The Best G-Shock Alternative: A Battle of Toughness!

The Casio G-Shock watches have reached cult status over the last few decades. With uncompromising durability and outdoor-oriented functionalities, these watches have won the hearts of millions of watch lovers all over the world.

In fact, G-Shock has introduced a new genre of watches — giving a new meaning to toughness!

Soon, many other manufacturers have designed and developed their own ‘tough’ watches to impress the fans. Some are even more robust and brings on more functionalities to the table.

Many of you guys have reached out to us for creating a comprehensive article on the best G-Shock alternatives. So, here we are guys — similar watches like G-Shock reviewed in one single place.

We hope that you guys will love it.

Let’s not waste more words and jump onto it!

Best Casio G-Shock Alternatives Reviewed

Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch – The Overall Best

Luminox is one of the well-known brands in the military watchmaking industry. In fact, Luminox is the only watch brand that passed the durability test of the US Navy Seal.

Many military personnel even prefer having a Luminox watch over the Casio G-Shocks. Tougher build and analog display are two of the main reasons for such preference.

Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch — the specific model that we’re talking about is known for the superior low-light visibility.

The orange-black color combination already creates a good contrasting balance. This contrast paired with Luminox’s tritium-coated markers and hands makes this watch great low-light and underwater conditions.

Also, very few budget watches come with carbon-reinforced polycarbonate casing. Luminox is branding this case material as Carbonox. This material is extremely robust, especially compared to the resin cases of the Casio G-Shock.

However, we think Luminox could offer better value with the inclusion of a sapphire crystal. Or maybe we’re getting too greedy!

Considering the price, we would say this watch is a gem!

 Product Specifications – Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch

• Movement: Swiss Quartz
• Display Type: Analog
• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 14mm
• Band Width: 23mm
• Case Material: Carbon Reinforced Polycarbonate
• Band Material: Polyurethane (PU)
• Weight (Approximate): 59 g (2.08 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 20 ATM (660 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle (Dual Pin)
• Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Citizen Promaster Aqualand, BN2029-01E – Best Premium Option

Well, Casio is NOT the only Japanese watchmaking giant out there! Citizen is a brand that has a great watch in every category.

Citizen launched the Citizen Promaster Aqualand, BN2029-01E back in 2014 to tell the world that they too can make durable, functional watches!

To be honest, Citizen Promaster Aqualand is kind of an overkill as this watch stacked with features and exciting functionalities. It has features like — depth display (up to 70 meters), maximum depth memory, rapid ascend alarm, and a dedicated dive mode.  

What more can a diver ask for?

Just like the Casio G-Shocks, it also comes with a power reserve indicator. Unlike the G-Shocks, it doesn’t need a battery — thanks to the Eco-Drive technology.

We must also talk about the design aesthetics of this watch. The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design award for Good Design certifies the convenience of the watch design.

Is there anything to complain about?

Yes!

The hefty price tag might disappoint you a bit!

Product Specifications – Citizen Promaster Aqualand, BN2029-01E

• Movement: Japanese Quartz (Citizen J250)
• Display Type: Analog
• Case Diameter: 53mm
• Case Thickness: 18.5mm
• Band Width: 27mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Polyurethane (PU)
• Weight (Approximate): 176 g (6.20 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 20 ATM (660 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Anti-Reflective Mineral

Suunto Core, SS014279010 – Best Budget Pick

Let’s talk about the most functional watch at best possible pricing now. We’re talking about — Suunto Core, SS014279010. This watch has been an instant hit among the users since the launch in 2008.

This watch comes with ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) that track your movement in real-time. At the same time, you can rely on weather tracking even in the harshest of climates.

Advanced alarm systems with the ability to track sunset and sunrise are some of the exciting additional features that will make you fall in love with it.

Only some of the advanced G-Shocks and Garmin offer better functionalities than this masterpiece. But those watches are way too expensive.

So, if you consider the value alone, only a handful of watches can compete with it.

However, durability and reliability have always been severe issues with Suunto Core.   

