G-Shock watches have disrupted the military watch market for years. The large, durable, and unique designs are popular among watch fanatics who have a main interest in “tactical” or military watches. (Tactical watches are built for durability and are sometimes used in the American Military). Today I’m having Suunto vs G-Shock face off.
Overview
Suunto is another military watch brand that is gaining popularity. The company began in Finland over 80 years ago and specialized in making liquid-filled compasses. Today, the brand is a top leader in military watches, competing closely with the powerhouse Casio!
So which brand is better? Hmmmm, I guess that is my job today. Well, instead of keeping my audience on the edge of their seats for today’s review, let me just flat out say that CASIO REIGNS SUPREME. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of great watches by Suunto. The reason I say Casio is the go-to is that of three main factors. Price, durability, and design.
Many Suunto watches are much more pricey than any G-Shock. The durability of G-Shocks cannot be compared to Suunto. G-Shocks are built for durability, whereas Suuntos are built more for technology. Lastly, the designs of G-Shocks are complex and interesting. So much so that G-Shocks are worn with almost any attire; even formal at times! Suunto’s on the other hand, are pretty plain and look like your average smartwatches.
Below, I will review the top watches by each watchmaker and conclude why G-Shock is the better choice. At the end of the day, the decision is ultimately yours; I’m just here to make your decision easier! ?
Casio G-Shock GA100-1A1
The model GA100-1A1 is definitely a top watch by Casio. Not only is it very durable, nice looking, and comfortable; but reasonably priced! No matter where you are in the world, this watch has got your back! The world time has up to 29 time zones and has the ability to set on/off daylight savings. Durability is also a strong suit. This watch can handle up to 200 METERS of water depth! And yes, it is VERY shock resistant. I honestly believe this watch can make it through a Hulk transformation…
Other highlights include a full loaded auto-calendar, programmed until 2099 (hopefully you make it until then), a large 37mm case, auto LED light within the dial, and a 1/1000th Second Stopwatch with Speed Indicator.
All in The Price
It is easy to see why this is a highly regarded watch by Casio. But the true deal-breaker is the price. All of the aesthetics of this watch can definitely be priced at a higher point. When accounting for the design, unique features, and durability, this watch is probably the best choice. So keep this watch in mind if you are looking for great, yet affordable!
Casio G-Shock GW-9400BJ-1JF G-Shock Master of G Rangeman
This watch really is something. The Rangeman is a favorite among Casio fanatics. And you will soon find out why!
Now, in my opinion, G-Shocks are not the nicest of watches. They are still trending as an everyday watch and no doubt, they can be worn with most casual attire. But what makes this watch so great is because of what’s inside this masterpiece.
This G-Shock is running off of a Japanese automatic movement. It is not every day that you see a G-Shock with an automatic movement; which is why this watch is so impressive. Besides the movement, this watch also features a triple sensor “engine” with an altimeter/barometer, thermometer, and compass. I guess you can say this is the ultimate military watch!
Other specs also include a carbon fiber band, a LARGE 54 mm case, and a water resistance up to 200 M. You simply can not go wrong with the Master of G Rangeman.
An “All-Around” Watch
The Rangeman is sure to keep any buyer satisfied. The durability is ridiculously great. Not many watches are SOLAR PROOF and shock-resistant. Yeah, no sun is burning up this bad boy. Swimming is never an issue, this watch is sure to hold its own no matter how strong the current!
With an all-black design, the watch can be worn with almost anything; making it a perfect “go-to” watch for any occasion. Lastly, and most importantly, the Rangeman is an AUTOMATIC TIMEPIECE! A whole lot of G-Shocks are made with quartz movements, but if you opt for the Rangeman, you are getting an automatic movement, my friends! To me, this is an extremely important feature when deciding on a watch to purchase. The complexity and effort put into designing and creating an automatic movement cannot be compared to battery-powered quartz.
