Who doesn’t love to read his watch? That’s what big numbers are all about: LEGIBILITY! So let’s take a look at some Casios and G-Shocks that I own that have BIG numbers!
CASIO AE-1500
I remember the day I walked into Walmart wearing my G-Shock King, the GWX-56BB. It was big, yet with small numbers on a negative LCD, it was hard to read. I didn’t think Casio could make watches with big numbers. Then I lifted my eyes from the watch I was wearing and gazed at the Casio AE-1500. I read the time from across the store.
I approached the watch, and to my delight, it advertised itself as an extended wrist band watch. Perfect for a big wrister like me.
Flipping the box around I saw its price tag: $21.
You’re dadgum right I bought it! And after wearing it, I have officially declared it the BEST $20 watch!
It costs a little bit more now thanks to inflation, but you can still pick it up for under $25. Go ahead and click this affiliate link to buy your own Casio AE-1500.
G-Shock GD-010
Many guys want the G-Shock version of the Casio AE-1500, which does have some limitations on its durability. The closest we have to that now currently on the market is the G-Shock GD-010.
The GD-010 has the big numbers. It has the functions. It has the G-Shock durability. But it costs more than $21. Is the extra price worth it?
I say, “Yes!”
So click here on this affiliate link to buy your own G-Shock GD-010.
Mudman GW-9500
The toughest watch I’ve ever tested. And the numbers are big.
Now know this: the numbers, though big, are not as clear or as thick as the AE-1500. Some have complained that at some angles the screen appears washed out. I’ve gotten used to that. So don’t worry about it.
The durability of the watch makes up for everyting else. It’s one super tough G-Shock watch. It’s the one I recommend to anyone who wants to wear a G-Shock for its industructable nature. So go ahead and click here on this affiliate link to buy the G-Shock Mudman GW-9500.
Put your glasses down!
You don’t need any help reading these watches. The numbers are that big. In fact, folks across the room can read your watch.
So check out my video above where I hold them next to each other and you can see for yourself.
One more note. This video compares LCD G-Shocks and Casios. The G-Shocks with MIP screens have big numbers, yes, but that’s not the subject of today’s video
Jim, I’m at work. Can you sum up the video for me?
Sure. I can sum up the video for you. I’ll just feed it into Google Gemini AI and paste whatever summary it makes below. Sorry if it’s fully of fever dream hallucinations, but hey, that’s AI for ya!
Jim Kinkade’s Guide to Legibility: G-Shocks and Casios with BIG NUMBERS!
In his video titled “G-Shocks with BIG NUMBERS!”, published on July 24, 2025, Jim Kinkade dives into a collection of G-Shock and Casio watches specifically chosen for their large, highly legible digital numerals. Jim’s motivation for this video stems directly from a viewer’s question about comparing the numeral size between the GD-010 and the AE-1500.
Jim Kinkade meticulously highlights and compares several watches, focusing on their legibility, overall size, and price points:
- Casio AE-1500: This watch receives high praise from Jim for its “gigantic numbers” and remarkable affordability, typically costing around $22. He describes its numbers as notably bigger and bolder than those found on the GD-010. The AE-1500 offers extensive functionality, including five alarms, a 24-hour timer, and a stopwatch with hundredths of a second. However, Jim notes its durability is limited when compared to true G-Shock models.
- Casio AE-1600: Presented as an update to the AE-1500, this model also features large numerals and similar functionality but in a distinct square shape. Jim finds it costs more than the AE-1500 and doesn’t believe the extra price is justified given the exceptional value of the AE-1500.
- G-Shock GD-010: This is highlighted as a more affordable G-Shock option that still boasts big numbers. While its numbers aren’t as thick as the AE-1500, Jim confirms they are still very legible and a significant improvement over smaller-numbered G-Shocks. Crucially, it offers G-Shock durability and includes features like multiple time zones, five alarms, a 24-hour timer, and a stopwatch with fractions of a second. The GD-010 typically retails for around $100.
- ProTrek PRW-3500: This ProTrek watch also features large numbers and comes equipped with ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) sensors, Multi-Band 6, and solar charging. Jim describes its numbers as taller and similar in thickness to the GD-010. However, he points out some drawbacks, such as the “wings” on the watch tearing hair and a relatively short band.
- G-Shock Mudman GW-9500: Falling into the $300 category, this watch offers similar functionality to the PRW-3500 but, as Jim emphasizes, with “bonafide G-Shock toughness.” Jim Kinkade considers it his personal favorite watch due to its superior durability, especially for extreme environments. While its numbers aren’t as large as the AE-1500, he still describes them as “pretty big.” It includes altimeter, barometer, compass, sunrise/sunset data, and a 24-hour timer.
Jim Kinkade’s video ultimately emphasizes the inherent trade-off between affordability and durability. He suggests that while the Casio AE-1500 offers incredible value at its price point, the G-Shock models provide superior toughness for demanding environments. Jim strongly recommends owning an AE-1500 due to its low cost and impressive features.
Alright, you gotta love AI. It can summarize videos as chaotic as mine. Is it factually accurate? You’ll have to watch the video for yourself and compare.