Casio G-SHOCK GBD-H1000 Specifications & Opinion

Casio has just announced the G-Shock GBD-H1000 with onboard GPS+GLONASS and optical heart rate. This is the FIRST time Optical Heart Rate has appeared on a G-SHOCK, making this a potential collector’s item.

This looks like a smarter version of a ‘normal’ G-Shock. So it’s super-rugged and builds on Casio’s pedigree on that front both in terms of the outdoor practicalities and the aesthetic that many Casio users clearly like.

Of particular interest is the Solar Charging system. Add to that the barometric altimeter, accelerometer and magnetic compass and these should provide the foundations for decent environmental measurements. Though I doubt if Casio will crack either the oHR or GPS+GLONASS where others have failed. But for outdoor adventures with low physical intensities, I’m sure that package will be fine.

We will see how well Casio can implement the app side of their offering. With the Wear OS WSD-F21 and WSD-F30 we saw some good innovation from Casio but perhaps not the best implementation. Clearly, the GBD-1000 represents a step backwards in hardware and software innovation but, perhaps, it’s a sensible move for Casio to start getting the more basic smart functionalities across their range. People expect the basics these days and the tech is there to deliver them cheaply and well.

We’re looking at 14  hours of GPS tracking, which is not too bad but the 110g of weight might cause accuracy issues with the oHR. Of particular interest is the inclusion of aerobic training effort and anaerobic training effort, I have it confirmed that these ARE Firstbeat functions and here is the full list of Firstbeat goodness: Firstbeat Functions: VO2max (fitness level), Training status, Training load, Recovery time, Training effect, Training plan, Calories burned during training

PRICE: It’s the solar charging that’s going to whack up the price. I’m guessing ‘more than you’d think‘, let’s say £/$400 RRP. Although half that might be more sensible, but Casio do have a fairly large and loyal following so even at such a high price it would sell. Factor in the ‘first-ever-ohr-on-a-g-shock’ and it could be more.

Solar Charging

Casio claims that two hours a week on your windowsill in direct sunlight is enough to power it for a week…alternatively it will need 8 (eight) hours under a fluorescent light, indoors for the same effect.

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Casio G-SHOCK GBD-H1000 Specifications