Swiss Made Watch

G-Shock GA-100-1A1ER reviews

Reviews of the G-Shock GA-100-1A1ER


User profile : Sports/adventurer looking for an indestructible watch for mountain biking, hiking and brutal daily use. Choice motivated by the resistance/price ratio (around 100-150 €). Daily port for 6 to 12 months depending on testimonies.

See the G-Shock GA-100-1A1ER and the opinions on Amazon

First contact and installation

Unpacking : Sober metal housing, minimum accessories (multilingual instructions). Initial impression of robustness, but matt plastic sensitive to micro-scratches.
Handling : Complex menu (8 buttons) requiring 30-45 min of initial setting. Low LED backlight (amber), not very effective in full sun.

Real test vs promises

Confirmed forces ::

  • Extreme survivor: fall of the 4ᵉ floor, violent shock in mountain biking, marine immersion.

  • Useful functions: Chrono 1/1000s (precise at ± 0.003S), 5 customizable alarms, 24 -hour countdown.

Notable differences ::

  • Failive night visibility: illegible red needles without light, low photoluminescent indices.

  • Bulky size: 51.2mm unsuitable for wrists.

Sustainability : Terned resin after 4 months of intensive use, striped bracelet but structurally intact.

Key points for the buyer

Target audience ::

  • Soldiers, firefighters, riders

  • Sedentary/minimalist style

Alternative ::

  • GA-2100: more compact, better visibility (white index models)

  • Gab2100: Bluetooth + Solar (additional cost 30%)

Value for money : Correct for the G-Shock entry-level, but competed by the DW-5600 (same functions + better readability).

Cash verdict

Major assets ::

  1. Quasi-indestructible resistance (MIL-STD-810G standard)

  2. Hyper precise chronograph

  3. Price/reliability ratio

Crumbling defects ::

  1. Catastrophic readability in low light

  2. Excessive congestion

  3. Limited battery autonomy (2 years vs 10 years on solar models)

Recommendation : Only for users exposed to extreme conditions, ready to sacrifice aesthetics and comfort. For urban use, favor models with a positive digital display.

Based on 12 user and testing testimonies in real conditions.

When this product is not made for you

  • Fine wrists (: the 51.2 mm box creates unsightly oversizing. Subreddit users signal sleeve hanging problems and an extended uncomfortable port.
  • Nocturnal readability requirements: red needle and low indiglo (1.5S max) make reading difficult without external light source. A Reddit testimony confirms: “Bread in the ASS TO READ IN LOW LIGHT Conditions”.
  • Intensive aquatic use: Despite the 200m WR, the testimony reveals fogging problems after 7 years of wet use. The seal is poorly compared to solar models (ex: GAB2100).
  • Long -term autonomy needs: the CR1220 battery lasts 2 years max2, against 10+ years on solar. A Deal-Breaker for adventurers in remote areas.
  • Minimalist preference/elegance: “robotic” design and matt matt plastic after 4 months are detonating in a formal professional environment. The GA-2100 type alternatives offer a more discreet profile.
  • Search for advanced technologies: no bluetooth, solar or atomic syncro here. For +30 €, the GAB2100 fills these gaps with a solar recharging and improved precision.

Priority exclusion case : Urban sedentary, Tradi watch collectors, technical divers (> 200m), and allergic to biannual battery interviews.

Posted on

View this article as web story

Thomas Kaufmann

Thomas Kaufmann is an expert in Swiss horology and a passionate advocate for the art of Swiss watchmaking. He has devoted his career to theSwitzerland’s finest timepieces, working in all the layers of watchmanking, from precision mechanism workshops to major swiss brand promotions around the world. As the founder and lead writer of the “Swiss Made Watch” blog, he provides in-depth insights and detailed analyses, showcasing his profound knowledge and appreciation for these artisanal timepieces. Thomas’s engaging articles and thorough reviews not only educate but also connect with a worldwide community of enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the Swiss watchmaking tradition. His work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Recent Articles