Product Specifications – Suunto Core, SS014279010

• Movement: Quartz (Digital)
• Display Type: LCD Dot-Matrix
• Case Diameter: 49mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Carbon Fiber Composite
• Band Material: Elastomer
• Weight (Approximate): 64 g (2.25 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 3 ATM (99 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Victorinox Original XL, 249087

Victorinox Original XL, 249087 is a vintage style army watch. If you’re a lover of simple minimalistic watches, this one might just be the best option for you.

It’s a true Swiss watch with a Swiss movement. So, rest assured — you’re getting a reliable timepiece that will serve you for the years to come.

It’s really hard not to like this simple and clean watch.

Product Specifications – Victorinox Original XL, 249087

• Movement: Swiss Quartz
• Display Type: Analog
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 9.85mm
• Band Width: 21mm
• Case Material: Nylon Fiber and Aluminum
• Band Material: Nylon
• Weight (Approximate): 45.3 g (1.6 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Mineral

Timex Ironman Classic 30

Timex Ironman Classic 30 is one of the better basic sports watches on this list today. The design aesthetics are quite simple and straightforward in this watch.

There’s indeed nothing much to talk about the features and functionalities apart from the INDIGLO® Night-Light. But considering the price and minimalistic design, we shouldn’t complain.

Overall, this is a great basic watch that will support you as a daily driver.

Product Specifications – Timex Ironman Classic 30

• Movement: Swiss Quartz
• Display Type: Digital
• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 16mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Band Material: Resin
• Weight (Approximate): 22.68 g (0.79 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Acrylic

Casio AE-1000W-1AVCF

When it comes to budget watches, none can match the value of the Casio watches. Casio again proves it with the Casio AE-1000W-1AVCF.

This basic watch comes with all the common standard features, like — chronograph, world time, alarms, timers, backlight, and many more.

Despite the fact Casio AE-1000W-1AVCF is fully made of resin, none can question the durability and toughness of a ‘Casio watch.’

While watches like these available at such a low price, we really don’t understand the meaning of counterfeit Casio watches.   

Product Specifications – Casio AE-1000W-1AVCF

• Movement: Quartz
• Display Type: Digital
• Case Diameter: 45mm
• Case Thickness: 14mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Band Material: Resin
• Weight (Approximate): 40 g (1.41 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Resin

Seiko SKX011J1 Diver Watch

Just like Citizen, Seiko has a great option for everyone in every watch category. Seiko SKX011J1 Diver Watch is one of the most popular dive watches in the market.

The biggest selling point of this watch is the choice of movement. It’s an automatic watch powered by the Seiko’s legendary 7S26 caliber.

Moreover, Seiko SKX011J1 Diver Watch comes with all the basic features that one can hope for in an analog diver watch.

For example, a waterproof strap, 200-meter water resistance, luminous hands and markers are some of the desirable features that you’d get in this Seiko watch.

However, the inclusion of the automatic movement surges the price.  

More: Ferrari Watch Review: Fancy Getting That Ferrari Logo?

Product Specifications – Seiko SKX011J1 Diver Watch

• Movement: Automatic (Seiko 7S26)
• Display Type: Analog
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Rubber
• Weight (Approximate): 104.3 g (3.68 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 20 ATM (660 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Hardlex (Mineral)

Casio Pro Trek, PRT-B50-1CR

Casio Pro Trek is another great line-up dedicated to trekkers and hikers. Casio has packed all the necessary features in the Casio Pro Trek, PRT-B50-1CR.

The Quad sensors and smartphone connectivity are the two main features of this timepiece. With these two features, Casio offers a richer hiking experience.

How so?

For example, you can use GPS coordination, compass data and movement log to create a high-definition map in your smartphone. Now, you can either follow the predetermined activity path or follow a new one.

The barometer, thermometer, and accelerometer will help along so that you don’t run into any kind of dangerous situation.

Hand retraction function, sunset/sunrise timing, and world timing are also some of the exciting features.

