Customer Reviews

Casio Men's GW330A-9V G-Shock Atomic Tough Solar Watch

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here's a G-shock about as close to perfect as a digital watch gets, always accurate to the second and no battery to replace ever.

I've been an enthusiastic collector of Casio G-shocks since about 1987 when I got an original DW-5600. This tough-looking black monster is still going strong after about 17 years.

We G-shock fans have watched them evolve over time in size, shape, color, and function. Now comes the atomic solar model that links up by satelite to the NIST atomic clock and resets to the second every night automatically. No-set accuracy together with no-battery-hassle solar power make this come as close to being the best digital watch I've ever worn.

It's got all the classic funtions you've come to expect in every G-shock: pinpoint timekeeping, multiple alarms and top-of the-hour beep, stopwatch, countdown timer, and illuminator. In addition to these, I've really grooved on the world time function on a couple of trips overseas. About 34 world cities and times zones mean that there's nowhere you can go that this watch wouldn't keep you on track without any cumbersome resetting as you cross the zones. And tough? I don't think you would be able to destroy it.

And it does all this while looking cool! A bit more sleek in form, this watch isn't quite as bulky as some G-shocks but still has the chunky ruggedness that will give you just the right trendy "look". For a year of so now, I've been enjoying two earlier version, one with a black case with red accents and another great looking navy blue with steel accents. So when I noticed this new dramatic looking black and gold g-shock, I couldn't wait to get it too. I'm already liking it as much as the others.

If you like G-shocks, this one's even better. It will get notice from your gadget-crazy friends too. It seems I'm often showing it off to questions about the atomic function as well as comments like, "nice watch!".

Never tried a G-shock? You'll like this one. Looking for the perfect hassle-free watch? Here you go.

In 1989 I was working as a production carpenter. I had been through numerous low priced digital watches. All worked well and performed their primary tasks well, (time display), right up to the time that they broke. After buying a nice, high-priced Seiko for my wife on her birthday, she asked me what she could get for me. I told her that what I would really like would be a "Bullet-Proof" watch. I had heard great things about the "G-Shock". The next thing I knew I was wearing one.

My first one, which is still running 18 years later, and on only it's second battery, turned out to be the most dependable multi-function time-piece I ever owned. It served me through years of construction work, diving and surfing, exercise laps in the pool, kayaking and rafting rivers in California, Idaho and Montana. Oh yes, being an unpretentious person, I also wore it to weddings and social events.

Alas, recently the outer protective shock case finally succomed to the elements, cracked and fell apart, leaving the stainless steel case exposed, but still working, and still attached to the original strap, and the watch still works.

It seemed prudent to retire old faithful and replace it, with a newer, upgraded model. Thats when I ran across this attractive and versatile beauty. The price was right and I was intrigued by the "Solar Power" and "Atomic Timing" features, so I went for it.

The Casio GW330A-97 is attractive, extremely comfortable, and very eye-catching with its space-age design. With Casio's G-Shock reputation, I have no reason to expect less than the best in rugged and dependable performance. Now that I have learned how to program and access the many functions that this device offers, I am very stoked to have it, and all it offers, at my command.

THE NEGATIVE: This watch is not for the technically challenged. I downloaded and printed the SIX-PAGE user's instructions from the Casio web-site, and then spent parts of the next whole week trying to learn how to operate this techno-monster beyond basic time-keeping. It took alot of time and a bunch of trial and error before I finally learned to operate this device without constantly referring back to the multi-page, fine-print instructions. Kind of a pain, but I was determined and I have finally become the master of the instrument, instead of just a frustrated observer, content to simply read the time. The triple-eye display, showing various status and features, activated or de-activated are impossible to read without good lighting and a magnifier. Not good for someone with tired eyes. Still, once you have the watch set up the way you want it, there's really no reason to check them out again, with the exception of the power-status meter which can be read easily enough. They do look kinda cool though!

