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G-Shock GMC 2500: the minute hand sits on magnets to survive impacts
A magnetic minute hand, a $350 metal bracelet option and a stopwatch built into the date wheel define this Nautilus-inspired G-Shock, along with a few loose-fitting caveats.
A minute hand with no post
The minute hand on this G-Shock is held in place by magnets instead of a conventional mechanical post, so it can absorb impacts [1]. The hand attaches magnetically to absorb and dissipate impact [2]. If you wear an analog G-Shock hard, that mounting is the feature to understand first.
The system is called Shock Release Hand, and it debuted on the GA-V01 in April 2025 [1]. If the hands are misaligned, it pulls them back into place within a few minutes [1].
Stopwatch and display
Pressing the pusher at 8 o'clock cycles the watch between modes and enters stopwatch mode [1]. In stopwatch mode the date wheel displays ST, short for stopwatch, while the hour and minute hands keep telling time [1]. Starting the stopwatch resets the small seconds hand to zero, which then runs, and the date wheel clicks over to zero to count stopwatch minutes [1].
The Multi-Mission Date three-cell display at 3 o'clock can show the date, the current mode, elapsed stopwatch minutes, and setting information [3]. The date wheel is also used to set the year by cycling through its digits, for example 2 then 6 for 2026 [1]. Pausing the small seconds function can extend battery life up to five years [3].
Design and price
The case design draws on the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which was designed by Gérald Genta and released in 1976 [3]. The two full-metal-bracelet models cost $350 [2]. Resin models weigh 47 grams and metal models weigh 160 to 180 grams [3].
The watch lacks the CasiOak's alarm, world time, and countdown timer complications [1]. The reviewer calls it an exceptional running watch and found the yellow model had the best legibility [1].
Bracelet complaints
The bracelet has a full-width link design with a fixed endlink, which extends lug-to-lug from 46mm to 57.5mm [1]. Its links connect with standard spring bars rather than link screws or pin-and-collar fittings, which the reviewer thinks contributes to looseness [1]. The clasp has only three points of micro-adjustment [1].
What this means for you
If you want a G-Shock for running, the reviewer calls this an exceptional running watch, and the yellow model had the best legibility [1]. If you want an alarm, world time or a countdown timer, the watch lacks them [1].
If you are looking at the metal models, check the fit. They cost $350 for the two full-metal-bracelet versions, weigh 160 to 180 grams, and the clasp has only three points of micro-adjustment [2][3][1]. The resin models weigh 47 grams [3].
Sources
- Hands-On: We Put The Casio G-Shock 2500 Series "CasioNaut" Through Its Paces — hodinkee.com
- G-Shock’s Affordable “CasiOak” Successor Is Here, and It Looks a Lot Like Another Bucket-List Sports Watch — gearpatrol.com
- This New G-Shock Looks a Lot Like One of the Most Iconic Watches Ever Made — gq.com
Written from the sources above and checked twice before publishing. How we work · Report an error
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