The latest G-Shock Gulfmaster takes Casio’s legendary unbreakable watch into the toughest ocean environments, with upgraded sensor technology to ensure a rapid response to changing conditions in marine rescue situations.

At Baselworld earlier this year, Casio unveiled the latest iteration of its iconic G-Shock range, the Master of G Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000, which brings extreme ocean capabilities to a series that has already proven its toughness in the harshest environments to be found on land or in the air. Its sophisticated environmental sensors provide fast, accurate readings of rapidly changing environmental indicators, making it the ideal companion for professionals working in challenging conditions at sea.

G-Shock Gulfmaster

The Gulfmaster’s main innovation lies in its quad sensors, which represent a significant upgrade to the Triple Sensor Version 3 of previous models. A water depth sensor has been added to the pressure, temperature and compass bearing sensors, which combine to provide vital information to coast guard officers and ocean rescue operatives. The data from these sensors is accessed via five operating modes (barometer, compass, altimeter, temperature, depth), indicated on an inset dial at 5 o’clock, which is governed by a dual coil motor to supply the high energy required by the retrograde display. An LCD in the upper half of the dial gives a more detailed readout.

G-Shock Gulfmaster

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE QUAD SENSORS , THE ORIGIN OF THAT MERIT THE SPECIAL LETTER “Q” IN THE MODEL NAME

The AIR PRESSURE sensor at 9 o’clock provides information for the altimeter and barometer modes. The altimeter measures altitudes from -700 m to 10,000 m, as well as providing an altitude change indicator. The barometer is designed to inform the wearer of sudden fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, which could warn of dangerous changes in weather conditions. A tendency graph remembers readings from the previous 20 or 5 hours, and an arrow signals significant pressure changes. The minute hand is transformed into a differential indicator, and the rotating stainless steel bezel can be called into play to provide a handy reference.

The TEMPERATURE sensor monitors air and water temperatures from -10° to +60° C.

A MAGNETIC sensor transforms the watch into a compass, enabling the user to calculate the wind or tide direction by observing the second hand, which points to magnetic North. The automatic horizontal correction function ensures that an accurate reading is possible even when conditions underfoot are unstable, such as aboard a rocking ship or underwater, when it would be impossible to align a conventional compass with the horizon.

The LCD gives the bearing in degrees and as one of the sixteen traditional compass points (N, NNE, NE, ENE, etc.). But where the Gulfmaster really shows its ocean-going credentials is in the fourth and newest sensor – a WATER PRESSURE sensor, located at 12 o’clock on the rear of the watch case, where a series of slits in the urethane strap and back cushioning cover provide the necessary access. The sensor gives water depth information up to 50 m, on both the LCD screen and the second hand, along with data on the time spent underwater and the maximum depth reached. All of this information can be recorded using the Time Stamp function, accessed by a button on the case band at 4 o’clock, which memorises up to 40 snapshots of current conditions, a feature that could be invaluable for marine rescue operations.

G-Shock Gulfmaster Carbon-fibre reinforced resin case

G-Shock Gulfmaster Indicator bezel

G-Shock Gulfmaster Button guard structure

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

The Casio Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000 is the first Gulfmaster to feature a sapphire crystal, which ensures that readability is not compromised by scratches or abrasions on the dial. Low-light legibility is further guaranteed by twin LED lights that illuminate the LCD screen and the dial, with up to 3 seconds of “afterglow” after the button is released, and phosphorescent coatings to the analogue hands and indices. Another feature that is new to this Gulfmaster is the time of sunrise and sunset. Combined with the tide data displayed on the inset mode dial at 5 o’clock, and the information relayed by the quad sensors, the user is guaranteed a comprehensive picture of prevailing conditions.

This wealth of technical data is backed up by the familiar supporting cast of additional functions common to all the Master of G G-Shock watches, including moon age, radio-controlled time calibration (up to six times a day), world time for 31 time zones, daylight saving, stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, power saving, calendar and battery level indicator. Casio’s pioneering high capacity Tough Solar system means that a flat battery is unlikely ever to be a concern, but the watch will nevertheless continue to operate for up to 6 months without exposure to a light source.

Given that the G-Shock Gulfmaster is designed to be supremely legible in the most demanding outdoor conditions, it should come as no surprise that it’s big, measuring 48 mm x 57 mm, with a depth of 17 mm. Nevertheless, the soft and flexible polyurethane-covered band, which conceals a tough resin and metal inner core, makes it comfortable to wear. Of course, all of this comes with the G-Shock’s “absolute toughness” guarantee of resistance to electricity, gravity, low temperatures, vibration, water and shocks, with superior all-round ruggedness. The carbon fibre-reinforced resin case combines high strength and rigidity with superior water resistance, a must for a watch designed to cope with extreme conditions at sea. The buttons and pushers are fitted with pipes and a triple gasket system, which offers enhanced water protection along with glitch-free operation.

For more detail information, please visit: g-shock.eu (Europe) or world.g-shock.com (International)

Source: Europa Star 4/16 Autumn 2016 Magazine Issue