The Casio G-Shock Move: Unyielding Toughness Meets Smart Fitness

In a world brimming with smartwatches, the Casio G-Shock has carved out a unique niche, promising not just cutting-edge technology but also the legendary durability that has defined the brand for over four decades. For those who demand a device capable of enduring the harshest environments while providing crucial health and fitness insights, the G-Shock Move series presents a compelling proposition. This review dives deep into what makes these timepieces stand out, exploring their design, advanced tracking capabilities, battery performance, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the tough smartwatch you’ve been searching for.

Unpacking the G-Shock Move Philosophy: More Than Just a Watch

The G-Shock Move series isn’t just another line of smartwatches; it’s a testament to Casio’s unwavering commitment to toughness, now infused with intelligent fitness features. Unlike conventional smartwatches that often prioritize sleek aesthetics and extensive app ecosystems, the G-Shock Move maintains its robust, adventure-ready DNA while integrating essential health tracking. It’s a “smart watch” in the sense that it offers advanced health and activity monitoring, but it deliberately steps back from being a full-featured “smartwatch” with a touchscreen, app store, or mobile payment capabilities.

The series includes notable models such as the GBD-H1000, the more compact DWH5600, and the latest GBDH2000, each refining the blend of resilience and intelligence. These models cater to individuals who need a reliable companion that can withstand extreme conditions and track their physical performance without the fragility or constant charging demands of a typical smartwatch.

Built for Battle: Design and Durability

At the heart of every G-Shock Move lies the iconic G-Shock philosophy: absolute toughness. Each watch boasts a shock-resistant construction and 200-meter water resistance, making it ready for virtually any adventure, from deep-sea diving to mountain climbing. The designs vary, with the DWH5600 sporting the classic square G-Shock silhouette, appealing to purists, while the GBD-H1000 and GBDH2000 feature a more contemporary round face.

Despite their imposing appearance, models like the GBDH2000 are surprisingly lightweight at 63g, thanks to innovations like biomass plastic in their construction, enhancing both wearability and environmental friendliness. The cases are typically made of resin, often with recessed mineral crystal displays, offering superior protection against scratches and impacts. The soft urethane bands are designed for comfort and improved ventilation, ensuring a snug fit during intense activities.

One universally praised feature is the Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD display. This display delivers exceptional sharpness, contrast, and readability, even in direct sunlight, and consumes very little power. However, it’s important to note that these watches forgo touchscreens in favor of physical buttons, a deliberate choice for durability and reliable operation in challenging conditions. While this enhances ruggedness, the recessed nature of some buttons can occasionally make navigation slightly less fluid for daily use compared to a touch interface.

Casio G-Shock Move smartwatch showcasing its rugged design and durable construction.

Your Personal Trainer: Comprehensive Fitness Tracking

The Casio G-Shock Move series transforms from a mere timepiece into a powerful fitness partner, equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors to monitor your physical activity and health.

The latest GBDH2000 model, for instance, integrates six sensors: an optical heart rate monitor, an accelerometer (for step counting and distance estimation), a gyroscope (particularly useful for tracking swimming strokes and turns), a compass, an altimeter/barometer, and a thermometer. This multi-sensor approach allows for detailed tracking across a wide range of activities.

Key fitness features include:

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Optical sensors on the case back continuously track your heart rate, providing real-time data for intensity management during workouts and insights into your overall cardiovascular health.
• GPS Functionality: Integrated GPS (available on GBD-H1000 and GBDH2000) provides accurate measurements of distance, speed, and pace, and maps your routes. Some models, like the DWH5600 and GBA900, can link to your smartphone’s GPS for distance correction, offering a balance of features.
• Advanced Metrics: Beyond basic steps and calories, the G-Shock Move calculates metrics like VO2 max (a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness), training status, training load, and recovery time. The GBDH2000 further enhances this with blood oxygen level measurement, comprehensive sleep analysis, and tailored breathing exercises, leveraging the acclaimed Polar smartwatch library for in-depth data analysis.
• Activity Modes: The GBDH2000 offers dedicated modes for eight different activities, including running, walking, biking, open water swimming, pool swimming, trail running, and gym workouts, providing specific metrics relevant to each discipline.

This rich suite of features empowers athletes and active individuals to train smarter, monitor their progress, and optimize their recovery.

Person wearing a Casio G-Shock Move smartwatch during a running workout, displaying fitness data.

Powering Your Adventure: Battery Life and Charging

One of the G-Shock Move’s most significant advantages over traditional smartwatches is its impressive battery life and innovative charging system. Casio employs a dual-charging approach: solar-assisted charging for daily watch functions (like timekeeping, step tracking, and basic notifications) and USB charging for more power-intensive features such as continuous GPS and heart rate monitoring.

This hybrid system allows for remarkable endurance. Without relying on training functions, the watches can last for approximately two months, extending to about 23 months with power-saving features activated. When actively using GPS and heart rate monitoring, battery life ranges from 14 to 19 hours, depending on the reception mode (continuous or intermittent GPS). This combination means you can rely on your G-Shock Move for extended adventures without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet, embodying true “tough smartwatch” longevity.

The Digital Companion: Smartphone Link and App Experience

The G-Shock Move watches connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling features like automatic time adjustment, incoming call/email/SNS notifications, and data synchronization. All these functions are managed through the “Casio Watches” app (which replaced the older G-Shock Move app).

