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| Casio’s new GG-B100XM-1A watch |
For fans of rugged utility watches, Casio’s G-Shock Mudmaster series has always been the go‑to choice for those who need a timepiece that can survive the elements. Now, the Japanese watchmaker is introducing a subtle but significant upgrade to the lineup in the United Kingdom. The all-new Casio G-Shock GG-B100XM-1A and GG-B100XMB-1A have officially landed on British shores, and they come with a fresh metallic twist that sets them apart from their predecessors.
Arriving at the Casio UK online store several weeks after the initial launch of the standard GG-B100X models, these two new "hybrid" variants are turning heads not just for their functionality, but for their premium materials and striking color schemes.
A Premium Upgrade for the Mudmaster Line
If you have been eyeing the previous releases—the GG-B100X-1A, the GG-B100X-1A3, and the GG-B100X-1A9—you might notice the family resemblance immediately. However, the "XM" siblings are designed to stand out in a crowd.
The most significant change lies in the construction of the watch face. While the standard GG-B100X watches boast a lightweight carbon fiber bezel, the new GG-B100XM models elevate the aesthetic by swapping that material for a robust stainless steel bezel.
This material shift does more than just change the weight on your wrist; it completely transforms the watch's personality. The steel adds a touch of industrial refinement to the otherwise tactical look of the Mudmaster.
Price and Availability in the UK
For those interested in adding some metallic muscle to their wrist, both the GG-B100XM-1A and the GG-B100XMB-1A are available for purchase now directly from the official Casio UK store.
However, this premium construction comes at a premium price. While the carbon fiber versions retail at £349, these new stainless steel models are priced at £369 each, marking a £20 increase.
Design Breakdown: Black vs. Stealth
So, what does your £369 get you? Casio has released two distinct colorways to cater to different tastes:
- The Casio G-Shock GG-B100XM-1A: This variant embraces a classic high-contrast look. It features a black resin case and band, perfectly offset by a bright silver-tone stainless steel bezel. To break up the monochrome palette, Casio has added vibrant red accents. You will find this pop of color on the seconds hand, the bezel screws, and the mode indicator, giving the watch a sporty, race-ready feel.
- The Casio G-Shock GG-B100XMB-1A: If you prefer a more tactical, "stealth wealth" aesthetic, this is the one to watch. The GG-B100XMB-1A takes an all-black approach but introduces texture through an ion-plated (IP) black stainless steel bezel. The red accents of its sibling are replaced with subtle yet striking golden yellow highlights, which appear on the dial text and hand details. It is a sophisticated look that retains the watch's aggressive, tool-like nature.
You can view the detailed specifications and design of the black-and-red model directly on the product page here:
Casio G-Shock GG-B100XM-1A
Despite the new metal exteriors, both watches retain the core "Carbon Core Guard" structure, ensuring they remain shock-resistant, mud-resistant (thanks to sealed button shafts), and ready for depths of up to 200 meters.
Built for the Extremes: Features and Sensors
While the bezel material is the headline grabber, the beating heart of the GG-B100 series remains its impressive technological prowess. These are not just analog watches; they are sophisticated digital tools designed for the outdoors.
As part of Casio’s "Quad Sensor" lineup, these watches go beyond the standard Triple Sensor (which covers altitude/barometric pressure, temperature, and a digital compass). The fourth sensor is a step counter, allowing adventurers to track their hikes and treks directly from their wrist.
Other key features include:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: By pairing with the Casio Watches app, the watch automatically syncs with your smartphone for precise time adjustment. It also pulls in phone-finding capabilities and world time data.
- Sunrise/Sunset Data: Essential for planning a day out in the wilderness, the watch displays sunrise and sunset times for specific dates and locations.
- Dual Display: The analog hands (which are accurate to within 15 seconds per month) work in harmony with a digital LCD display, providing quick access to dates, alarms, and sensor readouts without cluttering the face.
International Release: What About North America?
With the UK market now fully stocked with both the carbon and steel variants, eager collectors in other regions are left wondering about availability. As of now, Casio has not confirmed whether or when the G-Shock GG-B100X series—including these new stainless steel models—will make their way to markets like North America. Given the global popularity of the Mudmaster line, it is likely only a matter of time before they appear on other regional storefronts, but for now, UK buyers have the exclusive first pick.
For British outdoor enthusiasts and G-Shock collectors, the arrival of the GG-B100XM series offers a rare chance to own a limited-feeling variant that blends the toughness of Mudmaster technology with the premium weight of stainless steel.
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| The Casio G-Shock GG-B100XM-1A and GG-B100XMB-1A watches |
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| The Casio G-Shock GG-B100X-1A, GG-B100X-1A3 and GG-B100X-1A9 watches. |