The G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GGB100
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Tough and Technical: A Hands-On Look At The New G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GG-B100

The latest addition to the MUDMASTER lineup is lighter, tighter, and Bluetooth-enabled.

By Thomas Hendricks
Contributor

We took the new G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GGB100 for a spin, throwing it into the elements and pushing a few buttons along the way. This watch, released at Baselworld 2019, adds even more tools to the MUDMASTER lineup while maintaining the super tough, Jeep-with-the-doors-off vibe that makes any activity feel like an extreme sport.

Same Rep, New Tech

G-SHOCK continues the popular MUDMASTER line with the GGB100. The watch’s new “Quad Sensor” technology builds off of the “Triple Sensors” of earlier models. Featuring a compass, barometer/altimeter, and thermometer, the Quad Sensor adds an accelerometer (step counter) to the mix and is the first Bluetooth-enabled MUDMASTER. With connectivity to the dedicated G-SHOCK app, users can access more data in more forms. 
 

The GGB100 features a “Carbon Core Guard,” a new carbon fiber resin reinforced case and a triple-layered bezel of carbon fiber and resin. This allows for the removal of the button guards from previous MUDMASTER timepieces while maintaining air-tight protection from mud and moisture. The addition of carbon fiber makes the watch noticeably lighter on the wrist and brings an eye-catching pattern to the bezel. And based on insider reports, you can expect to see more carbon fiber integrations in G-SHOCK’s future.
 

Wearability and Durability

The dial on the GGB100 is packed with information. Featuring an analog display with fully-lumed hands and negative-tone LCD display (darker background, lighter text), the design allows users to check the time with a quick glance and see the data details upon a closer look. There’s even an LED illuminator at 6 o’clock for added visibility. 
 

The GGB100 is a lotta watch, both in size and functionality. The case measures 55.4mm wide by 19.3mm thick, so you may knock it around a bit, not that that’s an issue with this watch. 
 

Beyond the Quad Sensor, the GGB100 features five alarms, sunrise/sunset time display, phone finder, world-timer for 300 cities, automatic time adjustment, calorie calculator, 200-meter water resistance, and 1/100-second stopwatch. There’s also a Mission Log function to plot your changes in location and altitude on a given journey. Plus, the multi-year battery life minimizes any disruption to your day-to-day.
 

There are small details that help with wearability, from the two-pronged rubber strap with 11 rows of holes for custom comfort to the checkered texture on the pushers for grip and tactility. The khaki strap features a herringbone pattern that adds a touch of sophistication and improves grip, especially when wet. It’s also a cinch to clean, either in the river or in the bathroom sink. 
 

Hardware that goes hard

Like any G-SHOCK, there’s a learning curve for new users navigating the myriad of functions across 6 buttons and the connected smartphone app. This is a watch that requires more study than the typical wind-and-go, but it rewards users who take the time to learn it. And with functions like the compass, stopwatch, thermometer, phone finder, and new step-counter, it will tell you essential information in less time than it takes to pull out your phone. 
 

The functions of the GGB100 are designed for serious adventurers, but even city boys like me will have fun with it. Examples include: watching the altimeter go up and down on elevator rides, checking the temperature and sunset time before an evening walk, and watching the seconds hand sweep around the dial in compass mode when wandering off the grid.
 

On a recent beach trip, it proved to be quite the companion, handling hours of sand and surf and cleaning up nicely for dinner on the boardwalk.
 

The extreme durability of this watch is a welcome departure from the low-level anxiety that comes with wearing vintage watches. There’s even a strange joy in beating this thing up, knowing I could break my wrist easier than I could break this watch. Fully equipped and ready for anything, the GGB100 challenges you to live a more daring life.
 

The G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GGB100 will be available in the US in August 2019 for $350 USD.

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)

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