The app serves as your hub for reviewing activity history, training analysis data, life logs, and sleep analysis (on select models). It also facilitates easy watch settings. While the app provides a graphical overview of your performance, user feedback often points to it being less polished and intuitive compared to competitors’ apps. Some users have noted that the interface can be slow, lack granular control over notifications, or present data less comprehensively. However, compatibility with third-party platforms like Strava (for models like the DWH5600) and Apple Health (for iOS users) offers avenues for more detailed data analysis and sharing.

Despite some app-related criticisms, the ability to collect and review extensive fitness data from such a durable timepiece remains a powerful draw, especially for those prioritizing a rugged device that can function independently of a smartphone during activities.

Casio G-Shock Move Series: A Closer Look

The G-Shock Move series includes several models, each with distinct strengths:

Casio GBD-H1000

This was an earlier iteration, pioneering the integration of heart rate and GPS into a G-Shock.

• Features: Optical heart rate, GPS, altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, accelerometer, VO2 max, training analysis by Firstbeat.
• Pros: First G-Shock with a dedicated HR and GPS sensor, solar-assisted USB charging.
• Cons: Can be perceived as bulky (101g), some early reviews reported GPS accuracy issues.

Casio DWH5600

A fan favorite, bringing smart features to the iconic square G-Shock design.

• Features: Heart rate monitor, blood oxygen level measurement, sleep tracking, step counter, solar-assisted charging. Classic G-Shock digital display.
• Pros: Iconic, recognizable G-Shock design, excellent MIP display readability, impressive battery life (over a month of mixed use), relatively compact for a G-Shock Move (59g).
• Cons: Lacks integrated GPS (relies on smartphone connection for distance metrics), recessed buttons can be difficult to operate frequently, metal bezel prone to scratches, app experience can be frustrating.

Casio GBDH2000

The latest and most advanced in the Move series, with a focus on multi-sport performance.

• Features: 6 sensors (HR, GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter/barometer, thermometer), blood oxygen, comprehensive sleep measurement and analysis, cardio load status, sunrise/sunset, moon age data. Utilizes Polar’s training analysis library. Eco-friendly bio-based resin.
• Pros: Lighter (63g) and more comfortable than its predecessor (GBD-H1000), advanced multi-sport tracking capabilities including swimming, integrated GPS, enhanced health metrics, eco-friendly materials, robust data analysis.
• Cons: Still relies on physical buttons, and the companion app remains a common point of feedback for improvement.

Is the Casio G-Shock Move the Right Smartwatch for You?

The Casio G-Shock Move series occupies a compelling niche for individuals whose active lifestyles demand a watch that can withstand extreme conditions without compromise, while still offering robust fitness and health tracking.

It’s ideal for:

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and swimmers who need uncompromising durability, multi-sensor data, and GPS tracking in rugged environments.
• Athletes Prioritizing Endurance: Those who value long battery life, especially when GPS and heart rate are in constant use, over daily charging requirements.
• Users Seeking Robust Fitness Data: Individuals focused on tracking metrics like heart rate, VO2 max, sleep, and blood oxygen to optimize their training and overall health, without the distraction of a full-blown smartwatch operating system.
• G-Shock Aficionados: Fans of the classic G-Shock aesthetic and toughness who want to upgrade to a model with modern health and fitness capabilities.

It might not be the best fit for:

• Demanding Smartwatch Users: Those who rely heavily on features like mobile payments, extensive third-party apps, seamless notifications with quick replies, or touch-based navigation.
• Minimalists: Individuals who prefer a sleek, compact, and lightweight watch for all-day wear, particularly for sleep tracking, as some G-Shock Move models can feel bulky.
• App-Centric Users: Anyone who expects a highly refined, intuitive, and feature-rich smartphone companion app for data analysis and watch control.

Ultimately, choosing a G-Shock Move means embracing a hybrid approach. It’s a “tough smartwatch” in the truest sense—a watch first, smart second—offering a powerful blend of legendary resilience and practical intelligence. If your adventures take you far off the beaten path and you need a reliable, data-rich partner on your wrist, the Casio G-Shock Move is engineered to not just keep up, but to excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the heart rate monitor on the G-Shock Move?

The G-Shock Move models feature optical heart rate sensors that provide generally accurate readings for fitness tracking. The GBDH2000, in particular, benefits from Polar’s analytical algorithms for improved insights. However, like all wrist-based optical sensors, accuracy can vary with activity type and individual physiology.

Can I reply to notifications on the G-Shock Move?

No, the Casio G-Shock Move watches offer basic notification alerts (calls, emails, SNS messages) with vibration, but they do not support text replies or interactive features directly from the watch. You will need to use your smartphone for any responses.

Is the G-Shock Move waterproof for swimming?

Yes, all G-Shock Move models boast 200-meter water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, diving, and other water sports. The GBDH2000 even includes a gyroscope to track swimming strokes and turns specifically.

How often do I need to charge the G-Shock Move?

The charging frequency depends on usage. With solar-assisted charging, daily timekeeping and basic functions can last for months. When using power-intensive features like continuous GPS and heart rate monitoring, you’ll need to charge via USB after approximately 14-19 hours of activity.

Does the G-Shock Move connect with other fitness apps like Google Fit?

While the Casio Watches app is the primary interface, some G-Shock Move models, like the DWH5600, can integrate with Strava. iOS users can also often send data to Apple Health. Support for other platforms like Google Fit may vary by model and future app updates.