Keepin' clean with the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100

Over the years, we’ve reviewed any number of Casio watches – from the main line, the Edifice line, as well as the ProTrek lineup. Somehow, though, the crew over at G-Shock have eluded our grasp. That is, until recently! Today, we’re giving you a hands-on review of a watch that’s probably what comes to mind for G-Shock in terms of functionality and style – the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100.

The G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100 is, of course, part of the larger Mudmaster collection. All of them feature carbon fiber in the case (which is fun to see in person, especially when the light plays with it), and offer up a mix of colors on the dial and strap. This one is what I’d classify as the “stealthed-out” version, given all the dark accents on the dial. Often times, I eschew that style, as find them difficult to read. Fortunately, that was not the case with the handset and of course the LCD display at the bottom of the dial.

As with most G-Shock watches, all of the pushers are clearly labelled as to what they do – in the case of the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100, it’s set into the bezel on the front side. Should you not remember – or want to configure things via your phone – that’s where the G-Shock app comes in handy. Casio has done a good job with making configuration of the watches easy via these apps (with a specific, branded one for each product line). This is particularly beneficial when you have a watch that is primarily analog display, as we have here.

The other benefit that the app gives you is that you can move the step counter data off of the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100. Yes, that’s right – the triple-sensor (altimeter / barometer, compass, thermometer) has become a quad-sensor with a step counter added in. If you think about it, adding that accelerometer is a relatively simple add (especially in a watch of this size) and gives you the additional data point for your outdoor adventures. Sure, it FELT like you walked a lot in the woods, but now you’ll know when the day is done.

And frankly, I do think that the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100 is truly an outdoors watch. You might think of the G-Shock lineup as something that’s more for wearing a style, but they are very capable watches. As I ran through quickly, there are a variety of sensors that would be helpful in the outdoors. For other parts of your life, you’ve got things like alarms (five of them can be set), a timer, and even world time setting (which is what I used a fair amount).

You do also have the Bluetooth chip set in the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100, which allows you to have the phone talk with the watch to pull data off and set things. That’s about all you’re doing, as you’ve just got a standard battery in here (no charging or solar) so you wouldn’t want to drain it down like a more persistent connection would do.

Wearing the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100, I found it to be a comfortable fit, due to it’s lighter weight (92g), even with it’s larger case size (55mm). In fact, though the dimensions were the same, it felt visually smaller than the G-Shock Move we also had in (see below for a link to that review). So, while there’s no denying it’s a big watch, it’s not bad for an everyday, more casual sort of a watch. For the office? Perhaps not if you’re wearing long sleeves, but for anything else, I think it would be just fine.

So, where are you going to take the G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100? Well, just about anywhere you want. I travelled a lot with my 10-year-old (plus) G-Shock, and now I use the most when I’m doing yard work and the like, to charge up the solar cells. This watch, I think it would be a great watch for heading off into the great outdoors. No better way to stay socially distant by hiking off on the trails and setting up camp in the woods, if you ask me. While we spent time with the $380 G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100, the entire range goes from $350 – $460, so you can find one that fits your style and wallet. g-shock.com

Editor’s Note: Oh, and if you want something with some more fitness-oriented skills, but in a G-Shock style? You’ll want to check out this review over at Knapsack.

Review Summary

Brand & Model: G-Shock Mudmaster GGB100
Price: $380
Who?s it for? You want a watch to head out into the great outdoors with – or just a good, casual, everyday watch

Would I wear it? Perhaps not this specific color scheme, but I could see a spot for a watch like the Mudmaster in my rotation
What I?d change: I get bigger sizes are part of the look, but there are smaller sizes in the range (labeled as women’s watches in their catalog) – don’t be afraid to highlight the more-compact watches that offer the robust functionality!
The best thing about it: We’re used to seeing flat crystals on watches of this sort – having a domed one here is a refreshing change of pace!