I give the G-Shock GD-010 a B. In this case “B” stands for Big, Bold, Basic, and only $100 Bucks. So it’s Budget-friendly! Do you really want to pay more to get an A+ watch? If good enough is what you’re looking for then stop your search, the GD010 is for you!

Prove to yourself and the world how you don’t overpay for watches by purchasing the G-Shock GD-010 by clicking here on this affiliate link. You’ll get the Big Bold Basic GD-010 in your color choice sent directly from G-Shock.

Watch my above review video where I demo the basic features and the big fit of the watch. If you don’t have time for all that I’ll paste an AI generated summary of this review video because I also don’t have time to type all that!

AI Summary

Casio G-Shock GD-010 Review: The “Solid B” Beater Watch?

Category: Watch Reviews / EDC Gear Host: Jim Kinkade

When it comes to G-Shock watches, fans are often torn between feature-packed behemoths like the Mudmaster and the classic, smaller “squares.” In his latest video, host Jim Kinkade takes a deep dive into the Casio G-Shock GD-010, a model that attempts to bridge the gap with a large form factor and a budget-friendly price point.

Jim’s verdict? It’s a “Solid B.” But in this case, “B” doesn’t just mean a grade—it stands for Big, Bold, and Basic.

Here is the breakdown of why this watch might be the ultimate travel companion or “beater” watch for your collection.

The Verdict: Big, Bold, and Basic

At a retail price of around $110, the GD-010 positions itself as an entry-level giant. Jim Kinkade argues that while it lacks premium tech, it delivers “80% of what you want” in a G-Shock. It’s designed for users who need rugged durability without the anxiety of damaging a $400+ timepiece.

Key Features & Pros

1. Superior Legibility

One of the strongest selling points highlighted in the review is the display. The GD-010 features large, crisp digits that are incredibly easy to read at a glance.

• Why it matters: Whether you have aging eyes, visual impairments, or simply need to check the time while moving quickly, the high-contrast LCD is superior to many cluttered G-Shock negative displays.

2. Surprisingly Comfortable (“The 2×4 Wrist” Factor)

Despite its large case size, Jim notes that the watch “splays out” nicely on the wrist.

• The Fit: Unlike the Mudmaster, which he humorously compares to wearing “handcuffs” due to its rigid circular shape, the GD-010 lies flat.
• Target Audience: It is specifically recommended for people with wide or flat wrists (what Jim calls “2×4 wrists”).

3. The Ultimate Traveler’s Feature

A standout feature for frequent flyers, truckers, and pilots is the Multi-Time Mode.

• Functionality: You can toggle between four different time zones directly from the home screen with a single button press.
• Utility: This makes it arguably one of the most practical travel watches in the G-Shock lineup, eliminating the need to dig through complex menus to swap time zones.

4. Battery Life

The watch boasts a 10-year battery life, ensuring decade-long reliability without the need for solar charging.

The Cons: Where Costs Were Cut

To hit the ~$110 price point, Casio had to make some compromises. Jim points out a few specific drawbacks that collectors should be aware of:

• “Toy-Like” Buttons: The build quality of the buttons—specifically the front-facing light button—leaves something to be desired. Jim compares the tactile feel to a “Happy Meal toy,” lacking the premium resistance found on higher-end Master of G models.
• No “Wings”: The watch lacks the wrist “wings” (spacers) found on other large G-Shocks. While comfortable, this can cause the watch to slide around if your wrist is sweaty or covered in oil or fluids.
• Missing Tech: There is no Tough Solar, Multiband 6 (atomic timekeeping), or Bluetooth. This is a strictly battery-operated, quartz unit.

Final Thoughts: Who is This For?

Jim Kinkade concludes that the Casio GD-010 is the perfect “carefree beater.” It is a watch you can strap on for yard work, travel, or gym sessions without a second thought. It offers maximum legibility and essential timing features (stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 alarms) in a package that is tough enough to take a beating but cheap enough to replace.

Conclusion

I like the G-Shock GD-010 so much I bought it twice. I have the original black one and another tactical coyote color with a cordura band. Check out my chaotic unboxing of that one!