G-Shock Extra Large Display
Everythings better when it’s bigger….. Right? The military series G-Shock offers owners a 55mm case! So readability should never be an issue with this timepiece. The watch also has the ability to change the time between 29 time zones. The watch also has a full auto-calendar pre-programmed until 2099. You don’t have to worry about time with the military series, because the watch has four daily alarms and even has a snooze button (lay off the snooze)! Accuracy is also a great feature of this piece. Expect +/- fifteen seconds per month; which is actually VERY good for an affordable Casio watch.
Size Matters
Ultimately what sets this watch apart from the rest is a large size. If you have a big wrist, or like big faced watches, then this watch is for you! With large size comes easy readability, heavyweight materials, and extreme durability. So, if you do in fact like large watches, the military series is a MUST.
If the large size keeps you from choosing this watch, I recommend that you look further into it. Although it is large, the design of the watch makes it so it does not look too large on the wrist.
Suunto Core Ultimate Black
The Suunto Core is considered a military watch, but at first glance, may be confused with a smartwatch or Fitbit. But the Suunto Core is nothing like either watch. It is definitely a unique timepiece itself. Core features (no pun intended) include an altimeter, barometer, and a compass. The Core also has a built-in thermometer, storm alarm and tracks the sunrise and sunset. A must-have watch for a first date!
Innovation
What makes this watch worthy to be reviewed by myself, has to be all of the innovative features that were added to this piece. This is a MUST HAVE watch for any outdoor adventure and the all-black design make it easy to pair with any outfit you choose. It can be a bit hard to rid at times in dim lighting and is not as durable as a G-Shock; but then again, it is not as bulky and large as a G-Shock.
Suunto Traverse Alpha
I’d say the Traverse is much more on par with the durability standards of a G-Shock. The Suunto Traverse has a bold stainless steel bezel with a water-repellent nylon strap. For extra durability, the watch also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; which is usually found on top-notch watches! In short, the Traverse is a hunter and fishers gold mine. The watch has a built-in GPS, automatic shot detection, and a location-based moon phase calendar.
A Watch Made For a Hunter
Although I concluded that the G-Shock is the ultimate winner; there is an exception if you are a hunter. You can not beat all of the features added to this watch, it is literally made for a hunter. Hunting and fishing have never been easier and more fun than with the Suunto Traverse. No more worrying about getting lost in the middle of the woods.
Suunto 9 Watch
Fitness will never be the same…. (What’s a Fitbit)?
The Suunto 9 is more expensive compared to all of the other watches reviewed today. However, it is justified. This is a smartwatch that is more focused on fitness than other smartwatches on the market. One of the coolest features is the sports expertise tracker. This little watch gives support for over 80 sports. The Suunto 9 also has an adjustable battery mode, which you can curate to make your battery life lasts as long as you need to. You have access to the Suunto app, so you can track all of your activity and log it for the future.
Smart-Sports Watch
The Suunto 9 is a great choice if sports are an important part of your life. It is also a watch that will always be reliable. You have up to 120 hours of battery life, Bluetooth connection, GPS built-in, storm tracker. Basically, everything the last two Suunto watches have, but fused into a smartwatch. It is not as durable as the Traverse, but it does offer up to 100 meters of water resistance. Other than that, should be handled with a little more care.
Final Verdict
Casio and Suunto are two brands that are not usually compared with one another. Both are considered Military watches, due to military testing. Although I have no idea what they mean by that.
Anyway, when it comes down to it, G-Shock is a much more affordable, durable, and traditional watch. This is why I chose the brand as the ultimate winner. Suunto is more of a technologically advanced timepiece, rather than a watch. If the price is a deciding factor, G-Shock is your best option. If durability is a very important factor then once again, G-Shock is for you. But if innovation and technology is something that you are looking for in a watch, go for Suunto.
All of the watches reviewed above are highly regarded watches by each brand. If you do decide to purchase, make sure you buy from a reliable marketplace like Amazon!
