Test of the latest G-Shock Mudman from Casio: a solar and robust adventure watch

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

As I really appreciate watches and the collection of data from my wrist, I often have a watch on each of my wrists. On the one hand, I wear a smartwatch like Google Pixel Watch, Apple Watch Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Watch. On the other hand, I have a Garmin, a Coros or another type of watch with a long autonomy.

But for a few weeks now, my “long battery life” wrist has been wearing a new watch, which does not need to be recharged, and which has the classic appearance of a G-Shock. She can resist everything I impose on her. And it reliably provides useful data and advice. The watch is powered by solar energy and should, in principle, enjoy unlimited autonomy.

The new G-Shock Mudman GW-9500 is available in three colors: orange/black, green/black and black with touches of red. Each model is available now at a price of € 380. We tested the black model with red highlights. The Mudman, which weighs 81 grams, for dimensions of 56.7 x 52.7 x 14.8 mm. And these 14.8 mm thick make it possible to integrate a double-layer LCD screen. It is also a very resistant watch, with a water resistance of 200 meters, a structure that is not afraid of mud and dirt, nor shocks.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The digital compass superimposed on other information

The double-layer LCD screen allows the digital compass to be displayed above the textual orientation indications. This allows you to quickly and easily see the direction you are facing. The watch measures and displays your direction using a graphical directional pointer.

Six large buttons are mounted on the resin case. The two buttons on the left are used to adjust the parameters and to change the modes of the watch. The roles of the three buttons on the right are clearly identifiable: compass, barometer and altimeter.

It took me longer to realize that the sixth button is the one located at the bottom of the bezel, at the level of the bracelet branch. This button activates the LED backlight which can be set for a duration of one or three seconds. The left side lights up well to illuminate the entire watch face.

Don’t forget to take a look at the stainless steel back of your new watch. The emblematic character of the Mudman mole is engraved on it. The urethane strap is also made from renewable material and has enough openings to fit all wrist sizes.

The mode button allows the watch to switch from one display to another: time/day/date, sunrise/sunset, altitude reminder (min, max, ascent, descent), stopwatch (to 1/100th of a second), timer (intervals of one second up to 24 hours), alarm (five daily alarms available), world time (31 time zones) and status of the radio control. This last feature allows the watch to receive daily time calibration signals to ensure that it remains accurate.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

In short, the watch fits my wrist well. And it’s great to have a watch on your wrist that offers essential functions while providing useful data during a run, a hike and an exploration. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient G-Shock, I highly recommend the Mudman GW-9500.

ZDNET’s buying tips for the GW-9500

The connected watches that I have tried so far must be recharged every two days. How nice it is, then, to have a watch that gives the time and the essential basic features with a battery that recharges in daylight, so that you never have to worry about its autonomy.

Casio continues to produce classic G-Shock watches and the Mudman GW-9500 has a classic look and looks very solid. It also provides key data for your outdoor adventures. If you have already considered abandoning all the features of the latest smartwatches for a “normal” watch, the Mudman GW-9500 is therefore the choice for you.

Source: “ZDNet.com “