Casio Pro Trek, PRT-B50-1CR, is a very capable watch with a plethora of modern functionalities and features.

What’s more?

Its durability features are identical to the G-Shock watches. So, in a sense, Pro Trek is an advanced and upgraded version of G-Shock watches.

More: Tissot Le Locle Review: The Best Entry-Level Swiss Automatic Watch

Product Specifications – Casio Pro Trek, PRT-B50-1CR

• Movement: Quartz
• Display Type: Dual (Analog and Digital)
• Case Diameter: 58mm
• Case Thickness: 16mm
• Band Width: 22.2mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Band Material: Resin
• Weight (Approximate): 64 g (3.68 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Mineral

Fanmis SKMEI Multifunction, PN K714

Nowadays Chinese watches are becoming quite popular. A lot of these watches follow the design principles of the Casio G-Shocks. So, in that sense, you can call them G shock alternatives.

Among all the ‘Chinese’ G-Shocks (!), Fanmis SKMEI Multifunction, PN K714 certainly is a great option.

The biggest selling point of these watches is the pricing — these watches are the cheapest of the cheap!

Not only that, but these watches also come with all the basic features that we get to see in the G-Shock watches.

However, you can NEVER rely on quality and durability. Considering the price, you can overlook these facts.

More: Hamilton Khaki King Review: The Best-in-Class Quality Watch

Product Specifications – Casio Pro Trek, PRT-B50-1CR

• Movement: IC-Controlled
• Display Type: Digital (LCD)
• Case Diameter: 50mm
• Case Thickness: 17mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: ABS Plastic
• Band Material: Rubber
• Weight (Approximate): 58 g (2.04 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 5 ATM (165 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Resin

Why Doesn’t The G-Shock Cut It for You?

Casio G-Shock series is one of the most iconic and loved watch collection in the world. It’s really hard to find a person who doesn’t appreciate the appeal of a G-Shock watch.

However, Casio G-Shock watches do have some issues.

No, there’s nothing wrong with the quality or functionality. But some users don’t like the design principles or find the prices too steep.

More: Charles Hubert Pocket Watch Review: Should You Buy One?

Display Hard to Read?

Let’s face it — G-Shock watches do have a tendency to cluster too much information in the small display. A lot of people prefer having a cleaner display with all the standard functionalities.

You fall into this group, you can choose — Victorinox Original XL, 249087, Seiko SKX011J1 Diver Watch, or even Suunto Core, SS014279010.

These watches follow the minimalistic design philosophy.

More: Best Value Swiss Watch: The Epitome of Craftsmanship!

Is the Price Too High?

Most of the G-Shocks fall into the cheaper category — typically under the $100 price point.

However, there are some expensive variants available too. For example, G-Shock G-Steel Carbon Core Guard or the G-Shock GG-B100BA-1AJR MudMaster are quite pricy.

Here, watches like — Timex Ironman Classic 30, Casio AE-1000W-1AVCF, or even, Fanmis SKMEI Multifunction, PN K714 are great alternatives.

More: Check our guide to Citizen Blue Angel Review Here

G-Shocks Too Big & Chunky?

We think this is the biggest complaint against the mighty G-Shock. Most of the G-Shocks have a diameter over 50mm.

In a thinner wrist, G-Shock watches look very odd. So, despite liking the design and functionality, a huge portion of the users can’t pull off the rugged look of the G-Shock.

Solve?

Go for a watch with matching for factor!

Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark or Seiko SKX011J1 are great G Shock alternatives.

More: Check our guide to Naviforce Watch Review Here

Conclusion

We hope that you’ve found your G-Shock alternative today. Just look for three things — functionality, build quality, and design.

If you’re still confused, here are the top three picks from us —

Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark stands tall as the overall best. Then, Citizen Promaster Aqualand, BN2029-01E comes next if you don’t have budget constraints.

Finally, Suunto Core, SS014279010 is the best G-Shock alternative for budget-concerned buyers.

Which G-Shock alternative did you like?

Let us know in the comments below!