Is The Casioak Too Big?

The Casio GA-2100 Octagon series is one of G-shocks most successful watches since its launch in 2019.

It’s commonly called the “Casioak” in the watch community due to its similarity to the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet, as both watches have an octagonal bezel.

This shape gives it a more classier look compared to other G-shocks while still giving you the toughness that you expect from a G-shock.

However, one of the biggest complaints is that it is a little too big, but is it really?

G-Shocks Are Supposed To Be Big

Although it doesn’t look as robust as its brothers, The Casioak is still a G-Shock. If you know anything about these watches, you will know they are notoriously big.

They are designed to handle a lot and should be able to stand up to the tough “triple 10” standards set by the designers. This means they can take a fall of 10 metres, be water resistance to 10 bar (100m) and have a battery life of 10 years. 

This level of toughness means there is a few extra layers of protection compared to a normal watch, so by default they are going to be a little bigger. 

It’s Not The Biggest G-Shock

When you compare the Casioak with other G-shocks it’s really not that big.

The Casioak is 45.41mm in diameter, which sounds huge, but is tiny compared to the other watches G-shock has to offer.

Watches like the Frogman and the Mudmaster can have diameters of up to 55mm. They are big and bulky and they wear that way.

The Casioak doesn’t feel that big when it’s on the wrist. It feels more like a 41mm or around that size. 

Casioak Compared To The G-Shock Square

The Casioak and the G-shock Square are pretty similar in size. Most people who have a Square think they wear really well. They do not feel that big.

The Square is 43.2mm in diameter and the Casioak is only slightly bigger at 45.41mm in diameter

They also have a very similar lug to lug distance, The Casioak coming in at 48.5mm and the Square is ever so slightly bigger at 48.9mm.

Their weights are also very similar. The Casioak weighs 51g and the square is a little heavier at 52g.

Basically if you have ever worn a G-shock square and enjoyed how it felt on your wrist, you will get a very similar experience from the Casioak.

Thinness

One thing the Casioak does have going for it is that it is surprisingly thin at only 11.8mm

This is a lot thinner than some mechanical watches I own and is smaller than the G-shock square which is 13.5mm.

This thin profile is one of the reasons why it is able to feel so much smaller than it actually is.

People With Small Wrists

Anyone with a small wrist is usually put off by a G-shock as they are just too big. While a lot of people say the Casioak is also too big, you will find a large number of people with smaller wrists saying it is manageable.

People with around 6 inch wrists have said the size is manageable, some do say it can be a little big for their tastes, but in general they feel it can work and they can wear it. There can be a slight overhang of the lugs in smaller wrists, which can make it a little too big looking, but you will have to see how it works on your individual wrist and judge it.

If you have in an around a 7 inch wrist or bigger, you shouldn’t have any issues with the watch, it should fit just fine. 

(You can read more about – How Do You Choose The Right Size Of Casio Watch For Your Wrist?)

The Smaller Model

Casio has realised the GMA-S2100, I am assuming the S is for smaller, as the only difference with this model is the size.

It is 42.83mm in diameter, which I would argue is the perfect size for everyone.

The only problem is that Casio have aimed this model at the female market. This means a lot of the colours lean in a feminine direction and have put a lot of men off wearing the watch.

Personally I would get the smaller version if the colours where the same across both model sizes.

I think the larger model works fine on my wrist; it is just my personal preference to have smaller watches. 

Conclusion

Is the Casioak too big? On paper yes, on wrist, no.

Unless you have a very small wrist, you will find the Casioak wears very well. They look good and come in a range of different colours, the price is also fantastic.

If you have been worried about getting on, just go for it, it will probably look great on your wrist and you should be really happy with it.

(You can read more about – Are G-Shocks Are Worth Buying?)