Garmin Instinct non-solar model is a much better watch.The GBD-200 screen is sharp an easily readable in the dimmest of light (even without the backlight). It is a comfortable watch to wear, but the styling of the band is odd as it is around 26mm at the lugs & 19mm at the buckle. I would have preferred a 22mm from lug to buckle. Fortunately, if you have larger wrists (even greater than 8") this watch will most likely fit you.Now, the interval timer feature is poor as you can only program 5 stages and cycle/repeat them (in order from left to right on the display) up to 20 times. You will also need to use a stage slot for a rest/recovery interval. For example, to create a run/walk interval: "run" stage 1 then a "walk" stage 2 (leaving 3 stages empty) then set to repeat the defined stage up to 20 times. Or to create a HIIT interval you could have a "work" stage 1 then a "rest" stage 2 maybe add a "cardio" stage 3 and then add another "rest" stage 4 (leaving one stage empty) with the ability to once again repeat 20 times. So only basic configurations for this interval timer.Separately, is an activity feature mostly geared for exercises like running, hiking, walking, etc. You can customize 3 screens with 3 different metrics on each screen (pace, speed, avg pace or speed, distance, time, lap time, etc.). Which is nice but limited.If you pair the watch to Casio G-Shock Move app it can leverage your smartphone's GPS to calibrate the accuracy accelerometer to you stride. But, given there are no activity profiles it will your stride will average between walking, hiking, and running which will not yield very accurate results.Notifications on the GBD-200 abysmal. If you get a call on your phone a very quick and faint single vibration is felt. Also, notifications from texts, emails, apps are an all or nothing situation. Vibration alerts really only worked well for the interval timer. Don't buy this watch for phone notifications. A few dollars more can get your the first gen (non solar) Garmin Instinct. Though the Garmin is a few years older than GBD-200 the Garmin is light years ahead in function and easy of use.

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THE BEST! The Casio GDB 200 has a negative display screen that is just fantastic, easy to see for older people like me and the watch size is just right on my 7.5cm wrist. The blue night light and its button is placed just right under the screen. I ordered the Casio GWM 5610 too as it has the atomic accuracy feature but the size and display does not come any where near this beaty, honestly. Saying that, this is one area where the GBD 200 falls short and really wish they would have had the aforementioned feature as I would have happily paid the extra for this, or may be they could have this on a Dulux model? Anyway, the Casio GWM 5610 is now to be returned asap, as it just does not stand up to the GBD 200, even though this does not have the atomic accuracy feature ... MoreTHE BEST! The Casio GDB 200 has a negative display screen that is just fantastic, easy to see for older people like me and the watch size is just right on my 7.5cm wrist. The blue night light and its button is placed just right under the screen. I ordered the Casio GWM 5610 too as it has the atomic accuracy feature but the size and display does not come any where near this beaty, honestly. Saying that, this is one area where the GBD 200 falls short and really wish they would have had the aforementioned feature as I would have happily paid the extra for this, or may be they could have this on a Dulux model? Anyway, the Casio GWM 5610 is now to be returned asap, as it just does not stand up to the GBD 200, even though this does not have the atomic accuracy feature which I was looking for. I have not given the full overall 5 star for this reason only. I really love this watch over my expensive ones and I will happily buy a Dulux model with the atomic feature if that comes out in the future, no question.