Casio is pushing its heritage straight into the premium materials space. The company officially announced the G-Shock GMC-B2100. It is a full-metal, analog chronograph that heavily upgrades the brand’s iconic octagonal design. Pre-orders are currently open in Japan. The global release is set for April 2026. Buyers can expect a retail price of ¥107,800, which converts to roughly $675.
This launch sits right in the middle of a massive industry shift where legacy technology companies are retrofitting their 1980s designs with modern smart internals. The GMC-B2100 explicitly borrows its visual identity from the original DW-5000C released in 1983. The materials are entirely different this time around.
Heavy Metal Meets High-Density Tech
The watch weighs 171 grams. Casio built the case and bezel from stainless steel using a multi-step forging, cutting, and polishing process. You get the classic G-Shock durability despite the rigid metal exterior. Engineers installed a fine resin cushioning layer directly between the bezel and the case to absorb impacts. It maintains a 20 ATM water resistance rating.
Smart features drive the internal hardware. It runs on Casio’s Tough Solar system. A full charge delivers up to five months of standard operation. That jumps to 18 months if you keep it in power-saving mode.
It features Bluetooth connectivity to pair directly with smartphones. Users get automatic time correction, a phone finder tool, and world time access for about 300 cities through the companion app, according to a detailed report published on Friday.
Why the Yamagata Production Shift Matters for Casio
Production for this specific model happens at Yamagata Casio. That facility is the historical birthplace of G-Shock manufacturing. Moving the 2100 series away from digital displays and fully into analog chronograph territory requires high-density mounting technology. They have to fit multiple physical hand motors, a Bluetooth radio, and a solar panel into a slim profile that does not look bulky on the wrist.
This release shows Casio aggressively targeting the adult enthusiast market. Related full-metal models trickled out starting in 2024. The April 2026 rollout of the GMC-B2100 finalizes their strategy to offer a premium, everyday metal watch. It competes directly with traditional entry-level mechanicals while offering the zero-maintenance appeal of solar power and automated Bluetooth syncing.