The current tide can greatly affect certain marine activities, which is why it is vital to be able to keep track of it at all times. This is doubly true for those who spend a considerable amount of time in the ocean. From sailing, to fishing or surfing, – knowing the current state of the tide in their location is imperative. Due to the gravitational force and constant rotation of our planet, the tide is never consistent and significant changes are to be expected. You can never truly predict what the ocean will be giving you today, tomorrow, or the day after. However, certain tools can give you the next best thing to a crystal ball.
Not only will affect where you can anchor your boat, but it will also influence things like fish feeding times. Even just being at a remote beach cove can get tricky if you’re suddenly surprised by the rising tide that can leave you no escape route so having an accurate read on the upcoming tides can be a great safety tool.
As for surfers, knowing when peak waves will hit will ensure they will be able to maximize their sessions and fun on the beach. Basically, the tide will affect almost all ocean aquatic activities. Having a tool that can help you get up-to-date information on the current status of the ocean waves can be of great assistance to those whose lives revolve around taming the sea.
One of the most trusted brands when it comes to outdoor timepieces is Casio’s G-Shock series. Just recently, Casio released their first foray into the dive and tide watch category with the G-Shock GBX100 watch line. This is definitely their most complete dive and tide watch model to date; it is jam-packed with features designed to make your experience in the sea or beach as convenient as possible and makes it to the top of our list:
Table of Contents
Best G-Shock Tide Watches
G-Shock GBX100 Review
Let us begin with what inspired us to write this article – the G-Shock GBX100 series. While G-Shock has certainly developed several watches that feature tide graphs and mood data, the GBX100 is their most recent that comes equipped with some excellent features that surfers will be pleased to have. In fact, we’ve voted as one of the best surf watches on the market.
Here is a quick review of this fantastic tide watch and what you should come to expect if you get your hands on one.
When it comes to G-Shock watches, you typically picture a robust, large, and modern digital timepiece. This signature look is kept in the G-Shock GBX 100 model, albeit with some considerable upgrades. First off, the case features a combination of resin and stainless steel and is manufactured with a square shape, similar to the classic OG G-Shock watches of the 80s. This is sure to be a huge treat for those who love the retro vibe and are fans of 90s G-Shock watches.
The resin and stainless-steel case measures 46mm in diameter with a 14mm thickness, this is a pretty standard measurement for a G-Shock watch. The overall design of the case is also somewhat similar to G-Shock’s high-end 5000 series, which is known for its balance and comfort. That is not a bad place to take some inspiration.
As with all G-Shock watches, the GBX100 model features a digital display that is operated using traditional buttons (5, in this model) which are located around the bezel. The GBX 100 does not just feature your typical LCD display though. No, this G-Shock watch utilizes an HD MIP (Memory in Pixel) LCD which has vastly more improved sharpness and contrast, making it incredibly legible compared to standard LCD screens.
In situations wherein you find yourself in low-light environments, like say, underwater, the GBX100 comes with a Super Illuminator LED backlight as well. You can choose to trigger the backlight for about 1.5 to 3 seconds which helps maximize battery life. Of course, we would have loved to have the ability to allow the backlight to remain on longer, but 3 seconds is usually enough to gather all the important information on the screen.
Within the striking exterior aesthetic lies the core of the foundation. This watch is operated by a Japanese quartz movement (model 3482) and is powered via standard batteries that can last up to 2 years before replacement. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity which further expands its overall functionality. Connecting it to your smartphone will also help keep it accurate.
The GBX100 model is also compatible with the G-Shock Move app which allows taking advantage of key features such as the tide graph which holds up to 3,300 locations. Other notable features include the standard G-Shock functions – stopwatch, countdown timer, and auto-calendar. This watch also goes a few steps beyond with its World Time feature (38 time zones), Sunrise/Sunset display, moon data, and a power-saving mode.
Overall, the G-Shock GBX100 certainly lives up to expectations. It is a pretty simple tide watch that provides you with all the necessary tools to help you plan and keep track of specific marine activities. While the lack of Tough Solar does feel like a missed opportunity, this is a well-rounded and reasonably priced tide watch that also comes with G-Shock’s signature durability. The GBX100 series also comes in a variety of color variants that delivers a completely different aesthetic, while keeping its excellent performance. Some of the more notable model variants are the GBX100-7 (black and white) and the GBX100-2 (teal) models.
G-Shock GAX100B-1A
The G-Shock GAX100B-1A has been a staple of surfers and sports athletes that participate in water-based sports. One of the most notable features here is its analog-digital dial display which provides the improved capability to provide adequate information to the wearer.
The contrasting color pattern utilized with the dial will help wearers from distinguishing specific details with just a glance. As for its marine functionalities, the GAX100B-1A comes with a tide graph, moon data, and thermometer. This G-Shock tide watch is specifically designed to appeal to those whose livelihood or hobbies revolve around the great open seas.
The GAX100B-1A model also comes with an ISO764 class magnetic resistance certification. Within the impressively built 45mm case timepiece is a Japanese quartz movement. and a water resistance for up to 200-meters. It also comes in a stylish black and white model variant.
G-Shock GN1000-1A
![G-SHOCK [Casio] CASIO Watch GULFMASTER GN-1000-1AJF Men's](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515ABcpV1bL.jpg "G-SHOCK [Casio] CASIO Watch GULFMASTER GN-1000-1AJF Men's")
The G-Shock GN1000-1A is part of the Gulfmaster series which is one of Casio’s more popular dive watch collections. One of the GN1000-1A’s main selling points is its Twin Sensor design. This means that the GN1000-1A is equipped with a digital compass and a thermometer. Of course, there are more high-end G-Shock models that offer their current Triple Sensor design – at additional cost.
It also comes with a tide graph and moon data that uses a graphic representation for easier legibility. This model also comes with a nifty hand shift feature that allows you to move the hands out of the way to get a clear view of the digital screen. Other notable features include a Super Illuminator LED backlight and bearing memory to help you navigate yourself in the ocean. Additionally, the watch also comes with 200-meter water resistance.
G-Shock GWN1000B-1B
Here is another G-Shock Gulfmaster model entry, but this time around it comes with a slew of upgrades that helped propel it to the upper echelons of this category. As we have noted from the previous entry, there are dive/tide watches in G-Shock’s collection that utilize their vaunted Triple Sensor design.
The GWN1000B-1A is one such timepiece that is equipped with this top-tier design.
With its Triple Sensor design, the GWN1000B-1A model comes equipped with a barometer, altimeter, and thermometer along with an impressive array of other outdoor essential features. It comes with a tide graph, moon data, double LED backlighting, and the standard stopwatch and countdown timers. The watch also takes full advantage of a multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping to keep itself impeccably accurate at all times, anywhere. To round off its impressive build is the Tough Solar technology that boosts its battery life considerably.
G-Shock G7900-1
The G7900-1 model is one of G-Shock’s more affordable entries into the tide watch category. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and multi-functional timepiece that you can rely on when participating in water-based activities, this is one of the best options in the market that you can get.
Some of the G7900-1 model’s unique features include its bezel design which utilizes four prominent screws. Not only does this provide the resin case with improved stability and durability, it is also quite stylish with its rugged appeal. If you have come across a few G-Shock models in the past, you will also notice how the operational buttons on the side of the G7900-1 are significantly larger as well. This makes operating the watch easier.
Of course, the G7900-1 also comes with a tide graph and moon data which is vital for those who travel, work, or generally have fun in the ocean. The LCD display is also well-organized to provide users with clear information without feeling like a cluttered mess. In addition, the G7900 model comes in a variety of colors, such as red, blue-green, and black and gold.
