Casio recently updated their mid-range Pathfinder lineup -- the "Solar Triple Sensor" line -- by adding the PAG-240 which sports a series of refinements. The Pathfinder line is famous for melding large LCD screens with navigational and atmospheric data, all in a wrist-top package. The Casio PAG-240 uses a new duplex screen, and a new manner of navigating its many features.

• Plastic resin case
• 51 x 15.5mm, 65g
• Casio 3246 movement (+/- 15 seconds)
• Solar powered
• Compass
• Altimeter
• Barometer
• Thermometer
• Sunrise/sunset timer
• Duplex LCD (two layers)
• Countdown timer
• World time
• Automatic Calendar
• Auto back-light with afterglow feature
• Resin strap
• Retail price of $250

View the Casio G-Shock GXW-56-1BJF photo gallery.

The new Casio G-Shock GXW-56 — and its American counterpart, the GX-56 — are proof that huge is the new big. With a case 55.5mm wide at its widest point, and 17.5mm high, the GXW-56 is the biggest G-Shock ever made. (Yes, they are even larger than the venerable Frogman.)

(Before going any further, I want to point out the differences between the GXW and the GX. The GXW is the Japanese version and has multi-band atomic timekeeping. The GX is the American version which is less expensive, and has all the features of the GXW except atomic time calibration. This review focuses specifically on a GXW-56-1BJF which I imported from Japan in order to get atomic time calibration, but most of what I cover here pertains to the GX, as well.)

The thinking behind the GXW-56 (and the GX-56) is that, in the overall scheme of things, typical G-Shocks simply aren't all that big anymore. Yes, they are certainly bigger than your average timepiece, but if you look at the watches that are really driving the trends right now, G-Shocks don't completely dominate in terms of size. So in order to maintain their status as trend-setters (and make no mistake — G-Shocks are as much about fashion as they are toughness; if you don't believe me, read my coverage of Shock the World), it was time for G-Shocks to take the next step.

Fortunately, Casio decided to do something constructive with all that extra space in the case: they filled it with aGEL which they describe like this:

aGEL® is a soft silicone gel material with outstanding shock-absorbing characteristics.

So what is this mysterious new aGEL material? aGEL, or Alpha GEL, is the brand name for the soft silicone gel material which was first made famous by Asics Gel running shoes, and it helps to make the GXW-56 even more shock and vibration resistant than your standard G-Shock.

But the GXW-56 isn't all about size. It also has the functionality and features that we've come to expect from G-Shocks. Here's an exhaustive list:

I just got back from Casio's 2010 Shock the World press event in New York, and I have plenty to show. We all had a blast checking out some new G-Shock models, meeting folks from Casio (and Casio's PR team), rubbing elbows with celebrities, and hanging out at what turned out to be a pretty wild concert.

Here are the highlights:

Casio G-Shocks play many roles: fashion icons, hardcore tool watches, respectable divers, etc. Today, we look at something of a new phase for the G-Shock line in the form of a “multi role fighter.” The Casio G-Shock GW-2000 sports aviation styling while retaining the GMT features of many of its older siblings. The GW-2000 combines the radio controlled technology which Casio is now famous for with a refreshed style more reminiscent of the MR-G series.

Let's take a look at the details:

• Mineral glass crystal.
• 47mm at the widest point (wears more like 43mm).
• 15m thick.
• Radio controlled atomic calibrated module.
• Solar powered.
• Stopwatch with a resolution of 1/20^th of a second.
• 24-hour countdown timer.
• Alarm.
• Multiple timezones.
• Perpetual calendar (with day and date).
• Water-resistant to 200 meters (about 650 feet).
• Neobright luminous paint.

View the Casio Pathfinder PAW2000T-7V photo album.

Every new Pathfinder I get tends to become my favorite, and the PAW2000T-7V is no exception. In fact, not only has it become my favorite Pathfinder, but it is also one of my favorite digital watches in general. I've typically thought of Pathfinders purely as outdoors watches in the past — watches you only wear while hiking, boating, stargazing, etc. — since all the features they pack have traditionally required large, knobby cases to accommodate sensors and circuit boards. But not so with PAW2000T-7V. Although still obviously a feature-rich digital watch, the PAW2000T-7V is the thinnest, cleanest, and most subtle Pathfinder I've ever owned.