THE POSITIVE: This device offers a wide array of features and functions suitable and versatile for the most demanding needs. If you don't mind taking the time to learn how to use it, it will become one of your best friends. It's water resistant to depths beyond the reach of all but the most intrepid professional divers. What this means to most of us normal people is that, along with it's legendary shock resistance and durability, this watch will stand up to and survive just about anything you will put it through, like floods and thunderstorms, even hurricanes. The newly designed square access buttons have been recessed into molded receivers to avoid inadvertant activation. They are a bit more difficult to activate than the older exposed buttons of past models, but to compensate, they have little grooves built in so you can use your finger nails for pushing if you need to.

I'm a great believer in Solar Power, and this device seems to have a superb, space-age solar power system with a long-life battery back-up that boasts up to a 6 month reserve capability. It can be charged in any kind of daylight, sunlight or artificial light. Obviously, the brighter the light, the better the charge. I find direct sunlight to be a bit harsh for long term charging and I recommend avoiding any light source harsh and hot enough to temporarily blank out the LCD display. I left it to charge in a bedroom window for several hours once, and although I am sure that it received a good charge, the watch got very hot and the screen was blank and blacked out. The instructions advised about this situation, and after about 5 minutes in the refrigerator to cool it off, I was relieved that everything returned to normal with no apparent damage or negative side effects. I use a desk-top bullet lamp with a flourescent tube bulb now for re-charging overnight now, and this seems to be the best and safest method. Very bright, cool, intense light. Since I began that, the power meter has never moved from the fully charged "High" setting. Outside direct light from a cloudy or overcast sky or on a cool day for a few hours will also give the power reserve a quick and long lasting boost. Whatever charging process is used, it's a good idea to avoid any light source that will heat up the device. Other cool features: Power-saving modes that puts the watch to sleep in the dark when the user is sleeping. And a very well designed back-light that can be used either "On Demand" with a well placed, finger-sized button, or set to briefly light up automatically when you turn your wrist up to view the face of the watch. To save power, as may be appropriate during repetitive motion activities, the auto-on backlight can be turned off, using the same button. While in the power saving mode, the back-light can still be activated manually when needed. Very functional, original and well thought out treatment of the "Backlight" concept.

ATOMIC AUTO-TIME-KEEPING: I tested this feature at night, as recommended by the manufacturer. I was able to successfully re-set the time manually, and automatically, following the instructions, and by simply aiming the watches Radio Receiver antenna out my bedroom window. The process worked perfectly in both modes. To let you know how well it worked, consider this: The "Atomic Clock" signal originates in Colorado, northwest of my location. I live in San Diego in an area where we get no AM/FM or TV signals at all, because of the surrounding foothills. The window I used faces the south. The signal from Colorado bounces off the ionosphere at night, but directionality can still be a factor. Even so, when the watch went into "Reception" mode, manually and automatically, it pulled a full powered signal and re-set Day-Date-Time-Year in a few short minutes. It really works! Very impressive!

There are 4 separate alarms available, plus a snooze alarm. (I Hate Alarms!) There is a traditional split-time stop watch, count-down timer, and even a 30 event one touch Event Time Recorder. So if you want to be able to refer back to the time that something important happened, like if someone crashes into your car, a simple push of a button marks the date and time and saves it for future reference. It will save up to 30 separate events.

Oh yeah! Let's not forget, this watch has true WORLD TIME ZONES. Once the correct time is set, (using your home zone), you only need to manually adjust it to the time zone you are in, when travelling, using a pre-selected major city for the zone, and the watch will automatically adjust to the correct time for that zone. When you get home, just change it back to your home city and it will automatically adjust back. THIS WATCH IS SO SMART! Traditional features are automatic adjustments for 30 or 31 day months, Daylight Savings Time, and even for Leap Years when they occur. And it is programmed to do this up to the year 2100. Don't think I'll be around to see that. And no batteries to replace!

THIS IS A VERY SMART TIME KEEPING GADGET!

