Casio G-Shock GWG-B1000EC-1AER Mudmaster Mens Watch

Casio announced the release of the new and updated Mudmaster in October 2024. The highly anticipated new Mudmaster series promises not only a new case design, but also some innovations in terms of functionality. Reading through the description of all that the Mudmaster GWG-B1000 can do, you might think that you no longer need another watch to keep you alive on your adventures. When Casio introduced the G-Shock Mudmaster series in 2015, it quickly became a favourite series of adventurer's watches. This high-quality ‘Master of G’ series presented an instantly recognisable style and combined it with various functions to support you on your toughest adventures. Since its introduction, the Mudmaster has gone through three different generations. 

Let's start with the exterior. The new Mudmaster GWG-B1000. The case measures an impressive 52.1 mm in width, 58.7 mm in length and 16.2 mm in thickness. This makes the watch slightly smaller than the 54.4 × 61.2 × 16.1 mm case of the GWG-2000, but as you will understand, it is a large watch. Despite its size, the new Mudmaster weighs only 114 grams. This makes it eight grams heavier than its more luxurious brother, which is equipped with a carbon bezel. Both watches are equipped with a Carbon Core Guard case made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. Unlike the GWG-2000, the new Mudmaster uses bio-based resin for the case, bezel and strap. The bezel ring is made of stainless steel and the bezel protection elements are located on the upper side. The upper and lower bezel protectors are made of stainless steel and have a DLC coating, while the protectors on the left and right sides of the case are made of carbon fibre-reinforced resin. The side covers protect the crown on the right-hand side and the buttons on both sides of the case. The cylindrical push-piece shafts are made of stainless steel and protected by seals to prevent mud and dust from damaging the watch.

The dial consists of a combination of analogue and digital displays. The design corresponds to what we know from the Mudmaster series. But there are aesthetic and practical updates to the design. The aesthetic changes are far from revolutionary. If you liked the Mudmaster before, these GWG-B1000 models will look familiar. On the functional side, there are some important changes. The new Mudmaster is the first G-Shock to be equipped with Tough Solar Power, the Triple Sensor (altimeter-barometer, compass, thermometer) and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The watch is also equipped with Multi Band 6 for automatic radio time correction when you are within range of the transmitters. These functions make the GWG-B1000 the most complete G-Shock in terms of functionality. Because of the many functions, the G-Shock designers have also changed the layout of the dials. As you can see, the sub-dial on the left side of the dial shows the altitude or the difference in air pressure. Both were previously indicated by a combination of second hand and dial or bezel markings. The right-hand sub-dial shows the bearing to a stored position, which you can enter either in the bearing memory or in the location memory. But that's not all. In timekeeping mode, the left-hand sub-dial also shows the battery level.

Does that all sound complicated? To be honest, it takes a little practice to familiarise yourself with the various functions and to know how to find and activate them. The hands in the centre show the time. That's quite simple. But the hands also have different functions in the different modes. You need a manual to scroll through the various functions on the digital display at 6 o'clock. Fortunately, if you've owned a G-Shock before, the basics are quite simple. You can scroll through the entire menu with the lower left pusher. The other buttons allow you to set the various functions within a menu, but they also activate other specific functions. The fifth pusher at 6 o'clock activates the double LED light that illuminates the dial and LCD.  Some of the most important functions are accessible by connecting the watch to your mobile phone. Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can access these functions via the Casio Watches smartphone app. And this is also the time when you better understand what this watch is made for. Sure, if you like the look of the watch and use some of the Mudmaster's features in your everyday life, it can be a great buy. But if you use the watch to its full potential on your planned outdoor adventures, you'll really appreciate the new G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-B1000 from Casio. This is an incredibly impressive tool watch for the most extreme and adventurous missions you'll embark on.