Keeping it simple is sometimes difficult, and when it comes to surf watches, there’s a lot that can go wrong. But that is definitely not the case with the Casio G-Shock G-LIDE GBX-100S.

In 2016, SurferToday tested and reviewed the Casio G-Shock G-Lide GAX100. We felt it was “tough, durable, and efficient.”

Meanwhile, technology has evolved fast, and the world’s best surf-driven smartwatches have become supercomputers with multiple features that go well beyond the saltwater arena.

The simplicity and analog feel of the GAX100 was replaced by innovative digital touchscreens that require daily battery recharge, given the endless options to connect to the online world.

But let’s be honest. The most useful surf watch features are the tide times, the moon data, and the sunrise/sunset times.

Everything else is pure entertainment that will add up to the price tag and drain your battery even faster.

Connected and Rich in Features

The Casio G-LIDE GBX-100S is a great compromise between the old-school analog era and the modern-day, affordable tide watch.

The company has higher-end models aimed at surfers and water sports enthusiasts, but this one draws a fine line between usefulness, comfort, and price.

And we’ll explain why.

First, there’s the size – not too large, and not too small. The legendary Japanese watchmaking company was able to keep it compact and perfectly fitting any surfer’s wrist.

Nevertheless, the watch’s bezel embeds five buttons that help you navigate the multiple options and modes.

Pressing them could be a smoother experience, but, understandably, the manufacturer wants to keep the timepiece’s core intact and protected from the ocean and saltwater.

Once you get your hands on this GBX-100S, you’ll definitely need to take a look at the owner’s manual as there are a lot of things to explore.

One of the first things you should do is set up your profile, which includes defining your gender, age, height, and weight.

The watch is compatible with the sports app Strava and Casio Watches.

We recommend installing at least the Casio app for a full GBX-100S experience.

Battery Life? Two Years

One of the most exciting things about this gadget is that it doesn’t come with a charger. So, you wonder, “How do I charge it?”

We’re so used to charging our electronic devices using USB cables that we forget that some watches still have replaceable batteries.

In fact, despite using Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, the Casio GBX-100S surf watch comes with a replaceable battery that lasts up to two years.

That’s a rarity these days. But let’s get back to the tide times.

The Casio app allows surfers to select one of some 3,300 major surf spots around the world and send location-specific tide patterns and daylight conditions to the watch.

If you’re not happy with the options available, you can customize tidal data using the latitude and longitude coordinates. No problem.

Moon and sunrise/sunset times will follow your pre-defined location, too.

The several timekeeping mode digital display formats enable you to quickly check all the data and graphs that are relevant to knowing where to go, including the next low or high tide, as well as the moon phase and age.

You can easily go through the multiple modes by pressing the side buttons.

Worth the Investment

The high-definition memory-in-pixel (MIP) LCD works very well in daylight and at night.

Interestingly, for a relatively compact timepiece, the watch face accommodates a lot of information.

If you’re into running, you can track your sessions and pair them with the apps on your phone.

Running is actually a very good training complement for surfing, and this Casio also records the calories you’ve burned.

If you’re just walking, hiking, or trekking, there’s a pedometer to monitor your daily steps.

Casio employed a bio-based resin in the band, which is available in two colors: black (GBX-100S-1) and electric blue (GBX-100S-2).

As an interesting and fun extra, it’s important to mention that this 200-meter water-resistant (impressive!) beauty checks the details of incoming calls, mail, SNS alerts, and information received by a phone connected to the watch by Bluetooth.

And because this is a bidirectional watch, it is great to know that Casio can deliver software updates, once in a while.

Better that this, only a version with solar charging and surf tracking features for an extra $100.

The Casio G-LIDE GBX-100S has our seal of approval and can be yours for just $170, a price that stands below any other competitor of this level.

On top of that, you cannot ignore the similarities with the original G-Shock model, the DW-5000C, launched in 1983.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com