"I want a G-SHOCK that isn't too casual."
That desire has helped make the G-STEEL series popular.
Built on G-SHOCK's shock-resistant construction, this series combines stainless steel with an elegance that works with a suit.
Even years after its launch, it remains popular across a wide range of ages.
In this article, we explore the features of successive G-STEEL models and the reasons for their popularity.
We will take a look back from the original models to the latest releases.
Search online and you may encounter comments calling G-STEEL uncool, but these refer to certain models.
In fact, the series includes a major hit that watch enthusiasts praise as a masterpiece and continues to sell today.
Looking back through the models, this article explains G-STEEL's real appeal and which models to choose.
G-STEEL's Appeal: A Premium Look for Business Settings
- Toughness meets refinement: Stainless steel makes it suitable for business as well as outdoor activities.
- Layer Guard Structure: Combining resin and metal balances lightness and strength.
- Plenty of variety: Choose according to your preferences, from analog-digital and all-analog displays to Bluetooth-equipped models.
Once you hold one, you will understand its greatest appeal: enjoying
design inspired by luxury watches such as Hublot and Audemars Piguet
for a price in the ¥30,000 range.
Its ability to look good with both business suits and casual weekend outfits gives it versatility that other G-SHOCK models do not offer.
The Verdict: The 2nd Generation Is Extremely Popular
To give the conclusion upfront, G-STEEL's 2nd generation is far more popular than the rest.
The 2nd generation refers to the GST-W110.
Alternatively, the midsize 2nd-generation GST-W310.
These 2 models are overwhelmingly popular.
Many social media posts and blogs call the 2nd generation the definitive version. .
Many people particularly value the reassurance of seeing the date, day of the week, and seconds simultaneously, together with the premium design.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W110-1A
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Where to Buy the Casio GST-W310-1A
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Estimating Popularity from Amazon Review Counts
I have collected Amazon review counts for successive G-STEEL models.
Amazon is now the world's largest marketplace, so more reviews suggest stronger sales and provide a useful, if approximate, reference.
In the upper section, popularity for the 2nd generation, smaller 2nd generation, and up to the 3rd generation is high—in other words, there are many reviews.
However, the later models in the lower section have dismal results.
In other words, G-STEEL's popularity peaked with the 2nd generation.
The 2nd generation is also still part of the current lineup.
Among the reviews, there are also notable comments praising durability that holds up to more than 5 years of daily use.
Some users report that it continued working without problems after they wore it in baths or hot springs, suggesting that it is a dependable long-term everyday watch for both work and leisure.
Successive Models and Their Features
My research found the following release dates.
There is an actual first generation and a first generation in terms of design.
Original GST-W100 (Released in 2016)
Did it struggle to sell because it had a resin exterior despite the G-STEEL name?
- The model that marked the beginning of G-STEEL.
- Combining the substantial feel of metal with casual style, it was launched as a G-SHOCK suitable for business.
- Despite its G-STEEL name, its resin surface offered no sense of steel.
The First Design Generation: GST-210
It was considered uncool and did not sell particularly well.
- Analog-digital display with Tough Solar.
- Combining the substantial feel of metal with casual style, it was launched as a G-SHOCK suitable for business.
The Overwhelmingly Popular 2nd Generation
2nd Generation: GST-W110 (2016)
Its refined, luxury-watch-like design and practicality quickly boosted its reputation.
- Solar power with radio-controlled timekeeping
- Being able to check all the basic G-SHOCK information—the date, day of the week, and seconds— is excellent.
- A design resembling a certain luxury Hublot watch makes it popular among businesspeople and overseas.
- Models with stainless steel and leather bands also appeared, establishing a design aimed at adults
The clear favorite. It is also still a current model.
New color variants were still being released in 2025, showing that it remains very much alive.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W110-1A
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Incidentally, metal-band models also exist.
It becomes even heavier, but anyone who wants an even more noticeable watch should give it a try.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W110D-1A
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Its functions can be summarized as follows.
- Solar power with radio-controlled timekeeping
- 200m water resistance
- 5 alarms
- Stopwatch and countdown timer
- World Time
- LED light
Its strength is offering this wide range of functions in an analog-digital format.
It looks luxurious while fully retaining G-SHOCK's practicality inside.
Smaller 2nd Generation: GST-W310 (2017)
- Solar power with radio-controlled timekeeping
- A slightly smaller version of the hugely popular GST-W110.
- Being able to check all the basic G-SHOCK information—the date, day of the week, and seconds— is excellent.
Looking at the number of Amazon ratings, the one approaching the GST-W110 in popularity is this slightly smaller 2nd-generation model.
The GST-W110 is admittedly enormous and makes a very strong statement, so this smaller model is popular among people who say,
"I want a slightly subtler premium look," "I would prefer something a little lighter," or "My wrists are a little thin"
.
