Both the Cartier Santos and Casio G-SHOCK Square have changed, but the evidence points to evolution—not a proven decline. Their signature forms remain recognizable, while today’s collections offer more sizes, materials, movements and price or feature tiers than any single model can represent.
What does “not what they were” mean?
It depends on the measure. If it means that neither collection is limited to its earliest design or a single specification, the claim is fair: both brands now offer broader families. If it means that quality, value or identity has declined, the available manufacturer information does not establish that. The two collections also serve different purposes: Santos is a luxury analog watch family with different movement configurations, while G-SHOCK Square is a digital, shock-resistant family.
![Casio Men's GWX-5600-1JF G-Shock G-Lide Tough Solar Radio Controlled Watch [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510un6cqyfL._SL160_.jpg)
So the useful comparison is not which is objectively better. It is what each family has retained, and how its modern range has expanded.
What has stayed recognizable?
Cartier Santos: the square case and visible screws
Cartier dates the Santos’ origin to 1904. In its account, Louis Cartier conceived the watch for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to read the time in flight without taking a hand off the controls to check a pocket watch. Cartier identifies the square case and visible bezel screws as part of the design’s identity. That history and design language are the through-line; they do not mean every present-day Santos is identical to the original.
#1 Best Overall
- Iconic G-SHOCK Square Design – The legendary square case that started it all, delivering timeless style and the rugged durability G-SHOCK is known for.
- Shock Resistant & 200M Water Resistant – Built to withstand impacts, swimming, snorkeling, and demanding everyday use.
- Super Illuminator LED Backlight – Bright white LED with afterglow ensures excellent readability in low-light conditions.
- Essential Digital Features – Includes 1/100-second stopwatch, 24-hour countdown timer, multi-function alarm, flash alert, and full auto-calendar.
- Reliable 5-Year Battery Life – Powered by a CR2016 battery for long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
Cartier’s US Santos catalogue covers several sizes and configurations, so “the Santos” is not one specific watch. The Santos de Cartier collection page’s technical claims likewise should not be applied automatically to every Santos subfamily or historical reference.
G-SHOCK Square: a continuing digital shape
Casio dates the first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, to 1983. Its 5000/5600 history page describes the square family as a continuing evolution of that design. The US 5600/5000 guide still frames it as a square-face digital family. As with Santos, the original design is a reference point, not a claim that every model has the same materials or features.
Rank #2
- Approx. battery life: 2 years on CR2032
- 200-meter water resistance
- LED backlight (Super illuminator); Auto light switch, selectable illumination duration (1.5 seconds or 3 seconds), afterglow
- Display of distance, speed, pace, and other calculated values based on accelerometer, auto/manual lap times, Auto Pause, target alert setting (time, altitude, calories burned) on/off, training display customization (elapsed time, distance, pace, lap time, lap distance lap pace, average pace, speed, average speed, calories burned)
- Training Function
How the current collections have broadened
Santos: more than one size, material or movement
Cartier’s current US catalogue includes small, medium and large Santos de Cartier models, alongside a range of materials and movement types. A buyer should therefore identify the exact subfamily, size and reference before comparing a Santos with another watch. Prices displayed in the catalogue are a snapshot and can change; they should not be treated as a lasting measure of the collection’s value or positioning.
For the Santos de Cartier described on its collection overview, Cartier specifies calibre 1847 MC, water resistance up to 10 bar (about 100 m), and resistance to everyday magnetism up to 1,500 gauss. These are manufacturer specifications for the collection page’s described watch, not independent test results or specifications for every Santos.
Rank #3
![CASIO G-Shock GW-5000U-1JF [20 ATM Water Resistant Solar Radio Wave GW-5000 Series] Shipped from Japan](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417vmJCk13S._SL160_.jpg)
- Shock resistant structure protects against impact
- 200 meters water resistance for swimming and snorkeling
- Solar-powered battery charges itself from any light source
- Atomic timekeeping syncs to radio towers for precise accuracy
- LED backlight illuminates the digital display in low light
G-SHOCK Square: from entry-level digital to metal and titanium
Casio’s US guide spans the DW-5600E-1V at the affordable end through full-metal and titanium series. That range makes “G-SHOCK Square” a family name rather than a single set of specifications: materials, features and price tier depend on the exact model. The guide’s broad collection framing is not a substitute for checking an individual model’s specification sheet.
How to compare particular watches fairly
A Santos and a G-SHOCK Square are not direct equivalents simply because both have a square outline. Start by choosing exact references, then compare the things that affect how you would use and own each watch:
Rank #4
- Design and legibility: an analog Santos and a digital Square present time differently; assess the dial or display and how easily you can read it for your needs.
- Movement and functions: identify the specific Santos movement configuration and the functions on the selected Square. Collection-level descriptions do not establish that every model shares the same setup.
- Materials and fit: compare the actual case and strap or bracelet materials, dimensions and wearing comfort, not the most elaborate or least expensive model in either family by default.
- Water resistance and durability: use the manufacturer specifications for the exact references. Cartier’s figures above apply to its described Santos de Cartier; the Casio family guide alone does not supply one universal Square specification.
- Price and positioning: compare current prices in the same market and at the same time. A catalogue price is a dated listing, not evidence on its own of value, reliability or resale performance.
Without those reference-level details and independent comparative evidence, it is not sound to conclude that one family is more reliable or better value than the other.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict: changed, but not proven worse
The Santos and G-SHOCK Square are not frozen in their earliest forms. Cartier’s current Santos range expands across sizes, materials and movement types; Casio’s Square range stretches from the DW-5600E-1V to full-metal and titanium models. At the same time, each retains a recognizable design connection to its origins. The claim that they are “not what they were” is accurate as a description of broader, evolved collections—but the available evidence does not support turning that change into a verdict of decline.
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Best Value
- Case size (L× W× H): 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm
- Case and bezel material: Resin / Bio-based resin
- Construction: Shock Resistant | Band: Bio-based resin band
- Weight: 52 g
- Water resistance: 200-meter water resistance
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
