This is a g-shock that has morphed into a stylish and comfortable sports watch that is suitable for any occasion. The size reduction has compromised some of the features and functions of a normal g-shock, but they are minor compared to the advantages. Bottom line; probably one of the most stylish, functional and tough sports watches that money can buy and I am finding it difficult to swap out for any one of the forty other watches in my collection.
Below are some specific comments
Pros
All the shock protection of a g shock without the industrial looks or bulk.
Has Audemars Piquet Royal Oak vibes.
Very Good looking and constructed dial for the price, which has texture, depth and clarity.
Well finished and great looking multi-faceted case for the price
Highly legible dial. I wear glasses and still have limited vision but through good design the sub-dials are easily legible
lume on hands and quarter hour decals is bright and lasts up to 7 hours.
Great back light illuminates entire dial and can be used as a short range torch.
Second hand aligns well with the second markers, which isn't always the case (Seiko and Timex can have problems with this).
Easy to link to phone and set up.
Well finished bracelet with (I think) hollow links that add to lightness and comfort. Links connected by spring bars so easy to adjust.
Four adjustment holes on clasp, unlike other g shocks, which often have 1 or 2.
milled clasp, much better than low quality stamped clasp on some other g steels.
More intuitive to manually use functions than the four button g shocks.
Lighter and more comfortable to wear than other g steels.
Looks great with a suite or t shirt
Makes fully analogue dialed g socks accessible for smaller wrists.
Cons
Bracelet jangles when not on the wrist, which gives an impression of fragility and lower quality than it actually is. This is a consequence of using folded links.
There is something wrong with the hour matters that cause light to make the surface look slighty rough or pitted. I think this has something to do with the unescesarry micro grooves applied to the markers. It's only the wearer that noticed this minor issue.
Below are some of the compromises ( not faults) when compared to general g shocks with analogue and digital displays
Functions not as accessible unless you use the phone. Have to take it off to set a countdown timer, alarm,
Stop watch and count down timer on most g steels is up to1 hour and only 30 minutes for the B1000D.
Stop watch is only accurate to a second whereas most other g shocks are accurate to up to 1/100th second.
No multi band 6 for ultimate accuracy instead of a phone connection. Likely helps to reduce bulk and size of the watch.
Mineral crystal not protected by protruding bezel of larger g shocks . However this adds to a more stylish look
Smaller profile of B1000D means it doesn't get knocked around on the wrist as much as larger g shocks.