TO SUM IT UP: I'm kind of a nut about techno-gadgets so I got a kick out of learning how to operate this device. Now that I understand how it works, I really dig it, and it's nice to know that I will always have access to the correct time when other sources have failed. At least until E.M.P. bombs take everything out. If that ever happens, I still keep some mechanicals around, wound up and adjusted on a regular basis.

At any rate, this is a very cool time-piece/gadget. It has a futuristic but uniquely quiet style, and at the same time avoids the flashy show-off looks of other less versatile brands. Extremely comfortable on the wrist! I believe that it will prove to be as durable and long lasting, ("Bullet-Proof"), as the G-Shock line has become famous for. I recommend it highly to anyone who has the patience to take the time to learn how to use it, and the need for a tough, durable, dependable and versatile time piece. It's packed with alot of technology and requires alot of button pushing to fully utilize all of it's functions. But after some patience and time, it all falls into logical and redundant patterns that become easy to remember, the more often it is used.

For people who may be intimidated by complicated access and adjustment routines and sub-routines, or who just want an easy to use digital watch, designed for light duty use, a simpler, less expensive model may be a more appropriate choice. In either case, you can't go wrong with Casio.

BOTTOM LINE: The Casio G-Shock Atomic Solar GW330A-9V is a great, multi-purpose and durable time-keeping device, available online at very reasonable prices. A GREAT GADGET FOR GADGET LOVERS.

I have several other Casio watches and have found them all to be excellent performers over the years. This was my first solar, "atomic" watch. It is nice looking and the rubber band isn't too stiff - very wearable. The watch seems to charge well with even moderate exposure to direct sunlight. Now for the things you should think about before buying it.

1) The face on this model has three little (very little) dial-like indicators that are very difficult to see and make sense of. Other Casio models with the same features have a face with a different design and indicators that make more sense and are easier to see.

2) The "atomic" watch-setting feature means the watch needs to receive the very-low-frequency signal from WWVB (U.S.) to set the watch. I have several "atomic" clocks in my home and office and all of them set themselves nightly with no problem. This watch doesn't. Apparently its receiver isn't as sensitive as those in the clocks and it will only receive the signal when placed in window facing Fort Collins, CO. I finally found one place in my house where it could receive the signal. If you live in a big city with lots of buildings or any place where AM radio reception is poor, you might have a problem with this feature.

3) The function buttons on this model are recessed into "protective rims. I'm sure this is to protect them for damage and accidentally being pressed. However, it also means that you must use you fingertips to press the buttons - possibly your fingernails if you have big fingers. For stopwatch functions, it is much more difficult to use than models with exposed buttons. If you use the stopwatch function a lot, this would be a real issue.

Overall, it's a good watch, but other models with similar features might be better for some of you. Look at them all.

This is my second G-shock. I got this one because I really like my first one. Overall, it's not a bad watch. The numbers are large and easy to read, and the backlight works really well. On the other hand, the buttons used to set the watch are very hard to manipulate as they are set in the case of the watch. Also, it is very hard to know if any of the alarms are on/off as that display is very small and hard to see.

This watch uses the Casio 2688 module, which is functionally equivalent to the 2608 and the 2638 modules with one important distinction. The latter two depict information like charge levels, alarm status, and watch settings with simple well-marked text indicators on the LCD watch face. This model uses "pie wedges" in three circular pies at the top of the watch face. I bought it because they looked cool, but the indicators contained within are barely visible. Also, their meanings are not at all intuitive, just one more thing to remember, and one more reason I will have to keep the manual around for the life of the watch. It's not a big enough issue for me to return it, but I would recommend the more straightforward design.

Other watch owners seem to want instant gratification from the atomic time function. On the east coast, I really can't set the watch in the daytime (even outside), as the shortwave signal probably can't get the appropriate skip in the daytime. However, the watch does successfully set itself automatically overnight, and it's on a bookcase in my hall, not near a window. Besides, the WWV sync only needs to be successful every month of so, and I will still never ever have to set the watch or change a battery. I find this amazing in a ~$60 watch, and I bow down to the technology gods!