With the same functions as the W110 but a more restrained size, it is praised because "it does not catch on suit cuffs" and "it is light and easy to wear every day".
There is also a white version, supported by women and people with slim wrists who find it wearable.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W310-1A
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Where to Buy the Casio GST-W310-7A
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3rd Generation: GST-B100 (2017)
It won support from all-analog enthusiasts, but the lack of an LCD divides opinions.
- Bluetooth allows smartphone connectivity.
- All-analog display with chronograph-inspired styling.
- Well regarded as a mature sports watch.
Although the 3rd generation is less popular than the 2nd, compared with the 4th generation and later models it is quite popular.
having no LCD display is a feature many people prefer, and likely contributes to its popularity.
"The propeller-like chronograph hand looks uncool," some say, but many are drawn to its substantial, chronograph-inspired design, and it has a surprisingly strong following.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-B100-1A
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Bluetooth-Equipped Models
Here is a brief introduction to Bluetooth-equipped models that have struggled somewhat in popularity.
Many people feel that the shift toward lighter, thinner designs from the B400 onward diluted G-STEEL's character.
GST-B200–300 (2019–2020)
Carbon was the selling point, but sales were not particularly strong.
Perhaps the black carbon appearance did not fit the G-STEEL name.
GST-B400 (2021)
- A return to a design resembling the 2nd generation.
- Popularity recovered somewhat with its appeal as a thin, light G-STEEL. .
- Its refined design and record-thin 12.9mm profile make it an excellent match for a suit.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-B400-1A
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GST-B500 (2023)
Just as G-STEEL was recovering, interest faded again.
I think this model looks too similar to the popular 2100 series, perhaps in an attempt to borrow its appeal.
The image below shows the metal 2100 model, GM-B2100D. They look far too similar.
In that case, I would simply buy a full-metal 2100 series model.
Where to Buy the Casio GM-B2100SD-1A
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GST-600 (2024)
The latest G-STEEL as of 2025.
- The Most Compact and Slimmest
The smallest and thinnest G-STEEL, with a case thickness of just 11.3mm and a case diameter of approximately 42mm—a very compact size. - A return to a design resembling the 2nd generation brought a slight recovery in popularity.
However, being able to read only one item of information on the LCD seems to be a serious weakness.
Analyzing Why Only the 2nd Generation Is Popular
Here are my guesses about why the 2nd generation is popular.
Solar Power and Radio-Controlled Timekeeping Are Considered Enough
The same could be said of other G-SHOCK models.
My impression of sales is that Bluetooth-equipped G-SHOCK watches do not sell particularly strongly.
Solar power and radio-controlled timekeeping are enough. .
Thinness and Small Size Are Not What Buyers Want
People interested in buying a G-STEEL are not looking for thinness or a small size.
—they want a large, gleaming, premium-looking watch.
Making it thinner, lighter, or smaller in pursuit of style can instead become a reason people feel it has lost its G-STEEL character and looks uncool.
Buyers Want Simultaneous Display of All 3: Date, Day of the Week, and Seconds
I think this is quite important.
A basic expectation of G-SHOCK is being able to check the time, date, day of the week, and seconds. .
The 2nd-generation GST-W110 and smaller 2nd-generation GST-W310 have 3 LCDs and meet this requirement.
The latest GST-B600 displays only the date by default. Other information can be selected in the settings, but only 1 item can be displayed)
I suspect many people find this disappointing.
I believe these 3 points explain the popularity of the 2nd-generation G-STEEL.
- Solar power and radio-controlled timekeeping are enough.
- Thinness and Small Size Are Not What Buyers Want
- Buyers Want Simultaneous Display of All 3: Date, Day of the Week, and Seconds
They explain why businesspeople and watch enthusiasts have continued to choose the 2nd generation, combining classic presence with practicality.
Conclusion
G-STEEL is perfect for people who want a tough G-SHOCK without an overly casual appearance.
I recommend it as a versatile model for business and casual use.
However, models other than the 2nd generation are not popular.
To sum it up in a final phrase:
"If in doubt, choose the 2nd generation—W110 or W310. This is the definitive G-STEEL.".
I recommend the W110 for those seeking a strong presence and the W310 as a versatile everyday watch.
For people with larger hands or those who want a large watch that really stands out, the GST-W110 is a good choice.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W110-1A
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Where to Buy a Screen Protector for Casio GST-W110
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For people who prefer moderate presence or something a little lighter, GST-W310 should be a satisfying purchase.
Where to Buy the Casio GST-W310-1A
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Where to Buy a Screen Protector for Casio GST-W310
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I bought the smaller 2nd-generation GST-W310.
