All Hands: G-SHOCK is Launching the All-New, All-Analog 2500 Series

On Friday, November 6th, 2026, G-SHOCK’s highly anticipated 2500 Series is going on sale. Not only is it the first fully analog G-SHOCK, but those who have seen the series in person have already dubbed the new design “The CasioNaut” for its resemblance to Patek Philippe’s Gérald Genta-designed Aquanaut.

Is the 2500 series worth the hype? Should you be lining up outside the G-SHOCK boutique or logging onto the website with your index finger hovering over the “Add to Basket” button?

Here’s some info to help guide your decision.

History Repeating Itself

Let’s travel back to 2019, when G-SHOCK released the now-legendary GA2100, a.k.a. the CasiOak.

The GA2100 was somewhat unexpected: it not only offered a brand-new, thinner shock-resistant resin case, but it also sported an octagonal shape that recalled Genta’s design for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Watch nerds (including yours truly) and flippers went wild. The very affordable watches quickly sold out only to be relisted on resale sites for a premium. The important part of this story is that while the initial frenzy calmed down, the 2100 Series is still being produced.

One of the reasons for this enduring popularity is choice – since its launch, G-SHOCK has introduced models in a rainbow of colors and a myriad of materials – including clear and full metal. Price was also a big part of the appeal with 99% of 2100 Series models retailing for less than $300.

So, is a CasiOak worth it? Personally, it took me about a year to get a G-SHOCK GMA-S2100 – a slightly scaled-down version of the CasiOak but with all the same design cues and functions. And it has remained in heavy rotation on my wrist since I got it. I’m wearing it as I type.

This is also an argument for not getting too carried away with the hype. It’s not a limited edition. If you want one, you will eventually get one. But if you are a G-SHOCK fan, you should get one because the 2500 Series serves up something for everyone, launching with nine versions ranging from colorful resin models to full-metal watches.

Now let’s get to the Patek comparisons.

Shock of the New

Since the launch of the original CasiOak, we’ve seen many fun and affordable homages to high-end brands (specifically collabs with the Swatch Group). Even the stuffiest collectors are willing to buy into the trend because these timepieces demonstrate that the wearer is hip to the importance of the design language of the Royal Oak, Speedmaster, and Fifty Fathoms. Clearly, the demand for dupes is growing.

The question is, how much of an homage the CasioNaut actually is?

The brand says it’s based on the original DW-5000C from 1983. While the CasioNaut shares an octagonal case with the CasiOak, the angles are softer and the distinctive side “ears” are more pronounced, resulting in a more Nautilus-type look. The 2500’s oval shape is also distinctly Aquanaut-like.

And unlike the 2100 family, the G-SHOCK 2500 series is fully analog, which means there is nary a digital screen on display. This has resulted in a more minimalist dial with an innovative “Multi-Mission Date” display.

Even if you are not in the pocket of “Big G-SHOCK” like me (they don’t pay me; I just can’t resist them, so I’m still a little biased), I believe that a 2500 would be an excellent addition to any watch box. If you are drawn to the Genta aesthetic, these watches will appeal to you automatically, even if you already have a safe full of Nautiluses.

Pricing & Availability

If you lack a Patek budget but want people to know that you know the code, well, the collection starts at $145. And if you just love having a rugged everyday wearer, then this G-SHOCK adds variety to your watch wardrobe.

Available in three distinct executions, the GAC2500, GMC2500, and GMC2500D, the CasioNaut is priced between $145 and $350 and goes on sale tomorrow, Friday, November 6th, 2026.

For more information about the new 2500 Series, check out G-SHOCK’s website.