Testing the CASIO G-SHOCK (CasiOak) - How Durable is it? 

Casio G-Shock watches are extremely popular and are famed for their durable characteristics. The "CasiOak" was introduced in 2019 with a slimmer profile and more refined case aesthetics compared to other G-Shock's.

"CasiOak" watches in white and black

I have been a huge fan of the "CasiOak" since its release in 2019 and have always wondered how durable it is? Is it as durable as other G-Shock watches? 

1. Low-temperature Test

The first test I put the watch through was freezing it. I put it directly in the freezer and left it there for a couple of hours. The watch remained in perfect working order, despite the sensitivity of Quartz movements to temperature changes.

The watch after being removed from the freezer

2. Heat Test

The next test involved brining a saucepan of water to the boil and then carefully placing the watch inside to see the effects. After just under a minute, I removed the watch to find it was ticking away perfectly and that the case was unharmed by the heat. However, the strap loop had completely melted.

"CasiOak" submerged in boiling water

The watch still working

The melted strap loop

At this point, I was not satisfied I had tested the watch to its limits, so I placed it back into the boiling water. About 30 seconds later, I removed the watch to realise that I had potentially destroyed it.

Black blotching started to appear on the screen and then it dramatically went pitch black. For a moment, I thought this was the end of my tests and that I would have to get a new watch to continue testing.

What would be the point of conducting the other tests I had in store, with a movement that was already damaged?

Blotching on the display

Pitch black display

Nevertheless, just as all hope was lost and to my shock (no pun intended), the G-Shock came back to life as if nothing had happened. This is the moment I realised why these watches have the reputation that they do.

The watch working unphased by the heat test

3. Shock test

I continued to test the watch with help from football freestyler Tobias Becs, who demonstrated his amazing kick-up skills using the G-Shock "CasiOak". The watch was unharmed. 

Tobias Becs doing kick-ups with the Casio G-Shock

4. Drop Test

The next test was to drop the watch from a considerable height. To no surprise, the watch was unaffected, yet again.

Drop test Casio G-Shock

Casio G-Shock unharmed after drop test

5. Stamp Test

It was time to take things up a notch. I placed the watch on a concrete surface and aggressively stamped on it with all 100kg / 220lbs of my bodyweight. I tried the same on a gravel surface. 

Stamping on G-Shock 

The unharmed watch

Stamping on G-Shock on gravel surface

The watch survived these tests without issue. At this point, the question was how could I possibly destroy this watch?

6. Truck Test

That's where this 4000kg BRABUS G-Class 6x6 came in. Would this monster of a vehicle be enough to bring this watch to an end?

BRABUS G700 6x6 

The wheel of the BRABUS G700 6x6 approaching the watch

BRABUS 6x6 G700 running over G-Shock watch

It seemed to be an impossible mission to destroy this watch. The "CasiOak" survived this test with flying colours!

7. Weight Tests

I dropped a EZ-curl bar with weights directly onto the crystal of the watch. 

The weights that were dropped on the crystal

The watch after weight dropped on crystal

Slight scuffs were visible but the crystal did not crack.

What about a kettle bell? 

Kettle bell weight being dropped on the Casio G-Shock

No harm done.

How about placing it between a stack of weights and banging on it with the aid of gravity?

G-Shock watch clamped between a stack of weights

Again, the G-Shock remained in one piece.

8. Strap Test

This is the test that truly left me impressed. I attached the watch to a cable machine at the gym and used it to lift the weights. 

The watch attached to a cable machine

Strap under pressure

The watch strap help up to the pressure, leaving me shocked at the strength of the plastic buckle, the rubber and above all, the spring bars attaching the strap to the case.

Conclusion

I would like to think that I put this watch through a little more than it would go through in a typical lifetime of normal wear. Simply put, I think it's safe to say this is definitely one of the toughest watches in the world and that it is just as durable as any other G-Shock model. 

To see these tests in action, check out the full YouTube video on the Distinct Timepieces channel: