G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000) Review — Features, Performance, Battery Life & Competitor Comparisons

Q: How long does the GSW-H1000 battery last?

Casio estimates about 1.5 days in Smartwatch mode, and roughly 1 month in Digital/Timepiece (Multi-Timepiece) mode when Wear OS features are off and you’re mainly using timekeeping/sensors. Real-world battery life depends on GPS, display settings, brightness, and background apps.

Q: Does the G-Shock Move Pro (GSW-H1000) have mobile payment (NFC)?

No. The GSW-H1000 does not include NFC, so Google Pay and other contactless payment options are not supported.

Q: Can I swim or dive with the GSW-H1000?

Yes. It is rated 20 BAR / 200-meter water resistance, suitable for swimming and many water sports. Follow Casio precautions (for example, do not operate buttons underwater, do not charge when wet, and avoid scuba diving with an air cylinder).

Q: What phones are compatible?

It supports pairing with compatible Android phones and iPhones (iOS) as a Wear OS smartwatch, though some Wear OS features can differ between platforms.

Q: Is the GSW-H1000 still available?

Availability is more limited than at launch. You may still find remaining stock through certain retailers or online marketplaces, but listings can be sporadic.

Q: How accurate is the heart-rate sensor?

The optical heart-rate sensor provides approximate readings for general fitness tracking and is not a medical device. Accuracy can vary by fit, motion, and workout type, so it’s best used for trends.

Q: Does the watch support Wear OS 3?

Casio has not confirmed a Wear OS 3 upgrade for the GSW-H1000. Official updates have focused on security patches and stability improvements rather than a major OS migration.

Q: What makes the GSW-H1000 unique among smartwatches?

It is a G-SHOCK smartwatch powered by Wear OS with a rugged build, dual-layer display, and an uncommon 200-meter water-resistance rating for a Wear OS watch.

Introduction

Casio’s G‑Shock Move Pro GSW‑H1000, also sold as the G‑Squad Pro, represents an unusual union: the indestructible G‑Shock DNA meets Wear OS. Announced in April 2021, it is the first full‑fat G‑Shock smartwatch powered by Google’s platformcasio-intl.com and remains one of only a handful of Wear OS devices with genuine 200‑metre water resistance. The rugged watch is part of Casio’s G‑Squad (Move) line aimed at athletes, hikers and people who need a tough multi‑sport companion.

This review takes a deep dive into the G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000). We examine its design, display, sensors, software and battery life using facts from official sources and hands‑on reviews. We’ll also compare it with competing rugged smartwatches like Garmin tactix 7 and Suunto 9 Peak Pro and provide step‑by‑step tips on how to get the most out of it.

Key specifications

The table below summarises the headline specifications of the G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000).

Specification	Details
Dimensions & weight	65.6 × 56.3 × 19.5 mm; ~103 g including wristband.
Construction	Shock‑resistant resin case with titanium case back; water‑resistant to 200 metres.
Display	1.2‑inch dual‑layer screen combining a 360 × 360 px colour TFT LCD and an always‑on monochrome layer.
Sensors	Optical heart‑rate sensor, GPS/GLONASS/QZSS positioning, barometer, altimeter, compass, accelerometer, gyrometer and microphone.
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.2 LE and Wi‑Fi b/g/n.
Operating system	Wear OS by Google™ with Casio’s custom apps; no NFC (thus no mobile payments).
Battery	Rechargeable lithium‑ion battery; magnetic charging; ~3‑hour recharge time.
Battery life	Smartwatch mode: ~1.5 days; Timepiece mode (sensor only): ~1 month; battery life depends on usage.
Release & pricing	Released April 2021; launch price US$699.

Design and build quality

Rugged G‑Shock heritage

Casio’s announcement emphasised that the GSW‑H1000 is built with all the “toughness” of a classic G‑Shock. It has shock resistance and 200‑metre water resistancecasio-intl.com, making it suitable for swimming, surfing or even recreational diving. The watch integrates a titanium case back for corrosion resistance and a soft urethane band that remains flexible and durable. G‑Central, a long‑running G‑Shock fan site, notes that the watch remains the only Wear OS model offering 200‑metre water‑resistanceg-central.com.

Size and comfort

This watch is large. Wareable measured the case at 65 mm across and 19.5 mm thick, comparing it to “nearly two Apple Watches stacked on top of each other”wareable.com. The weight is around 103 gcasio-intl.com. Reviewers found the hulking frame noticeable on slender wrists and not ideal for sleeping. However, Casio includes inserts under the lugs so the case wraps more comfortably around the wristablogtowatch.com, and the urethane band uses a standard buckle to keep it secure.

Buttons and controls

Despite its busy appearance, the GSW‑H1000 actually uses three physical buttons on the right side: a top button for quick workout tracking, a large middle button to access Wear OS apps and Google Assistant, and a bottom button for Casio’s home screen and sensor functions. On the left side you’ll find the charging port and outdoor sensors. The case is intentionally bulky to protect the screen and sensors, but this design can limit access to the touchscreen edges.

Appearance & model options

Casio released three colourways at launch: GSW‑H1000‑1 (black/blue), GSW‑H1000‑1A (black) and GSW‑H1000‑1A4 (red)casio-intl.com. All share the same case and strap design. The watch looks unmistakably like a G‑Shock, with a hollow core guard, large bezel and exposed screws that emphasise its toughnesswareable.com.

Display and interface

Dual‑layer screen

A key innovation is the dual‑layer display. There is a 360 × 360 px colour TFT layer for rich graphics and a transparent monochrome LCD on top. When the watch is idle or in timepiece mode, the monochrome layer shows time and basic metrics to conserve power. Casio’s news release highlights that the three‑tier interface can be customised to show multiple data points at once.

Reviewers note that the 1.2‑inch screen feels small relative to the large case. Wareable found the colour display bright indoors but less legible outdoors and described it as a fingerprint magnetwareable.com. The Verge’s Sam Byford observed that the monochrome layer “can extend battery life up to a month in its basic monochrome timekeeping mode” and is “much more glanceable” than the colour layertheverge.com.

Watch faces and customization

By default Casio provides only a few watch faces — an information‑dense digital face, a basic analog option and a face that mirrors the monochrome LCD. Users can download additional faces from the Google Play Store. Casio’s design encourages use of its dual‑layer mode, so the preloaded faces are optimized for the transition between monochrome and colour screens.

User interface

The watch runs Wear OS, so swiping shows notifications, Tiles (widgets), and quick settings. However Casio layers its own software on top, including an Activity app and a home screen accessible via the bottom button. This dual‑software approach has mixed results: Wareable likened it to the Suunto 7’s hybrid interface and noted it could feel fragmented. Still, Google apps like Maps, Fit and the Play Store work well on the watchwareable.com.

Sensors and fitness features

Sensor suite

Casio equipped the GSW‑H1000 with a broad set of outdoor and fitness sensors:

GPS/GLONASS/QZSS for location.

Optical heart‑rate sensor (Pulse 40–220 bpm).

Altimeter, barometer and compass to capture elevation and atmospheric data.

Accelerometer and gyrometer for step counting and motion detection.

Microphone and vibration motor.

The step counter can record up to 999 999 steps and automatically resets at midnightcasio.com. Casio emphasises that the heart‑rate data is for recreational use and not medical purposescasio.com.

Sports modes and G‑Shock Move app

Casio’s G‑Shock Move app supports 15 outdoor activities and 24 indoor workout options, ranging from running, biking and swimming to extreme sports like surfing and snowboarding. Users can add up to eight custom workouts. The watch logs pace, distance and route thanks to GPS and the inertial sensorscasio-intl.com.

An interesting feature is Sensor Overlay: you can record video or still photos on your smartphone, then overlay sensor data (pace, heart rate, altitude, etc.) via the G‑Shock Move app to create shareable media. This appeals to surfers, cyclists and trail runners who want to document and analyse their adventures.

Heart‑rate and accuracy

In Wareable’s testing, mapping support and basic tracking accuracy were strong, but the heart‑rate sensor and some software elements felt buggywareable.com. A Blog to Watch’s review observed that the dual‑layer screen works well for balancing performance and battery life and that the watch offers features typical of Wear OS devices. However, the watch lacks NFC, meaning there is no Google Pay supporttheverge.com, and the proprietary charger is easily knocked out of place.

Environmental sensors and extras

Beyond fitness tracking, the GSW‑H1000 includes features that appeal to adventurers:

Tide graph displaying past and upcoming tides.

Sunrise/sunset times at your location.

Fishing Time function that suggests when to fish based on location and lunar position.

Compass and bearing memory to navigate trails.

Auto altitude and atmospheric pressure correction to improve accuracy.

These extras position the GSW‑H1000 as a multi‑sport, outdoor watch rather than just a gym tracker.

Wear OS and smartwatch features

Google ecosystem

Running Wear OS allows the GSW‑H1000 to access thousands of apps on the Google Play Store and to use Google Assistant for voice commands. Casio’s news release notes that users can check notifications, messages, agenda and weather. The watch works with both Android and iOS phones (though some features vary)casio-intl.com.

Casio’s custom software

The GSW‑H1000 is not a stock Wear OS device. Casio adds its own suite of apps, including:

Activity: track workouts and view heart‑rate graphs and sensor data.

Timepiece mode: turns off Wear OS functions and uses the monochrome screen to show time, steps and air pressure; this is how the watch achieves its one‑month battery life.

Casio App Shortcuts: accessible via the bottom button for features like tide graphs, compass, barometer and watch face adjustments.

While the hybrid software lets G‑Shock fans enjoy familiar screens, it also creates complexity. Wareable found the experience fragmented and noted that connection and sync issues occurred even after software updateswareable.com.

Missing features

Despite the premium price, some omissions stand out. NFC is absent, so there is no support for mobile payments like Google Pay. Also, Casio did not disclose which Qualcomm chipset powers the watch; reviewers suspect it uses an older processor, leading to concerns about future Wear OS updateswareable.com. The Verge’s review noted that the watch launched just before Google and Samsung announced Wear OS 3, meaning the watch may never get the latest software improvementstheverge.com.

Battery life and charging

Official battery claims

Casio’s specification sheet states that the GSW‑H1000 provides about 1.5 days of battery life under normal use with the colour displaycasio-intl.com and about one month in Multi‑Timepiece Mode with Wear OS disabled and only sensors active. The Casio support centre reiterates that smartwatch mode lasts about 1.5 days and Timepiece mode about one month, although actual times depend on usagecasiouksupport.zendesk.com. Charging uses a magnetic connector and takes roughly three hours.

Real‑world performance

Hands‑on reviewers generally corroborate Casio’s claims. Wareable recorded about 1.5 days of use with some GPS tracking and noted that while a month of battery life is possible, you’ll need to limit the watch to basic timekeeping to achieve itwareable.com. The Verge found that the dual‑layer screen mitigated battery concerns and allowed “a couple of days’ use” in dual‑layer modetheverge.com. However, because the watch runs on older hardware, it needs frequent recharging and lacks efficiency compared to newer modelsg-central.com.

Tips to extend battery life

Disable Always‑On Display: Turn off the colour screen when not needed; the monochrome layer will still show time and step countcasio-intl.com.
Use Timepiece mode during long trips: Activate Multi‑Timepiece mode via the Casio app for hiking or multi‑day adventures to reach one‑month battery life.
Limit background apps and notifications: Uninstall unused Wear OS apps and disable non‑essential notifications to reduce processor load.
Charge securely: The proprietary barrel connector is prone to disconnectswareable.com. Place the watch on a flat surface while charging to avoid accidental detachments.

Real‑world use cases and step‑by‑step guides

Using G‑Shock Move Pro for outdoor running

Set up the watch: Install the G‑Shock Move and Wear OS companion apps on your smartphone and pair the watch via Bluetooth. The initial setup may take several minutes while updates install.
Choose running mode: Press the top physical button to open the workout menu, select Running, and wait for GPS to lock (the watch uses GPS/GLONASS/QZSScasio-intl.com).
Customize data fields: Swipe to customise the three‑tier display; for running, display heart rate, pace and distance simultaneously.
Start the run: Press the bottom or start button to begin recording. During the run the watch will show distance and pace, and the heart‑rate graph is accessible via the Casio Activity appwareable.com.
Sync your data: After finishing, end the activity and sync it to your smartphone. The G‑Shock Move app will provide pace charts, maps and allow you to share runs or overlay data on a photo using Sensor Overlay.

Hiking and trail navigation

Load maps: Download offline maps via Wear OS apps or store up to five locations on the watch.
Monitor altitude and weather: Activate barometer and altimeter screens using the bottom button. The watch automatically corrects altitude based on GPS.
Use compass: Hold the bottom button to access the compass; the large bezel protects the display but may feel cramped when swipingwareable.com.
Check tide and sunrise: Before a hike or surf session, open the tide graph and sunrise/sunset screen to plan your daycasio.com.
Enable Timepiece mode for multi‑day hikes: If you expect to be off‑grid for days, switch to Multi‑Timepiece mode to conserve battery and still see basic informationcasio-intl.com.

Surfing and fishing

Select surf mode in the activity app or simply open the tide graph to check conditionscasio.com.
Use Fishing Time: If you’re fishing, activate the Fishing Time function to see optimal times based on moon age and hour angle.
Rinse after exposure: The watch’s 200‑metre water‑resistancecasio-intl.com makes it suitable for saltwater, but rinse it after exposure to keep sensors clean.

Customising the interface

Download watch faces: From your watch, open the Play Store and search for watch faces that suit your style. Download and install.
Adjust the three‑tier display: Press and hold the current watch face, choose the data slots and assign metrics like heart rate, tide or barometer; Casio’s interface supports hundreds of layout combinationscasio-intl.com.
Arrange Tiles: In Wear OS settings, reorder the tiles (widgets) to place your most used features (e.g., weather, G‑Shock Move, timers) front and centre.
Set up notifications: In the phone’s Wear OS app, select which app notifications you want on your wrist to avoid overload.

Pros and cons

Pros

Rugged durability: Shock‑resistant design with 200‑metre water resistance and titanium case backg-central.com.

Dual‑layer display: Conserves battery and allows a month of timekeeping.

Comprehensive sensor suite: Heart rate, GPS, altimeter, barometer, compass and more.

Casio extras: Tide graph, sunrise/sunset times, fishing time and Sensor Overlay provide unique outdoor tools.

Wear OS ecosystem: Access to Google apps and Play Store; voice assistant support.

First G‑Shock with Wear OS: Unique among G‑Shock watches.

Cons

Very large and heavy: 65 mm case and ~103 g weight make it bulky for small wrists.

High price and discontinued: Launch price US$699; production ended, so availability is limited.

Older hardware & potential lack of updates: Casio hasn’t disclosed the chipset; Wear OS 3 update is uncertain.

Daily charging for smartwatch mode: Battery lasts ~1.5 days; the proprietary charger can disconnect easily.

No NFC: Mobile payments via Google Pay are unavailabletheverge.com.

Limited built‑in watch faces: Only three preloaded options.

Heart‑rate accuracy issues and software bugs: Reviewers noted bugs and unreliable heart‑rate readingswareable.com.

Comparison with competitors

G‑Shock Move Pro vs. Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition

Garmin tactix 7 is a military‑grade smartwatch targeted at professionals and adventurers. It features an AMOLED display, built‑in navigation tools and a 31‑day battery in expedition mode. FrediTech’s review of the tactix 7 (Garmin tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition Review) notes that the watch meets MIL‑STD‑810 standards for thermal, shock and water performance, offers 10 ATM water resistance and can stay mission‑ready for 31 daysfreditech.com. Compared to the GSW‑H1000, the tactix 7 has a longer battery life and more sophisticated tactical features (night‑vision mode, ballistic calculator), but it costs over US$1 399 and lacks Wear OS apps.

G‑Shock Move Pro vs. Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Suunto 9 Peak Pro emphasises ultra‑long battery life and lightweight design. In normal mode it runs for up to 21 days and weighs just 55 g. FrediTech’s Suunto 9 Peak Pro Review details its titanium body, OLED display and advanced training metrics. Compared to Casio’s watch, the Suunto is half the weight and offers far longer battery life but lacks the built‑in tide and fishing functions and doesn’t run Wear OS.freditech.com

G‑Shock Move Pro vs. Apple Watch Ultra

Apple’s Watch Ultra is built for athletes and explorers with dual‑frequency GPS, 100‑metre water resistance and a bright 2‑inch Retina display. It costs around US$799 and integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem. It offers a bigger, brighter screen and seamless experience but only runs watchOS. The GSW‑H1000 stands out by offering 200‑metre water resistance and unique fishing/tide toolscasio-intl.comg-central.com. However, the Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life (~36 hours) beats the G‑Shock’s 1.5‑day runtime in smartwatch mode.

Which one is right for you?

Choose the G‑Shock Move Pro if you prioritise maximum water resistance, robust construction, and unique tide/fishing functions along with Wear OS flexibility. It suits surfers, divers and G‑Shock enthusiasts who value brand identity.

Choose Garmin tactix 7 or Suunto 9 Peak Pro if long battery life and comprehensive outdoor navigation are more important than Wear OS apps.

Choose Apple Watch Ultra if you are within the Apple ecosystem and want a premium multisport watch with a large, bright display and better smart features.

Pricing and availability

The G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000) launched at US$699 and is listed by G‑Central as discontinuedg-central.com. Finding a new unit may require searching specialist retailers or auction sites. When available, expect prices similar to the launch price or even higher due to scarcity. Used units typically sell for US$400–550 depending on condition.

Casio continues to sell the G‑Shock Move family (e.g., GPR‑H1000 solar models), but none combine Wear OS with 200‑metre water resistance. If you cannot find the GSW‑H1000, consider the Casio GPR‑H1000 (solar‑powered with multi‑sport tracking but proprietary OS) or the GBD‑H2000 (lighter, cheaper, lacks Wear OS).

Who should buy the G‑Shock Move Pro?

Outdoor enthusiasts and divers: Thanks to its 200‑metre water‑resistance, tide graph and fishing functions, the G‑Shock Move Pro is an excellent companion for surfers, sailors and anglers.
G‑Shock collectors and brand loyalists: As the first Wear OS G‑Shock, this watch holds special value for collectors.
Runners and cyclists who want ruggedness: GPS, heart rate and barometer sensors provide detailed training data, while the shock‑resistant build can withstand crashes and falls.
Adventure travellers: Map support, offline location saving, sunrise/sunset and compass functions make the watch useful for hiking, camping and exploring remote areas.
Tech tinkerers: Wear OS compatibility allows you to install thousands of apps and customise watch faces. However, expect to charge it daily.

Who should skip it? Users with slender wrists or those wanting sleek all‑day wear may find it uncomfortable. Fitness‑focused people who require advanced training metrics and long battery life might prefer the Garmin tactix 7, Suunto 9 Peak Pro or Coros models. Also, if mobile payments are a must, the lack of NFC is a deal‑breakertheverge.com.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the GSW-H1000 battery last?

Casio states that the watch lasts around 1.5 days in smartwatch mode and one month in Multi‑Timepiece mode with only sensors and timekeeping activecasio-intl.com. Real‑world tests show about 1.5 days with moderate usewareable.com. Battery life depends on factors like GPS use, screen brightness and background appscasiouksupport.zendesk.com.

Does the G-Shock Move Pro (GSW-H1000) have mobile payment (NFC)?

No. The watch lacks NFC, so Google Pay and other contactless payment options are not supportedtheverge.com.

Can I swim or dive with the GSW-H1000?

Yes. The watch is water‑resistant to 200 metrescasio-intl.com. It is suitable for swimming, snorkelling and recreational scuba diving. Always rinse after saltwater use and ensure the charging port is closed.

What phones are compatible?

The GSW‑H1000 works with phones running the latest Android (excluding Go Edition) or iOScasio-intl.com. However, some Wear OS features may differ between platforms.

Is the GSW-H1000 still available?

It was released in April 2021 at US$699 but is now discontinuedg-central.com. You may find it at authorised retailers or online marketplaces, but availability is limited.

How accurate is the heart-rate sensor?

The optical sensor provides approximate heart‑rate data for recreational use and is not a medical‑grade devicecasio.com. Reviewers found the heart‑rate accuracy average and noted occasional bugswareable.com.

Does the watch support Wear OS 3?

Casio has not confirmed a Wear OS 3 update. The Verge’s review suggests that the watch launched before Google’s Wear OS 3 rollout and may not receive the updatetheverge.com.

What makes the GSW-H1000 unique among smartwatches?

It is the first and only G‑Shock smartwatch with Wear OSg-central.com, and it offers 200‑metre water‑resistance and unique functions like Fishing Time and Sensor Overlaycasio.comcasio-intl.com.

Conclusion

The G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000) is a bold experiment that fuses G‑Shock toughness with Wear OS intelligence. Its dual‑layer display, extensive sensor suite and 200‑metre water resistance make it a compelling option for surfers, divers and outdoor adventurers. Casio’s unique tide, fishing and sensor‑overlay functions set it apart from typical smartwatches. However, the watch’s bulky size, high price, short battery life and missing features (no NFC or Wear OS 3 update) limit its appeal for everyday users.

For G‑Shock loyalists and outdoor enthusiasts who value ruggedness and novelty, the GSW‑H1000 remains an exciting collector’s piece. For others, Garmin tactix 7, Suunto 9 Peak Pro or the Apple Watch Ultra may offer better value or comfort. Ultimately, the G‑Shock Move Pro demonstrates Casio’s willingness to innovate within its iconic brand, even if the execution isn’t perfect.