Put down the mod kit. Casio has released an all-steel CasiOak. Initially introduced in 2019, the Casio GA2100 series swiftly became popular for its octagonal bezel, which when modified with a steel case and integrated bracelet, bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain Audemars Piguet Royal Oak; albeit at a much more accessible price point. Even without the obvious comparisons, the slim, streamlined design of the GA2100 line has proven to be a success with younger consumers.
Perhaps in a bid to save those desirous of a budget Royal Oak the trouble of modifications, Casio has now released a full-metal GA2100. Debuting in 2018, the Casio G-Shock full metal lines came as a surprise for a brand so heavily associated with plastic. However, the elevated aesthetic of the stainless steel iterations was a welcome addition.
The full-metal GA2100 employs stainless steel for the case, integrated bracelet, and bezel. To ensure the durability and longevity befitting of a G-Shock, the shock-resistant structure created for the full-metal GMWB5000 was adopted for the screw-back case, band, and bezel joints of the GA2100, with fine resin buffering components used between the bezel and case.
With its analog hands and a comparatively sleeker feel, the GA2100 — or CasiOak — boasts a more mature feel that’s set to appeal to even those who aren’t traditionally G-Shock wearers. The dial layout of the full-metal version is identical to that of the resin one, with Bluetooth connectivity, alarm, countdown timer, and world time functions.
The Casio GA2100 is available in a trio of colour options, with classic plain steel with polished and brushed surfaces, as well as iterations with black or rose gold ion plating. With a case size of 49.8mm x 44.4mm, it is larger than its resin predecessor. However, its 12.8mm width makes it the slimmest G-Shock, allowing it to sit well on the wrist.
In addition to the elevated aesthetic, the full-metal GA2100 also represents a step up in tech. Equipped with Tough Solar charging, there’s now no need to replace the battery. So, just like a Royal Oak, the CasiOak is made to last for life.
The Casio G-Shock GA2100 ‘CasiOak’ is priced at $1000AUD for the plain steel and $1099AUD for the black and rose gold variants, with the timepiece available from September 2022.
Words by John Deckard