The PAW2000T-7V shares a very similar set of features with the PAW1500T-7V we recently reviewed with the following exceptions:

Today's review is Casio's latest in their Frogman line of G-Shock dive watches. These are the first in that line to have atomic timekeeping and solar power. Let's take a look and see what you get for a list price of $725!

Specifications:

• Water resistant to 200m (660ft).
• Dedicated dive timer with surface interval measurement and logbook.
• Tide graph and moon phase (based on UTC offset and lunitidal interval).
• DLC-coated stainless steel case, integral rubber strap with double-tang buckle.
• World time in 48 cities (31 time zones).
• Automatic and manual EL backlight.
• Six-band radio reception (Japan, US, China, UK, Germany).
• Machined aluminum bezel with stainless steel screws on the face.
• 24 hour countdown timer.
• Five alarms.
• 26 month power reserve with H/M/L display of charge.
• 58.3mm by 53mm by 18mm, 115g.

Please read on for the full review and pictures.

One thing you can always count on is for Casio to introduce new and interesting features and products in the G-Shock line. Today let's look at the G-Rescue G7900A-7, introduced in May of 2009:

• Inspired by search and rescue teams (thus the name).
• Bigger buttons for gloved use -- largest ever on a g-shock.
• Back case shock absorbers (pictured below).
• Low temperature rated display (-4°F/-20°C).

And of course the long list of normal g-shock features:

• Water resistant to 200m (660ft).
• Auto and manual electroluminescent backlight.
• Flash alert (backlight flashes with the alarm).
• World time.
• Five alarms.
• Two stopwatches.
• Moon and tide graph.

Please read on for the full review.

Casio has announced it is bringing the popular G-Shock Mini line to the USA. These are popular G-Shock styles designed to find a home with women buyers. They are available in a wide selection of "feminine" colors and sizes that span three models which are probably very familiar if you know the current G-Shock line.

Shigenori Itoh, the vice president of Casio watches, was quoted in the press release saying, "We are thrilled to offer fashionable water and shock resistant watches for chic active women everywhere... The G-Shock Mini makes our G-Shock toughness and technology a highly sought-after women’s fashion accessory." All three models will include conventional features like an alarm, 100m water resistance, auto backlight, world time, and a chronograph. The G-Shock Mini will be available nationwide at department stores and carries a $95 MSRP. Read on for a link to the press release and additional pictures.

Today's review is of the Casio Edifice EQW-M1000DB-1ACR, introduced at Basel 2009. It's a multifunction analog quartz watch with an unusual dial.

Specifications:

• Six-band atomic set (Japan, US, UK, Germany and China - state of the art).
• Tough solar power. This is Casio's G-Shock technology, meaning its shock-resistant solar power with a rechargeable battery.  
• Five motors driving the various hands and dials.
• World time (29 cities, as seen around the chapter ring). 
• Daily alarm.
• 1/20th of a second stopwatch.
• Countdown timer.
• PVD-plated tachemeter bezel.
• Stainless steel case, and solid-link bracelet with push release.
• Mineral crystal.

Keep reading for the rest of the review and pictures.

We somehow missed this Basel announcement for a line of new aviator-targeted G-Shocks: the 'Gravity Defier' series. (Pictured at right is the GW-2500.) Designed to be easy to use by pilots even under extreme G-loads, they have several attributes that work in a cockpit:

• Non-reflective surfaces and flat black face.
• Big, well-lumed hands.
• 6/12 hour markers for rapid orientation.
• Large buttons.

As you'd expect from a G-shock, it's loaded with features:

• Six-band radio receiver.
• Tough solar power.
• Waterproof to 200m (660ft).
• Auto-backlight (not clear if this is just for the LED displays or not).
• Simultaneous display of three times at once -- nice for flying where you need local, destination, and UTC.
• Stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms, and world time.

Seems to be reasonable in size at 47mmx15.8mm, and 66g.