Review Casio G-Shock GWN-1000B-1BDR(G530) Gulf Master Men's Watch

I was searching for my next Casio watch and while going through the pros and cons of the various series including the one Protek that i had bought in 2013 and few others, I fell head over heels in love with the Gulf Master G530. That is when my search for reviews on the same started and I was initially surprised and later on appalled to see that there were barely any reviews that were specific to India and Indian conditions of harsh summers/winters. So here is my review of the watch for everyone who is a G-Shock fan and who are looking for a hands on user review.

Before I begin my review let me share the basic details about the watch. The GULFMASTER,  G-SHOCK Series is designed and engineered with the maritime adventurer in mind. GULFMASTER includes the first G-SHOCK models to incorporate both Triple Sensor Version 3 and Smart Access in the same watch. In addition to barometric pressure, altitude, bearing, and temperature readings, these new models also feature Tide Graph and Moon Age capabilities to help keep you in close touch with your natural environment. Sudden extreme changes in barometric pressure are alerted using a dial hand, LCD display, and alarm. Double LED lighting illuminates the LCD, and also adds a face light at 6 o’clock to keep information bright and easy to read even in total darkness. The designs of these watches have been modeled after the look of shipboard instruments to create an attractive marine look.

The model number for the Indian watch is GWN-1000B-1. 

MRP: ₹ 32,995 (incl. of all taxes)

Indian Product Code： G530

Size of case : 44.9×55.8×16.2mm
Total weight : 101g  

Case / bezel material: Resin / Stainless steel
Resin Band
Shock Resistant
Mineral Glass
200-meter water resistance 

The watch details can be read through the Casio website. The Gulf Master also enjoys a specials page on the dedicated G-Shock website. The offical You Tube video can be seen here.

Now lets talk about the features of the watch.

1) Triple Sensor Ver. 3 - This watch has something that Casio calls as 'Triple Sensor Ver. 3'. This sensor measures directions, atmospheric pressure/temperatures and altitudes at high speed. Atmospheric pressure measurements are taken automatically every two hours. The watch also indicates that direction where the second hand indicates north, and the orientation angle is displayed on the LCD.

2) Tide Graph / Barometric tendency alarm - A high-visibility arrow-shaped small hand serves as an indicator for such important maritime intelligence as Tide Graph tidal movement data and atmospheric pressure tendency information. Metal parts give the dial an assertive presence.



3) Tide Graph / Moon Age Display - A Tide Graph installed in an inset dial provides information on the movements of the tides in user-specified regions. An LCD displays the age of the moon in the basic timekeeping mode.

4) Double LED lights - Two white LED lights cast brilliant illumination on the hands and LCD. Their use in combination with phosphorescent coating ensures excellent legibility in the dark.

5) Tough Solar - This means that the watch charges its battery thorough exposure to light. Tough Solar ensures stable operation even when using power-hungry functions.

6) Wave Ceptor (Radio Controlled) Multiband 6 - 
Receives time calibration signals and corrects the time automatically. Multiband 6 allows reception of time calibration signals from one of six transmitters around the globe : Germany, The United Kingdom, The United States, China, and Japan (two transmitters). 





Looks - Score 5 on 5 - I know looks are very very subjective and that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. From my perspective this watch is an absolute stunner. It is an Analog+Digital watch ABC Watch with the Digital screen being a negative Display. In simpler terms, it is a dark display (called negative display) and that it displays Altimeter (A), Barometer (B), Compass (C) data apart from compass.

Ergonomics - Score 5 on 5  - This is again person/personality dependent. However, i love it for it is light, easy to wear and easy to use. It is also very useful for when I am outdoors or I go swimming.

Accuracy - Score 5 on 5  - All the functions mentioned in the watch seem fairly accurate so far as the day of writing the same. The Altimeter seems to lock in fairly quickly and displays results quite accurately. Likewise, the compass seems accurate, checked with the GPS on mobile as well. Also, for me most of the functions were factory preset and didnot need any adjustment, made me not go through the manual (which is a huge tome) on the very first day. Also, if you enable the power saving, the watch display blanks out if you keep the watch in complete dark. Another thing worthy of mention here is that it is incredibly quick to switch between modes and functions. The watch responds very very quickly.

My overall score for this watch 4.5 on 5 (i am deducting the 0.5 for lack of extra strap, I dont know why at the present price point Casio can't provide the same as an added option)