It's not a beautiful watch, but the functionality and value for money is unquestionable.

The watch is very easy to use, and stays charged for a long time. Unfortunately I am out of range of the Atomic Clock signal(I live in the Arctic Circle).

i love casio G-shock watches and this is the fifth one i've purchased over the years. i'm an aircraft mechanic and i need watch that can handle some serious abuse and the G-shocks are really tough watches. they atomic clock feature is great. you never need to set the time or adjust for daylight savings... it's all automatic. just set it for your time zone and your good to go. i also love the solar powered rechargable battery feature. the brushed gold trim ring on this watch really caught my eye. the wrist bands on these new G-shocks are a great improvement over the old ones as well. they never crack, break or come lose. i only gave this watch 4 stars because it's a little difficult to see the battery power and settings indicator rings. my last g-shock (model GW300) was an awesome watch as well. it lasted me 5 years till the battery wouldn't hold a charge anymore. i went to wal-mart to get the battery replaced and was surprised to learn that you can only get the battery replaced by an authorized casio repair center and that it would cost about $50-$60, because the back plate is sealed in such a way that when it's removed, the seal is destroyed and therefore also would have to be replaced with a new rechargable battery. i was better off just buying a new watch for a few dollars more. if you need a solid reliable watch, you can't go wrong with a Casio G-shock.

Im very pleased with this watch , its the third G-shock ive had . I just think its sharp looking and a lil less bulky than previous models .

I collect watches, but up until now just mechanical analogue pieces. However, I wanted something a bit different and "techy" for my collection and this watch seemed to fit the bill. I have owned Casio digital watches in the past, but this is my first G-Shock.

BAD POINTS first...

When it arrived the battery charge meter was on the medium position. I left it in the window, under a fluorescent lamp, and it took almost two days to move to the high position. Then, after about 10 mins of messing around exploring the features, it was back down to medium again.

The 3 small dials are impossible to read without a microscope. The dial on the far left is a waste of time - it appears to be just a graphical representation of the current hour's remaining time; However I can't find what it does in the manual, unless I'm going blind. I would have scrapped that dial and made the other two a bit bigger.

It's not exactly low profile! Of course I wasn't expecting a slim dress watch, but I didn't realize how chunky it would be. It's a good job it's a G-Shock because I have a feeling I'll be bashing it on things a lot!

GOOD POINTS

The atomic time update works perfectly. I live in Wisconsin and have no problem getting the signal. It performed a manual receive within a couple of mins, and I wore the watch in bed and it automatically received as well.

It's very nicely put together. It may be plastic and rubber, but it feels solid and well made. Extremely light, too.

Good value for money considering all the technology packed inside and the rugged build quality and specifications.

To sum up; it's not exactly subtle or stylish, but then again you're probably not expecting that anyway. It's packed with great features and the build quality feels like it will last forever. I'm not giving it the full 5 stars due to the tiny (and, in some cases, pointless) dials and the concerns over the battery solar charge levels. Other than those issues it seems like a quality watch.

This watch has been all over the world with me since I got it in 2003 and has served well. It's good in the water and will definitely take a beating. I just have to mention the couple of hang ups I've had with mine. If you're a mechanic or deal with a lot of petroleum products then try to keep them off the watch as the pretty attention grabbing ring around the face of the watch is only attached with glue and will peal off if you let it stay too oily or hot. The other issue comes along if you weld much as the solar feature of the watch will peeter out if you aren't careful to keep it from experiencing too much arc. These are only two small complaints in scope considering that most people would never know about them, but I thought that people should be warned as the second can essentially ruin the watch. Other than the two aforementioned items this watch has worked flawlessly and comes highly recommended from someone who puts his watches through a lot. I owned two Forresters and an early Triplesensor before my G-Shock and never got more than a year or two out of them. I'll be buying another G, just not a tough solar as I spend a lot of time with a stinger in my hand now.